Disability and Faith

The heart of this episode is deeply personal.I share my story as a daughter and caregiver to my dad, who has lived with schizophrenia for nearly 43 years.I was raised in a culture of stigma and secrecy around mental illness. We didn’t talk about it. We survived it quietly.And yet — he was still my dad.At 18 years old, I became his primary caregiver. In 2007, when his condition worsened significantly, I had to step into even more responsibility. I navigated difficult decisions.I talk honestly about broken systems. Limited resources. The lack of safety nets for people like my dad. I share what schizophrenia has looked like up close — the delusions, the crises, the emotional toll. And I speak candidly about the pain of being treated like the enemy during episodes, even when you’re the one holding everything together.This episode is about breaking the silence.It’s about naming the stigma.It’s about helping the Church understand that severe mental illness exists inside faithful families.I challenge churches and leaders to talk openly about mental health, to partner with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and to create environments where families can seek help without shame.I share how counseling has helped me — and I encourage you to pursue counseling sooner rather than later. Caregivers need care.And ultimately, I anchor this whole journey in Jesus. I do not have the strength for this on my own. My endurance as a caregiver depends on Christ — His strength, His purpose, and the hope that suffering is not wasted.My dad is not his diagnosis.He is a great dad.You are Invited In 🩵Other Resources:www.christineboyle.comDisability and The Church Conference NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness

In this episode of Disability and Faith, host Christine Boyle talks about the upcoming global Tim Tebow Prom event, 'Night to Shine', for people with disabilities. Christine passionately articulates her mixed feelings about the event, emphasizing the need for intentional, year-round disability ministry rather than one-time celebrations. She calls for strategic follow-ups, relationship-building, and the inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of church life. Christine urges listeners to move beyond pity and superficial acts of kindness towards true discipleship and co-laboring with people with disabilities.The Five Stages of Changing Attitudes00:00 Introduction and Podcasting Struggles02:38 Rebranding and Ministry Goals04:20 Tim Tebow Prom Night to Shine Overview08:29 Critique of One-Time Events12:18 The Need for Year-Round Disability Ministry23:18 Theological Perspective on Disability Ministry30:14 Call to Action for Volunteers32:48 Building Friendships Beyond Social Media33:36 Creative Ways to Connect with Disabled Friends35:08 The Importance of Showing Up40:02 Understanding the Five Stages of Disability Attitudes41:42 From Pity to Co-Laborers: A Shift in Perspective45:04 The Role of the Church in Disability Ministry47:22 Practical Steps for Inclusive Church Environments49:52 The True Meaning of Community and Belonging57:32 Invitation to Get Involved59:14 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

In this episode, Christine Boyle shares a raw and emotional recount of her recent experience with a case manager from the Ohio Department of Medicaid. The episode details an incident during her son's annual Medicaid Waiver assessment that turned adversarial, highlighting the systemic challenges caregivers face. Christine delves into her 25-year journey as a caregiver, the importance of advocacy, and the brokenness in the system that caregivers must navigate. She reflects on how her faith drives her advocacy efforts and encourages other caregivers to stand firm in their God-given roles, despite the challenges and misunderstandings they may face.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:25 The Incident and Initial Reactions01:37 Medicaid Waiver Program Challenges02:45 Case Manager Communication Issues06:22 The Emotional Toll of Caregiving08:07 Advocacy and Systemic Issues27:05 Personal Reflections and Faith32:03 Embracing Misunderstandings with Grace33:24 Living for God and Honoring Our Kids34:00 The Spiritual Significance of Caregiving36:27 Standing Firm in Advocacy37:57 Facing Adversity with Faith38:48 The Struggles of Navigating the System42:00 A Personal Story of Advocacy53:15 The Importance of Strong Advocacy

