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 empower and mobilize pastors to create the very atmosphere needed to make a difference for autistic kids and their parents. It is not too late to register in person or online for this incredible event. nts.edu/preach
The Nurturing Care Kansas City Cohort finished their final online meeting prior to gathering for the next Maker’s Space September 19-20 at the Marillac Retreat and Spirituality Center in Leavenworth. The session, lead by national coordinator Dr. Dana Preusch, began with a prayer and a scripture reading from Matthew, followed by a light-hearted discussion about favorite summer foods, with ice cream being the most popular answer. Dana then asked what was bringing participants joy, sharing a quote from Mary Oliver’s poem “Don’t Hesitate” about embracing joy even in difficult times.
The conversation then turned to updates around efforts within the ministries. New Community pastor Stephanie Answer celebrated her new opportunity to lead with Speller’s method training and gave thanks for her “spiritual family” which her small group of neurodivergent children and parents who now gather regularly for worship and prayer. Stephanie noted how some of the neurodivergent children are now helping each other even during more informal times of swimming and fun.
New Hope Church leader Tiffany Solum celebrated that their sensory backpacks now have a rack from which to hang in the church foyer. Tiffany is known on the Kansas City District of the Church of the Nazarene as a resource person, providing workshops and creative resources on disability ministry at district events. She has used her relationships to meet with other churches and share what Nurturing Care provides.
Demetria Lawson updated the group of Growth Church’s ministry this summer. The group which meets normally in a worship center during the year (picture of their group celebrating at Easter) moves into the community for service and prayer during the summer. Demetria shared a story how one of their autistic children has decided to “lead” other neurodivergent and regular children both during services but also as an example. Demeteria reports “For the month of June and July Growth Church and Growth kids spent each Sunday learning about how to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Growth kids spent each Sunday learning and teaching new kiddos who joined us at each community location we served at. Growth kids applied what they learned about being the hands and feet of Jesus by teaching praise, worship and prayer.
As we wrapped up the month of June the children began being willing to teach ways of praise, worship and prayer independently. One week, our kiddo with Autism was attempting to lead by example. Another week, once he noticed everyone was seated, he joined along with a few fidgets. Church was set to begin and he seemed to notice that quite a few of our congregants had not taken seats and he led by taking a seat himself and waiting.”
One of the unintended consequences of this ministry occurs as Nurturing Care efforts invite adults into the conversation. Dr. Dean Blevins encountered this phenomenon during his presentations on Neurodiversity this summer. However, Reverend Mike Kern of Hosannah Lutheran Church reported a poignant moment during a ministry sabbatical. Mike reports:
“In July of this year, I spent a week as the pastor in residence at the Chapel in the Hills in the Black Hills of South Dakota. While there, I began writing a retelling of several Bible stories that aim to make them easier for autistic and neurodivergent children to relate to the characters in the Bible who we often mistakenly think of as being “perfect.”
One evening, after leading an evening prayer service, I noticed a visitor lingering around, visibly upset. I greeted the woman and we began conversing. When she heard that I was working on retelling Bible stories in an approachable way for people on the spectrum, she revealed that she had come that evening because of her own struggle with understanding. Earlier that same evening, she had told her family that she had been diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. However, instead of listening to her self-revelation and her hope for better understanding, they attempted to convince her that there was “nothing wrong with her.” She felt unheard and ashamed. Unable to be around her family any longer that evening, she ventured to the Chapel in the Hills seeking peace and prayer. The worship had already helped calm her anxiety and anger.
As we talked, I listened as she described her journey. I affirmed that many people don’t understand the nuances of autism and neurodiversity–that there isn’t something “wrong” with her, but that she simply has different needs than her family. Although she never read the stories I was writing, simply attending worship, talking about neurodiversity in a religious space, and affirming God’s blessings however our brains are wired helped her find some peace and affirmation.”
Nurturing Care occurs in the most amazing places, from resourcing other churches, to letting children lead, to providing a place of grace for a neurodivergent adult seeking support. The prototypes continue to teach this community how ministry occurs in, with, and through the lives of unique children and caring adults. Next “Kansas City” Maker’s Space already has a dozen churches signed up from Texas, Oklahoma and both sides of the Kansas/Missouri divide. Another Maker’s Space will occur in Nashville at Grace Church of the Nazarene March 6-7, 2026. Join us on this special journey.
