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 served as the USA Regional Education Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene. A prolific author, Dr. Blevins co-wrote Discovering Discipleship and authored The Disciples: A BIble Study. Dr. Blevins also served 25 years as editor of the online academic journal Didache: Faithful Teaching.

Leading With Disability

Posted on May 4, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

#DATC2024 panel discussion with Lamar Hardwick, Kimberly Britt, and Tait Berg, on serving in ministry leadership with a disability includes a range of responses from personal challenges both in maintaining personal boundaries but also overcoming negative perceptions. The respondents encouraged … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Clergy, disability, Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Actually Autistic Autism

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

Minister and musician Lori Sealy providing a #DATC2024 workshop “Actually Autistic Autism 101” drawing from her personal experience and her child’s journey. Sealy begins by defining autism as a neurodevelopmental disorder, where the “root” is neurological, while the “fruit” proves … Continue reading →

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

DATC#2024 Sessions resume including Masterpiece Alliance

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

#DATC2024 breakout sessions continue including the story of Masterpiece Alliance, a local ministry which partners with Young Life’s Capernum ministry, designed to create community for disability ministry after age 18 so that no person with a disability or family of … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, Nurturing Care, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

You are God’s Treasure

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

#DATC2024 opens the second day with a sermon focused on “both” people with disability and those ministering in disability ministry by Ability Ministry Director Ryan Wolfe notes often we approach scripture thinking of Jesus as the treasure. However, what happens … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Bible, Children, Clergy, disability, Preaching | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 →

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

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 →

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

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 →

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