Tag Archives: Autism

Sensory Room Laboratory Opens to First Children, Helping Churches Test Tools for Neurodivergent Ministry

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Nurturing Care’s Sensory Room Laboratory welcomed its first group of children this week for a hands-on visit where kids and adults tested tools designed to support a wide range of sensory needs. Pastors, church leaders, and curious kids moved through … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care, Technology | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nurturing Care Autism Updates and New Event April 13

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

A growing network of midwest congregations are redesigning children’s ministry and worship spaces to better welcome children with autism, ADHD and other sensory needs. A recent meeting, coupled with several written updates, revealed churches pairing practical tools like flexible seating … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Leadership, Nurturing Care | 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

Calling 100 Lead Pastors

Posted on December 20, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

Want to make a difference in disability ministry? Join Pastor Jonathan Trees, in partnership with Key Ministries, for a Zoom information session as he invites 100 lead pastors to pick up the mantel and join him at the 2026 Disability … Continue reading →

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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

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 , , , , , , | 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 , , , , , , | 2 Comments