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.

Flourishing Together

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

Final #DATC2024 presentation today comes from Dr. Erik Carter, Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, and collaborator with “With Ministries” addressing the topic Flourishing Together: moving from inclusion and embrace. Carter notes ministry has changed over the years from exclusion to … Continue reading →

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Creating Belonging

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

Cynthia Pounds presenting a #DATC2024 session on creative solutions to create belonging in the Church. Pounds notes that belonging rests around three key emphases: focusing on first impressions (will people feel valued as they enter?), Attitudes (what are we assuming … Continue reading →

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Creating Inclusive Places for Play

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

#DATC2024 second breakout session on creating inclusive spaces for play with Donna McCrary and Beth Jones. The session opens noting that stories are what make up a child’s life. Their unique story begins with the story of their birth. Eventually, … Continue reading →

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Neurodiversity

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

#DATC2024 first breakout sessions include full rooms. I am in the session on Reaching and Teaching Our Neurodiverse Kingdom with Aimée Stork, M.Ed. Sr. Manager of Online Education with Joni and Friends. Stork notes right away that many of us … Continue reading →

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Not Alone

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

“The ministry we are called to is often a lonely call because it is not often a recognized call” yet, like Elijah in 1 Kings 18,… we are not alone. #DATC2024

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Three Reasons to Be Optimistic About Disability Ministry

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

#DATC2024 Disability and Church Conference open with worship. Sandra Peoples offers an opening session on “three reasons to be optimistic about Disability Ministry.” 1) churches, and church leaders are more invested particularly in “invisibility” disabilities like autism, 2) more seminaries/colleges … Continue reading →

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Accessible Gospel Inclusive Worship

Posted on May 2, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

Opening ministry intensive at the #DATC2024 conference addressing the theme Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship: Ministry With Every One, presented by Victoria White of “With” Ministries & Dr. Erik Carter, Baylor Center for Developmental Disabilities, and With Ministries The team offered … Continue reading →

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