In this deeply personal and hope-filled episode of Disability and Faith- Invited In with Christine Boyle, Christine welcomes her dear friend and mentor, Betsy Stretar, for a powerful conversation about God’s redemption and the beauty of spiritual friendship.Years ago, Betsy—herself once a teen mom—walked beside Christine during one of the most vulnerable seasons of her life—as a teen mom searching for purpose and hope. Together, they revisit that journey of faith, resilience, and transformation, sharing how God wove their stories together through Young Life’s ministry for teen moms, YoungLives.With honesty and tenderness, Christine and Betsy reflect on life-changing moments, including the joy of Christine’s daughter Courteney’s birth and the heartbreak of her passing. Through it all, they reveal how God’s love turned pain into purpose—and how mentorship rooted in compassion can change generations.You’ll be inspired by their friendship, moved by their faith, and reminded that no story is beyond God’s redeeming grace. Tune in and discover how His promise of “a hope and a future” still holds true for every heart.To give to the incredible ministry of YoungLives: www.giving.younglife.org/younglives

In this heartfelt episode of Disability and Faith, Christine Boyle opens up about closing one beautiful chapter and stepping boldly into another. After eight incredible years serving with Young Life, Christine reflects on how this ministry—especially Young Life Capernaum, which reaches teens with disabilities—deeply shaped her life, her faith, and her family.From the moment she first encountered Young Life to her powerful testimony of encountering Christ at an abortion clinic, Christine shares candidly about the joys, challenges, and moments that changed everything. As she announces her transition from Young Life to founding the Invited In Disability Ministry, she casts a compelling vision for what’s next: creating spaces of belonging for adults with disabilities and equipping churches to be faith communities that accurately reflect God's heart for people with disabilities and their families.With passion and gratitude, Christine invites listeners to be part of this new beginning—through prayer, volunteering, and financial support—to help ensure that every person with a disability knows they are seen, valued, and fully invited in.You are Invited In! www.invitedin.orgwww.younglife.org

In this episode, I share an honest story from a recent Content Creators Expo (CEX) in Cleveland, where I was asked again and again: “So, what do you do?”I would explain that I’m a podcaster who discusses disability and faith, and the Executive Director of a nonprofit disability ministry here in Cleveland. Those conversations opened the door for me to share not only what we do, but also the sobering statistics about disability and the Church—families leaving, churches doing little or nothing intentionally, and the urgent need for change.What surprised me most was the puzzled reaction and hard questions that I received—especially from non-Christians. In the world, accessibility is becoming expected and essential. Yet in too many churches, disability ministry is still seen as optional. These people whom I spoke with about this just couldn't understand why the Church is so far behind and not doing more. I began to realize that our failure to the disability community extends even further beyond the disability community. Skeptical non-Christians become even more skeptical when they hear stories of an entire people group having to advocate for a meaningful presence within the Church. They simply don't get it. And that's a good thing! As Christians, we shouldn't get it either. Too often, we remain complicit, defending the Church at any cost, rather than defending those whom Jesus defended, cared for, and made space for at the table. In this episode, I dive into that tension, talk about why we founded the Invited In Church Network to equip churches to become communities of true belonging, and wrestle with the hard truth that we often spend more energy trying to convince the Church to be missional toward the disability community when our efforts should be going toward being missional to a lost world. You are Invited In!

Today we celebrated that 25 years ago, on August 16, 2000, I met Christ in this abortion clinic, Preterm Cleveland! God intervened, Courteney's life was saved, and my soul was saved! I am forever thankful to God for pursuing me, showing up in my darkest moment, and using His kindness to lead me to true repentance. Courteney was set apart for good works...made on purpose and for a purpose. What a perfect and great God we serve and love! Today was interesting to say the least, as we encountered such darkness from the abortion clinic workers....making sexual gestures as I recorded, blaring music to drown out my voice, calling the police, and taking pictures and recording us as we loaded into our car and drove away. This was a first for us. But Satan knew....Satan knew the story that was being declared: the hope, the triumph, the victory, and Jesus. So it was a privilege to encounter such persecution. Bring it! God prevailed!

