Category Archives: Practical Theology

Preacher’s Conference Lamar Hardwick We are “Here”

Posted on September 23, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins
Posted in Autism, Clergy, disability, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, NTS Praxis, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology, Preaching, Preaching Conference, Race | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sr. Pastors Needed for Nurturing Care

Posted on August 23, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

Dr. Amy Jacober answers the key question on how congregations can offer true hospitality to parents of autistic children who have been excluded by other churches. Dr. Jacober is one of several preachers at this year’s Preacher’s Conference designed to … Continue reading →

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

Autism and Worship with Dr. Léon Van Ommen

Posted on February 27, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

The NTS Nurturing Care/Kansas City Initiative just wrapped up a day of learning with Dr. Léon Van Ommen, Senior Lecturer, Department of Divinity and Religious Studies, University of Aberdeen and co-Director of the Centre for Autism and Theology. His presentations addressed … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, disability, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology, Research, Theological Education, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Non-Speaking Autistic People and Worship

Posted on February 27, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins
Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, disability, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology | Leave a comment

Non or Minimally Speaking Autistic Children

Posted on February 27, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins

The second session of our #NTS Nurturing Care/KC initiative included a presentation for Dr. Léon van Ommen, University of Aberdeen, Divinity and Religious Studies Department, Department Member and co-chair of the Centre for Autism and Theology. The presentation, Non- and … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, Continuing Education, disability, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Day of Learning With Dr. Léon van Ommen

Posted on February 26, 2024 by Dean G. Blevins
Posted in Autism, Children, disability, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology | Leave a comment

Hospitality in a COVID World through a Child Safety Posture

Posted on June 8, 2020 by Dean G. Blevins

As congregations open up again during the Coronavirus pandemic, I want to be the first to say that pastors are under extreme pressure. There are historical moments when ministers (whether they admit it or not) really feel pressure to “get … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Discipleship, Intergenerational, Pedagogy, Practical Theology | 1 Comment