This Nurturing Care article explores how churches can minister to and worship with neurodiverse individuals. Drawing on recent presentations, the writing challenges assumptions of normative worship, advocates for belonging before belief, and calls the Church to recognize neurodiverse members as spiritual saints already shaping congregational life.
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Stephanie Answer, one of the Preacher’s Conference workshop presenters, discusses challenges to inclusion at the local church level. Join us to meet and hear more from Stephanie and other great presenters at the Preacher’s Conference with the theme All God’s Children
Nurturing Care will be at the Northwest Nazarene University Pastors and Leaders Conference (PALCON) July 29-31. As a conference sponsor, we hope you will drop by our booth. In addition, our Nurturing Care Director, Dr. Dean G. Blevins, will be offering two workshops below. The NNU PALCON gathers church leadership across the Pacific Northwest for three days of engagement and leaerning.
Ministry on the Spectrum
Weds, July 30, 3:30-4:45 pm in Helstrom 122 room (the Helstrom Business Center)
This workshop provides an overview on the complex world of autism and other neurological conditions often overlooked, particularly in the lives of children with implications for their parents. The workshop will include practical explorations in providing a caring environment that opens the door to gospel centered practices with people on the spectrum.
To prepare for this workshop you might want to watch the video “What is Autism” part of the Nurturing Care video series hosted at NTS Praxis
https://cpl.vhx.tv/nurturing-care-1/videos/what-is-autism
For All the Saints: A Theological Reflection on Neurodivergence
Thursday, July 31 2-3:15 pm in Helstrom 122 room (the Helstrom Business Center)
Worship rests at the center of the life of the church. Unfortunately, the gathering of the people of God can also include “normal” practices that exclude people on the spectrum. While congregations often wrestle knowing how to respond to neurodiverse people, perhaps the answer rests with learning how to recognize the saints in our midst including neurodivergent people. When neurodiverse people are allowed to “unmask” their differences, congregations can graciously respond.
To provide an orientation, you might want to watch this brief video “The Place of Autistic People in the Church” part of the Nurturing Care video series hosted by NTS Praxis
https://cpl.vhx.tv/nurturing-care-1/videos/the-place-of-autistic-people-in-the-church
As a result of a larger west coast initiative, innovation appears to be reshaping how churches nurture an experience of God in their youngest congregants through a Nazarene Theological Seminary initiative.
A collection of Nurturing Care grant proposals for 2025–2026 reveals a dynamic tapestry of trust-building, gratitude-centered worship, and prayer-focused discipleship aimed at empowering children as full participants in church life. From Arizona to Alaska, these congregations are not simply teaching children about God—they are inviting them into worship, leadership, and spiritual intimacy through prayer.
Worship as Formation: Trusting Children to Lead
Southwest Latin American Church of the Nazarene (Chandler, AZ) proposes “Trust Through Worship,” forming a children’s worship band called Belong to lead monthly Sunday services. This initiative rests on the belief that children are not the church of tomorrow—they are the church of today. By investing in music lessons and mentorship, the congregation hopes to establish the church as a place of trust and spiritual purpose for children who may otherwise feel overlooked.
Similarly, Salinas New Life Church (CA) introduces Next Generation Worship, where children will gain “hands-on” experience participating in Sunday services. By trusting children to take active roles—playing instruments, helping lead worship, and praying publicly—the church aims to deepen both personal faith and communal bonds.
Gratitude as a Guiding Principle
Few proposals showcase gratitude as comprehensively as Hesperia Church of the Nazarene (CA), whose GratiGrow program builds an entire children’s ministry around gratitude, belonging, and joy. Children participate in monthly prayer and service projects like yard work and caregiving, using journals and testimonies to reflect on giving and receiving. Prayer walls and intergenerational mentoring foster deep connections, while spiritual practices make gratitude a formative habit.
At Palmer Family Church (AK), Family Worship Week will integrate K–5 students and middle school mentors into monthly worship leadership, reinforcing gratitude through music, movement, and intergenerational collaboration. Visits to assisted living homes will extend this spirit of thanksgiving to the broader community.
