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.

Changing the “Voice” of Worship

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

An incredible story involving Kian Answer who is a member of New Community church, a Nurturing Care partner working with minimally-speaking and non-speaking autistic kids. A reminder that the “voice” of neurodivergent children can change the nature of worship… when … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care, Pedagogy | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Seeds of Compassion on the Coast: West Coast Churches Pioneer Children’s Ministry Innovations

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

Across the West Coast, congregations are reshaping children’s ministry with creativity, empathy, and collaboration. From Chandler, Arizona, to Palmer Alaska, the Nurturing Care initiative continues to grow—fostering inclusive, compassionate spaces for children through worship, art, and play. The October West … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Leadership, Nurturing Care, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Congregations Build Bridges of Belonging: Churches Share Breakthroughs in Neurodiversity and Worship

Posted on November 8, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

Across the Midwest, congregations are quietly redefining what it means to worship and pray together. From sensory-friendly sanctuaries to inclusive playbooks for volunteers, the Nurturing Care project is helping faith communities create spaces where every child—neurodivergent or not—feels they belong. … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Respite, Regulation, and Reset: a new Sensory Space

Posted on October 11, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

NTS Nurturing Care announces the next step in our ministry to autistic children, but also to youth and adults on the spectrum. With the help of the facilities staff at Nazarene Theological Seminary and in partnership with Camp Encourage consultants, … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, KC Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

All God’s Children: Workshops at the 2025 Preachers Conference

Posted on October 7, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

Nurturing Care participated in the 2025 Hugh C. Benner Preachers Conference at Nazarene Theological Seminary hosted by NTS Praxis. The event gathered pastors, educators, and advocates around the theme “All God’s Children”—a focus on engaging and supporting neurodiverse and disabled … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, disability, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Leadership, NTS Praxis, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology, Preaching Conference | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Preaching on the Spectrum

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

In designing the ministry, part of the Nurturing Care initiative included a commitment by Nazarene Theological Seminary and its professional development team, NTS Praxis, to commit the seminary’s Preacher’s Conference to highlight the need for churches, and particularly lead pastors, … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Bible, Children, Clergy, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, NTS Praxis, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology, Preaching Conference | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Partnering with Nurturing Care

Posted on September 27, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins
Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, NTS Praxis, Nurturing Care, Preaching, Preaching Conference | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment