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.

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 #NurturingCare, Autism, Children, disability, ministry, NTS, Nurturing Care | 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 #NurturingCare, #PLNU, #WestCoast, Children, ministry, Moral Integration, NTS, Nurturing Care | 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 #NurturingCare, Autism, Children, disability, ministry, NTS, Nurturing Care | 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 #NurturingCare, Autism, Children, disability, ministry, NTS, Nurturing Care | 2 Comments

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 #NurturingCare, Autism, Children, disability, ministry, NTS, Nurturing Care | 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 →