After a whirlwind of life, ministry, and miracles, I’m back behind the mic, and I’ve got stories to tell. In this heartfelt episode, I'm Still Here, I’m catching you up on the last four months that have been nothing short of incredible. From speaking engagements to travel adventures, disability ministry milestones to powerful moments of connection — it’s been busy, beautiful, and a little bit crazy (to say the least!).Whether you’re a disability parent, a fellow advocate, a faith-filled friend, or someone just trying to keep going — this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that even when life feels like a blur, we’re still standing. Still showing up. Still here.I’ll share highlights, behind-the-scenes moments, and encouragement for those of you who feel like you’ve been running on empty. God’s been moving, and I want you to hear about it.In this episode, you’ll hear:What I’ve been up to since the last episode — and why the silence was actually sacredStories from the road: speaking, advocating, connectingBeautiful moments of belonging in disability ministryA few vulnerable confessions (because life is real)And a whole lot of gratitudeIf you’ve ever felt like life has swept you up and you don’t know where to begin again — press play. This is your invitation to breathe, smile, and be reminded that God is not done yet.

In this enlightening episode, we dive into the critical issue of disability and voting with Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and ADA Coordinator Brett Harbage. Discover the remarkable efforts being made to ensure accessible voting for all, hear inspiring personal stories, and learn about the extensive accommodations available to voters with disabilities. We also discuss the process of starting nonprofits and businesses in Ohio.Resources Referenced:Secretary of State Office # - 877-SOS-OHIOSecretary of State Website - www.OhioSOS.govTo Register to Vote in Ohio: www.VoteOhio.gov Youtube Video of Kevin Boyle being Honored in Congress!!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raFd4IadayE

In this episode, Christine is joined in Studio Court by her husband, Dan, and their best friends Nancy and Curtis Carnes. Nancy and Curtis have been long-time dear friends of the Boyle family and they are also the Godparents to Christine and Dan's kids, Courteney and Kevin. Recording just days prior to the 3 year anniversary of Courteney Boyle's passing, these four close friends reminisce about Courteney's extraordinary life, and they ask the big question of who is really whole and who needs wholeness?This episode reminds us how God promises to do His best and most powerful work in the lives of the weak, the broken, the humble and those who the world often overlooks. You are Invited In!

In this episode, Christine is joined by her dear friend, co-worker, and fellow disability parent, Brad Mowry. Together they share raw and authentic perspectives on the topic of "Chronic Sorrow." Chronic sorrow is  a pervasive loss that comes in waves over time regarding the loss that happens at stages throughout life and milestones missed for the disabled child and parent. Brad and Christine are both long-term caregivers to adult children with disabilities and have almost 50 years of combined experience on this journey and this topic.You are Invited In!

Night to Shine proms are just around the corner! On February 7, 2025, hundreds of churches worldwide will host Night to Shine proms. These proms are good if they lead to fruitful ministry with and alongside people with disabilities and to make disciples of people with disabilities. Christine dives deep into how families affected by disability need so much more than just a prom, a one-night event. She shares the deep longing that people with disabilities and their families have to belong, to be known, to be invested in, to be in community, and to be needed in the local church. She gives practical solutions to churches on how they can accomplish this before and after Night to Shine. You are Invited In! Referenced In Episode: The 5 Stages: https://www.wheaton.edu/wheaton-center-for-faith-and-disability/disability-foundations/stages-of-attitudes/Tim Tebow Foundation - Night to Shine: https://timtebowfoundation.org/night-to-shine/

Dr. Erik Carter, the Luther Sweet Endowed Chair in Disabilities at Baylor University and Executive Director of the Baylor Center on Developmental Disabilities, joins Christine on this episode of Invited In. Dr. Carter is well known for his research on the intersection between disability and faith. He often teaches and speaks about the 10 dimensions of belonging and what that practically looks like in the life of someone with a disability and their family. He has co-authored seven books and written over 300 journal articles, chapters and other publications. Christine and Erik discuss many topics under the overarching theme of belonging. You are Invited In! www.erikcarter.comYouTube Video referenced:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRZHwj6CarM&t=1802s

Christine interviews Dan Vander Plaats the creator of "The 5 Stages: Changing Attitudes," a resource used all over the world to teach about disability and attitudes toward disability. This simple, but profound, one-page resource is one of the greatest tools to equip, educate, and encourage Christians on God's heart for the Church and for people with disabilities within the Body of Christ. This can be life-changing and attitude-changing for you! You are Invited In! 5 stages PDF EnglishYoutube - The 5 Stages of Disability Attitudes

December 4th is a day of celebration, remembering, and mourning. Christine reflects on and celebrates the completion of her first year of podcasting. Christine simultaneously celebrates and honors her daughter Courteney on her 24th birthday and that she is the reason and the "why" this podcast came to be. To God alone be the glory! You are Invited In!

