Category Archives: Children

Bend Nazarene Church releasing English, Spanish, bilingual kids’ worship albums

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

A news story from the Central Oregon Daily News on one of our Nurturing Care Prototypes at Bend Church of the Nazarene where leaders build trust through multilingual worship. Reporter Jakob Salao writes: BEND, Ore. — Church services can be … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Intergenerational, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Children lead as ‘Maker’s Space’ prototypes spread from Arizona district gatherings to California outreach

Posted on January 30, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Nurturing Care is pleased to report new Gratitude and Trust Makers Space prototypes giving children across Nazarene congregations room to lead—reciting scripture, praying publicly, and serving their communities alongside adult volunteers—according to recent ministry reports from the Southwest Native American … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Family, Intergenerational, Leadership, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Distinguishing Compassion

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

A brief excerpt from our recent Day of Learning with Dr. Ross A. Oakes Mueller. In this session Dr. Oakes Mueller separates the virtue of Compassion from specific challenges of being emotionally overwhelmed or having pity for a person. Oakes … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Moral Integration, NTS Praxis, Nurturing Care, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nurturing Care 2025 Retrospective

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Each year Nurturing Care submits a report to the Lilly Endowment, Inc. documenting the initiative’s efforts, impact, and most importantly, what our leadership learns through the many prototypes and ministry efforts by our partners. As the initiative gained momentum this … Continue reading →

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

Go Tell it on the Mountain: Trust and Compassion on Display

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

As Nurturing Care churches approach Christmas, the staff received an early Christmas present courtesy Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene. Palmer grant director Monica Gaige sent a video where children lead worship on Sunday morning inviting congregants to “Go Tell … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Continuing Education, Discipleship, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, PLNU, Practical Theology, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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