Podcast is live! Tune into: This Unexpected Life Podcast Real Stories, Real Hope In This Unexpected Journey.

Why Disability Ministry Isn’t One-Sided (And What the Church Is Missing) with Barb Stanley

this unexpected life podcast
This Unexpected Life
Why Disability Ministry Isn’t One-Sided (And What the Church Is Missing) with Barb Stanley
Loading
/

What happens when the life you planned falls apart—and God builds something completely unexpected in its place?

In this episode of This Unexpected Life, Carrie sits down with Barb Stanley, founder of Wonderful Works Ministry, to talk about losing everything she thought defined her success… and discovering a deeper calling rooted in surrender, identity, and purpose.

Barb shares how her journey through career loss, disappointment, and shame led to the unexpected birth of a ministry that is now helping churches across the country become more accessible to families impacted by disability.

Together, they unpack:

  • The truth about identity and why your worth is not tied to what you do
  • A harmful misconception about disability ministry in the church
  • The scripture often misused when talking about disability—and why it matters
  • How families impacted by disability are essential to the future and revival of the Church
  • Practical ways churches and families can begin working together

If you’ve ever felt unseen, exhausted, or like you don’t belong in church because of your child’s needs—this conversation will remind you: your story matters, your presence matters, and you are deeply needed in the Kingdom of God.

Eps. 43; March 24, 2026

Resources:
Barb’s Facebook & Instagram
Wonderful Works Ministry

If you enjoyed the show, leave a 5-star review!

*This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Any resources listed are shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in what you hold onto and set aside.

Recent Episodes

When You Feel Alone: Finding God’s Provision and Presence in a Rare Diagnosis with Brianna Johnson This Unexpected Life

  1. When You Feel Alone: Finding God’s Provision and Presence in a Rare Diagnosis with Brianna Johnson
  2. There Was Jesus: Knowing God’s Presence in Trauma, Loss & Disability Parenting with Becky Davidson
  3. When Your Child Asks Difficult Questions: Navigating Faith, Medical Motherhood and Rare Disease with Katie Seelig

This podcast features honest conversations with special needs parents and faith-filled guests. While I deeply value the stories and insights shared, the views and opinions expressed may not always reflect my own. Likewise, anything listed as resources is shared for reference, not necessarily a personal recommendation. I invite you to listen with spiritual discernment and ask the Holy Spirit to guide in what you hold onto and set aside.

More to Explore


I welcome you to explore the blog on my site, but hope you also join me on Substack. The content I share is accessible to all members, and there is no fee to read it. My goal is to build a community where you can come for support, to build personal resilience, and find hope, not only through my publications, but through the network of extraordinary individuals who are sharing on this platform as we work to make this world a better place.

Connect with me on Substack →


Become part of the community and receive gentle support and inspiration to help you navigate this journey.

Join my Newsletter →