What does faithful discipleship look like when a teen struggles with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, anxiety, or other hidden disabilities?

In this episode of the Key Ministry Podcast, Dr. Steve Grcevich is joined by Dr. Brian Barrineau, Pastor of Family Ministries at Fruit Cove Baptist Church, for a practical and deeply encouraging conversation about discipling teens with learning differences.

Hidden disabilities are often misunderstood. They aren’t always visible. They don’t always come with clear labels. And yet, they profoundly shape how teens experience church, school, relationships, and their own identity.

Together, Steve and Brian explore how churches and families can move beyond fear and into faithful, intentional inclusion.

This episode will help you think more clearly about:

• Why hidden disabilities require intentional discipleship pathways

• The overlap between neurodivergence and mental health struggles

• How Deuteronomy 6 applies to families raising neurodivergent teens

• What churches can do when volunteers feel intimidated or unprepared

• Why belonging matters more than perfection in ministry

• When pastoral care should involve professional mental health support

Dr. Barrineau brings a unique perspective as a former high school teacher, pastor, researcher, and parent of a child with learning differences. His insights bridge the classroom and the church — helping leaders and families navigate both environments with wisdom.

One of the most powerful reminders from this conversation:

“If that family feels seen, known, and loved, the rest can be figured out.”

Churches don’t have to get everything right to begin. But they do have to communicate welcome.

If you’re a church leader, youth pastor, volunteer, or parent seeking to disciple a teen with hidden disabilities, this episode offers both theological grounding and practical encouragement.

Resources Mentioned

• Deuteronomy 6

• Individual Spiritual Plans

• IEPs and 504 Plans

• Child Find early intervention services

• Theory of Mind research

About Our Guest

Dr. Brian Barrineau serves as Pastor of Family Ministries at Fruit Cove Baptist Church in St. Johns, Florida. He holds a doctorate in education and is passionate about equipping churches to disciple students with learning differences in ways that are both biblically faithful and developmentally wise.

In many churches, grandparents are the ones bringing their grandkids to church—often stepping in as caregivers, spiritual anchors, and advocates, especially when disability is part of the story.

In this episode, Sandra Peoples is joined by David Armijo, Special Needs Ministry Director at Champion Forest Baptist Church, to talk honestly about what churches need to understand when grandparents are the primary connection point. From communication gaps and generational differences to stigma, fatigue, and fear of “labeling,” this conversation names the real challenges—and the real opportunities.

You’ll hear why disability ministry is not about punishment or behavior management, but discipleship. You’ll also learn practical ways churches can support grandparents, include them in spiritual development conversations, and honor the legacy they’re trying to leave with the time they have.

This episode is especially helpful for church leaders, ministry volunteers, and anyone serving families where grandparents are carrying more than most people realize.

Visit KeyMinistry.org/Podcast for show notes.

A single letter forced one pastor to confront what his church wasn’t ready for—and what God was calling him to lead. Pastor Jonathan shares his journey from awareness to conviction to action, offering an honest look at leadership, humility, and the slow work of cultural change in the local church.

Visit https://disabilityandthechurch.com/ to register.