Meet Special Needs Father and Pediatric Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Warf

Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast

Meet Dr. Benjamin Warf—a committed Christ-follower, special needs father, and pediatric neurosurgeon. Dr. Warf has followed God’s call on his life since childhood. Shaped by his experiences growing up in Appalachia with a preacher father who had physical disabilities, and his innate love for science, Ben became a doctor. Serving as a medical missionary in sub-Saharan Africa, he has pioneered new ways to treat young children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

A neurosurgeon at Boston Children’s Hospital, professor at Harvard Medical School, and Joni and Friends board member, Dr. Warf has a passion for training the next generation of surgeons and improving access to quality care, both in the U.S. and abroad. In all aspects of his work and personal life, he brings the love of Christ to his patients, students, and family. Dr. Warf joins the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast to share his story and encourage families—fathers in particular—who live with disability.

Learn more about Dr. Warf and his work:

“I am motivated personally by my children, one of whom was born with special needs. My experience as both a parent and a provider has deepened my understanding of treating children with disabilities and has particularly enriched my practice in the care of children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida and their families.” – Ben Warf

• Benjamin C. Warf, MD | Boston Children's Hospital (childrenshospital.org)
• Benjamin C Warf | Global Health and Social Medicine (harvard.edu)
• Benjamin Warf - MacArthur Foundation (macfound.org)
• Why NeuroKids? | NeuroKids

KEY QUESTIONS:

• How has parenting a child with a disability enriched your life?
• What would you say to special needs parents—especially fathers—who are struggling with the hardships of disability?
• How have your faith and life experiences shaped your understanding of healing?

KEY SCRIPTURES:

• John 9:1–3: “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’
• ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.’”
• Isaiah 55:8–9: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

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Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, Retreats and Getaways, and disability ministry training.

Find more encouragement on Joni Eareckson Tada's Sharing Hope podcast and her daily devotional.