On this episode of Invited In, Christine and Dr. Steve Grcevich of Key Ministry, discuss the mental health crisis outside of and within the Church. Steve believes and shares that people with a mental health disability are the most underserved population by the church in North America. He encourages and provides resources from Key Ministry and his childhood psychiatrist experiences to help the Church see the need for mental health ministry. You Are Invited In! Resources from this episode:www.keyministry.orgDisability and The Church Conference - Washington D.C. at McLean Bible Church, May 29-April 1 . *Most Discounted Tickets will be on sale around Christmas!!*Special Needs and Disabilities Ministry Leaders Forum (SNAD) on Facebook

Christine interviews her 97-year-old grandpa about his life experiences working with and alongside adults with disabilities. He describes that time as the most rewarding experience of his life. Be encouraged by this precious, fun, and insightful interview! Christine would like to thank her Grandpa, Ralph Sivak, for being a guest on Invited In, for sharing his story, and for encouraging everyone to see people with disabilities as people who want love, to be given the opportunities to work hard and use their gifts, and have meaningful friendships and life experiences just like everyone else. YOU are Invited In!

Christine records this episode from theme park Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort. Disney is well known for being inclusive, accessible, and a place of belonging for people with disabilities. Christine shares how the church can better love and care for people with disabilities and their families by learning from Disney's example.You are Invited In! October 10, 2024 - Joni Eareckson Tada Disability Research Center Global Access Online Community Event Christine is the Keynote Speaker, speaking about Serving and Serving Alongside Adolescents with DisabilitiesRegister for FREE! - https://joniandfriends.org/disability-research-center/global-access/

Tristan Griffin, the Executive Director of Farming with Friends, joins Christine. Tristan is a self-labeled “recovering attorney,” who became a college football coach, went into full-time sports ministry, and now is a farmer. Tristan had his eyes and heart opened to the world of disability through his personal experience with his daughter. God used disability to chip away at much of what he used to think of as important, according to the world. Before long, Tristan was praying and dreaming of a farm where people with and without disabilities could experience the love of Jesus in all they do, working together side by side. YOU are Invited In!Farming with Friendswww.farmingwithfriends.org1438 Center Road, Hinckley, Ohio 44233(817)[email protected] on The Farm Event - An Ability Inclusive Event!! FREE!!!!! Open to ALL!!!!! October 5, 2024 - 11am-4pmLocated at address above! Games & Acitivities for everyone! Live Music, Food, and Drinks! Eggs, Produce and Tshirts available for purchase!!! Pie Eating Contest at 1pm!!!

Episode 16 - An Obligation & An Opportunity - A Dad's StoryJohn Fela of Joni & Friends disability ministry shares his story of being a single, special needs dad near suicide to finding community and his purpose. John’s passion is coming alongside the special needs dad, who can often be overlooked and under-resourced. He teaches and educates churches to see disability ministry as an obligation and an opportunity! YOU are Invited In!Connect with John FelaFacebook:Personal: John Fela ( Felageller)Blog: www. facebook.com/johnsspecialneedsblog/Instagram: john_fela_1LinkedIn: John FelaTwitter: John Fela (Felageller)Alignable: John Fela (Felageller)Website: www.johnfelageller.comResources Referenced:Joni and Friends - www.joniandfriends.orgSpecial Fathers Network - https://21stcenturydads.orgRising Above Ministries - https://www.risingaboveministries.org/communityFatherhood Commission - https://www.fatherhoodcomission.com/

Christine records and shares from the abortion clinic where she met Christ 24 years ago. She tells her story of hopelessness and shame and how God met her right where she was at that day. The Lord not only saved her soul that day, but also saved the life of her precious daughter, Courteney. Recognizing the unprecedented times we are living in, Christine also shares an encouraging message for those who affirm the value and the sanctity of life. You are Invited In! To learn more about Young Life's ministry to teen moms, YoungLives: https://younglives.younglife.org/

Episode 14 - Debunking the Lies, Special Marriages Can Thrive! Christine is joined by authors, speakers and disability parents, Todd & Kristin Evans. Todd and Kristin recently published a book called: How to Build a Thriving Marriage as You Care for Children with Disabilities. Building a vibrant and joyful marriage is always a challenge. When you add the stresses inherent in parenting children with disabilities, it becomes both more difficult and more critical.Once on the brink of divorce, Kristin and Todd Evans uncovered the unique set of skills critical for growing a fulfilling relationship amid the extraordinary challenges of caring for their child with disabilities and medical complexities. They share honest and transparent stories as well as practical and tangible ways to improve your marriage while caregiving. Statistics will tell you that special needs marriages are doomed, but Todd and Kristin share the hope (and data!) that supports that special needs marriages can actually THRIVE!!! That's great news! Find their book: AmazonFind endless disability, marriage and caregiving resources at: www.DisabilityParenting.comInstagram: @disabilityparentingFacebook: www.facebook.com/kristin.evans.5895X: @AuthorKristinEv

The best news we may ever hear is that Jesus enters into our messy stories. He meets us right where we are at. In the book of John, we see this when a woman with a bad reputation encounters Jesus at a well. He had come there just for her. The same is true for each one of us too. Meet Him at the well and find Living Water. YOU are Invited In! Bible Reference: John 4: 1-42 NIVwww.christineboyle.com

Her friend, Scott Habeeb, joins Christine and together they talk about the journey of bringing friends and families affected by disability out of the margins and into true community. As executive director of Masterpiece Alliance, Scott also shares how they are reaching, equipping, and educating churches to become places of belonging for friends with disabilities and their families. YOU are Invited In!Masterpiece Alliance: www.masterpiecealliance.orgYoung Life Capernaum https://capernaum.younglife.orgThe 5 Stages of Changing Attitudes

Bonus Episode!!! Christine is joined by her friend, Sue Passauer of MEI Travel & Mouse Fan Travel, who specializes in Disney travel planning. Together they talk all things Disney! If you want to know the ins & outs of Disney, how to save money on a Disney trip, and how to do Disney with a disability, this episode is for you! Most importantly, Christine urges her listeners to find their happily ever after and make memories that will last a lifetime! YOU are Invited In!Time Stamps:33 min - Break down of Resorts, Skyliner, Food at Resorts1 hr 19 min - DAS (Disability Access Service) 1 hr 45 min - Park Details (first aid, accessible changing) & Airport/Flying InfoSue Passauer's Contact Info:[email protected] Cell #: 985.789.5268Sue's Direct Team Page - Sue Passauer (emails will go directly to Sue)Other Information Referenced:Walt Disney World - Accessibility & Planning Guide & RecommendationsGive Kids The World - www.gktw.orgTSA Cares - www.tsa.gov/travel/tsa-caresOrlando Medical Rentals - WebsiteAdventHealth - WebsiteDisneyland - Accessibility Planning Guide & RecommendationsDisney Cruise Line - Information for Guests with Disabilities or Medical Conditions

Christine courageously shares an experience when her family was asked to leave a church due to her son’s disability & because he was being a “distraction.” Although this was an incredibly painful time for her family, she knows God wants to use this story for good & to create change. Christine encourages churches to become places of belonging for all people, where everyone has a seat at the table.YOU are Invited In!

Have you ever wondered where God is amid your suffering? Have you ever told him “I’m done?” I have. I know what it’s like to get to that place and to ask God tough questions. Left up to me, I would have walked away. But, let me tell you what God did...You are Invited In!Referenced Book:When God Weeps - Why are sufferings matter to the Almighty by Joni Eareckson Tada Referenced Scriptures:1 John 3:20 - If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (NIV)Jeremiah 17:9 - The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?Revelation 3:16 - But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! (NLT)Acts 9:16 - I will show him (Paul) how much he must suffer for my name. (NIV)John 10:28-30 - I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” (NIV)

