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.

Faith Communities Welcoming Disability: Bill Tammeus Reports on Melody Escobar

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Former Kansas City Religion Reporter Bill Tammeus attended the Nurturing Care Day of Learning with Melody Escobar. Tammeus, also a columnist and book reviewer with the National Catholic Press and The Presbyterian Outlook, contributes to the KC online magazine Flatland … Continue reading →

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

Churches Urged to Rethink Inclusion for Autistic Individuals, Families

Posted on April 14, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Dr. Melody Escobar, a leading practical theologian, calls on churches across the United States to confront a troubling reality: families of children with disabilities, particularly autism, leaving congregations at alarming rates due to a lack of genuine inclusion. Speaking during … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, Continuing Education, disability, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

An Active Discussion Session

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins
Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, Continuing Education, disability, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care, Pedagogy | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dr. Melody Escobar Opens Day of Learning

Posted on April 13, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins
Posted in Autism, Children, Continuing Education, disability, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

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 , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Spelling Spiritual Family Celebration

Posted on March 29, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

An update from Stephanie Answer

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