Sandia Valley Nazarene Church (NM) introduces Gratitude is our New Attitude, centering its ministry on a prayer and gratitude wall. This visual, interactive hub connects scripture, thankfulness, and prayer prompts, creating a year-round culture of reflection. Their Spring Break Day Camp (VBS) will use a gratitude-based curriculum, extending this theme beyond Sunday School to new families in the community.
Trust and Care: Healing Through Relationships
Mt. Pleasant Journey Church (TX) will launch Faith Friends, a mentorship program pairing children with pre-screened adult mentors during worship. The goal: to foster secure attachment, build trust, and teach children how to engage in worship meaningfully. Adult mentors will receive specialized training on attachment theory and discipleship, ensuring safe and nurturing environments.
Likewise, SW Native American District’s Tendershoot “Trust Fun” project seeks to rebuild trust in worship among elementary-aged children and families, particularly those recovering from post-COVID trauma and generational church mistrust. Through leader training, creative “Trust Fun” events, and zone rallies, the district hopes to foster emotional safety and joyful worship participation.
Prayer: From Routine to Relationship
Discovery Church (Livermore, CA) stands out with its Every Kid: From Praying For to Praying With prototype. Partnering with local neighborhood groups, the initiative ensures each child is prayed with weekly by a non-parental adult. The pilot involves a letter-writing campaign to build relationships and eventually lead to in-person weekly prayers before or after school. This effort centers on prayer as a form of trust and communal belonging.
At Sonoma Valley Church (CA), the Higher-Powered Kids program offers a trauma-informed, 12-step-inspired spiritual program for children of parents in recovery. Prayer and gratitude are woven into every aspect of the curriculum, offering these often-overlooked children a spiritual anchor alongside emotional healing.
Bilingual and Cultural Inclusion
Bend Church of the Nazarene (OR) addresses a different need through Spanish and Bilingual Kids Worship Videos. By creating original, professionally produced videos in Spanish, English, and bilingual formats, the church promotes cultural inclusion and unity. These worship resources not only foster trust by valuing minority-language families but also build empathy and shared experiences across cultural lines. Nurturing Care Director, Dr. Dean G. Blevins, notes that the initiatives also offer resources for Nazarene Latin and Native American churches, creating a platform for future efforts in these diverse communities.
A Common Vision
Despite differing local contexts—from Indigenous communities in Arizona to recovery ministries in California—a clear theme emerges: these churches are embracing children not as passive learners, but as active participants in the life of faith. Whether through leading worship, receiving prayer, journaling their thankfulness, or playing percussion for elders, children are being invited to trust God, give thanks, and take their place at the center of congregational life.
This new generation isn’t simply being taught about worship—they are being entrusted with it.
For more information on the Nurturing Care initiative and these congregational prototypes go to www.nurturingcare.org
funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc.
The majority of these resources exist outside the United States. Overall they provide better sense of the shared efforts to resource and support disability ministries as well as neurodivergent persons.
CBM resources: CBM Australia is part of a Christian international development organisation devoted to improving the lives of people with disabilities in the poorest places on earth. Poverty and disability go hand in hand, creating a cycle of inequality, isolation and exclusion that leads to the most extreme forms of poverty
https://www.cbm.org.au/luke14/trainingKaris Church Resources: Karis Disability Services operates in Ontario and Saskatchewan, serving over 70 communities
https://karis.org/media-resources/church-resourcesFaithward: Focus on Accessibility
Advocating for Accessibility in the Church Means Caring for Caregivers, Too
Keith Dow: Images of God Through the Lens of Disability: This project was made possible through the Psychology Cross-Training for Theologians Fellowship, funded by the John Templeton Foundation. The fellowship brings together early-career theologians and leading psychologists to explore how insights from psychological science can deepen theological reflection.
Images of God Home
EFC Guide to Disability: Evangelical Fellowship of Canada guide on Disability Ministry
https://www.evangelicalfellowship.ca/Resources/Documents/Life-Together-Disability-and-Belonging-in-the-ChurResearch articles on Neurodivergence by the British Psychological Association
Professor of Practical Theology and Christian Discipleship, Nazarene Theological Seminary
Discipleship Commons 