In this episode, Christine spends time with her friend, singer/songwriter Josh Wilson, to talk about their shared love for friends with disabilities and how they first met at a week of Young Life Capernaum camp. Josh openly and authentically tells his story of recovery from alcoholism as well as his on-going struggles with mental health challenges. If you need hope and encouragement that it gets better, don't miss this one! God's not done!! Josh Wilson is a well-known singer, songwriter and musician. With top 10 Billboard hits such as, "Savior Please," "I Refuse," "Dream Small," "Revolutionary," and more, Josh's music is well known to anyone who listens to Christian radio. He's toured with artists and groups such as: Steven Curtis Chapman, Casting Crowns, Third Day and Matthew West, to name a few! He's a Texas native with a heart to write and share songs that he needs to hear and hopes that you need to hear them too! "I used to think that being a Christian meant having things all together, but the longer I've followed Jesus, the more I've realized that I call myself a Christian because I don't have it all together." ~Josh WilsonWebsite: joshwilsonmusic.comFacebook: Josh WilsonInstagram: joshwilsonmusic

Christine is joined by her very first guest, Ryan Wolfe, an expert in the field of disability ministry.  Ryan shares how he has learned to effectively love and serve this community, no strings attached.  From church based ministry to guardianship programs and day programs to Challenger Baseball, Ryan has found ways, in his over two decades of experience, to meet practical needs as a way to build friendship and trust with the disability community.  Ryan is the President of Ability Ministry, an independent Christian non-profit ministry that strives to enhance the lives of people affected by disability, including residence, job placement, opportunities for social interaction and spiritual growth.  Ability Ministry also seeks to partner with individuals, churches and other organizations to meet the physical and spiritual needs of people with disabilities.  Ability Ministry works to enable others through training, resources, and encouragement to effectively minister. Ryan served in church disability ministry for over 15 years in Canton, Ohio.  He was also a church consultant for Key Ministry.  He was a regular contributing author for Joni & Friends and Irresistible Church.  Ryan is also a featured speaker, who you can find speaking at many disability conferences each year.  You are Invited In!Mentioned Resources:Ability Ministry: abilityministry.comDisability is Beautiful: disabilityisbeautiful.comFirst Christian Church:  firstchristian.com

Through the greatest loss she has every faced, Christine shares how God was still perfect in all of His ways. On the two year anniversary of the passing of her daughter Courteney, Christine invites us into the intimate details of how Jesus was there through it all. You Are Invited In! Nurses Running VideoCourteney Boyle Celebration of Life#BeLikeCourt

Christine's husband, Dan, joins her to talk about Running with Purpose, literally and figuratively! From getting Disney to change their "No Mobility Aid" policy for athletes with disabilities to pushing his Princess over 100 at Disney World before she passed away, this Dad knows what it means to persevere and live life to fullest. Dan and Christine encourage us all run our own races that Christ has called each one of us to with great love and determiniation. You are Invited In! To follow Team Boyle: Website: www.teamboylefoundation.orgTo make a donation to Rina: www.teamboylefoundation.orgFacebook: Team Boyle FoundationInstragram: team_boyle Videos:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MbB8ME1M_Ehttps://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cuyahoga-county/95-17560478https://vimeo.com/250872902

No matter what the world says, in Christ you lack nothing. Christine shares ways to counter the world’s lies with the truth of God! You are Invited In! www.christineboyle.com

Most of us can relate to times when we knew we needed to speak up but we didn’t. We often stay silent due to fear of not being liked, fear of retaliation, or fear of being misunderstood. This can be especially hard for caregivers and those in the world of disability. In this episode, Christine shares what she has learned about being an advocate for those whom God has entrusted to her, as well as for the marginalized and those without a voice. You are Invited In!

In this episode, Christine shares how in her time of being a single, teen mom, God was writing a story she never could've imagined. After her husband Dan came into her life, God called them to adopt a child with disabilities from El Salvador. She courageously declares how in their flesh, they would've said "no" to this call, but by God's grace and kindness, they said "yes." This unpredictable journey has led her and her family to be a part of a story that only He could write. You are Invited In!

Christine shares her story of how she met Christ where she least expected it...in an abortion clinic. Disability came soon after into her life when she gave birth at 18-years-old to her daughter. Christine teaches about the sovereignty of God in disability and all things. Listen and be encouraged and inspired! You are Invited In!