This past weekend Nurturing Care Director, Dr. Dean G. Blevins, was given an opportunity to address a room filled with dedicated leaders, pastors and local lay workers, committed to discipleship. Dr. Blevins also offered his presentation, Worship on the Spectrum, calling for a greater awareness when it comes to understanding and leading neurodivergent children in worship.

Kansas City District leaders titled the occasion EquipKC. A session filled with wisdom from NDI Director Dr. Sam Barber and others providing workshops and insights into ministry. While Dr. Blevins the workshop was well received, the real strength of the gathering lay in the people attending. In several settings Nurturing Care staff continue to encounter stories of people whose lives were changed through the everyday care of local congregants. The following response reflects the depth of that care.

Dear Dr. Blevins,

My name is Jennifer Wanner, and I serve as a pastor at Lawrence First Church. I wanted to thank you for your class today.

My family and I are profoundly grateful for our church community. When we first began attending, one of our concerns was whether our son would be welcomed and accepted for who he is. The church embraced him with such care and love, affirming him just as God made him. At the time, he was in second grade; he is now a freshman in high school, a stage that has brought new and different challenges.

Isaac is level 2 on the autism spectrum, and we have always been open with him and our people about his autism. That openness has allowed me to connect with other moms from both our English and Spanish services. As a pastor and a mom, I am often looked to as a resource for families with neurodivergent children. I consider it a privilege to support and walk alongside these parents, though I do not always have the information or tools they need. As you noted today, the spectrum is broad, and each individual’s needs and preferences are unique.

I am especially grateful for the resources you shared. Thank you again for such a meaningful class.

Joyfully,
Jennifer Wanner

While Nurturing Care strives to empower congregations into the future, that work rests on the shoulders of caring leaders who work tirelessly with parents and neurodivergent children… one child at a time.