Author Archives: Dean G. Blevins

About Dean G. Blevins

Dr. Dean G. Blevins currently serves as Professor of Practical Theology and Christian Discipleship at Nazarene Theological Seminary as well as Director of Nurturing Care with Children through Worship and Prayer. An ordained elder, Dean has ministered in diverse settings and currently also serves at the USA Regional Education Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene. A prolific author, Dr. Blevins recently co-wrote the textbook Discovering Discipleship and edits Didache: Faithful Teaching, a journal for Wesleyan Education.

Children Find Peace, Purpose Through “Gratitude in Action” at Spring Break Day Camp

Posted on April 3, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

What began as a simple idea—teaching children to pause, reflect, and pray—came to life in a powerful way during this year’s Spring Break Day Camp at Sandia Valley Church of the Nazarene. Built on the guiding principle “Gratitude is our … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Intergenerational, Leadership, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, West Coast | Tagged #NurturingCare, #PLNU, Children, ministry, Moral Integration, NTS, Nurturing Care | Leave a comment

Trust expressed among Native American Children

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

It was another meaningful and spiritually enriching time with the children representing four churches in the Southwest Native American District’s Eastern Zone. The focus of the gathering was on trust. As the leader spoke about trust, the children engaged in … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, West Coast | Tagged #NurturingCare, Children, Moral Integration, NTS, Nurturing Care | Leave a comment

West Coast Nurturing Care Initiative Shows Grassroots Innovation and Spiritual Impact Across Congregations

Posted on March 18, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

A series of monthly reports and ministry updates from churches participating in the West Coast Nurturing Care cohort reveal a growing movement reshaping how children engage with faith—through creativity, service, and intentional space-making. Across California, Oregon, and beyond, congregations are … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Intergenerational, Moral Integration, Northern California, Nurturing Care, Spiritual Formation, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged #NurturingCare, Children, ministry, Moral Integration, NTS, Nurturing Care | Leave a comment

Midwest Churches Expand Efforts to Welcome Children with Autism

Posted on March 15, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Faith leaders from across the Kansas City region, including Oklahoma congregations, gathered online recently to share progress and stories from a growing initiative aimed at making churches more welcoming for children with autism and other forms of neurodiversity. The meeting … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care | Leave a comment

Nurturing Care Launches Nashville Maker’s Space

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

On March 6–7, 2026, Grace Church of the Nazarene hosted the first Nashville Maker’s Space, a collaborative event bringing together churches using design thinking to experiment with new ways to include neurodivergent children and families in the life of the … Continue reading →