Tag Archives: Autism

Ministry on the Spectrum: Why Disability Ministry May Be the Church’s Greatest Untapped Mission Field

Posted on July 13, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

More than 46 million Americans live with some form of disability outside institutional care, yet many remain disconnected from congregational life. Combined with the growing prevalence of autism—now affecting approximately one in every 30 children by age eight—the numbers point … Continue reading →

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Nurturing Care Churches Are Learning to Turn Welcome into Practice

Posted on June 26, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Across the Nurturing Care Midwest network, churches are discovering that inclusion is not a single program but a steady reshaping of congregational life. From sensory bags and fidget tools to respite dreams, volunteer training, accessible spaces, and new language for … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, Family, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Leadership, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nurturing Care Presentations at TNU PALCON

Posted on June 13, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins
Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, Design, disability, KC Nurturing Care, Nashville Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Nurturing Care Presentation at ONU

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins
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Churches Build Momentum for Neurodiverse Inclusion Through Nurturing Care Initiative

Posted on May 23, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Church leaders from across several Nazarene congregations in the Southeast and Midwest gathered for a monthly Nurturing Care project check-in, sharing stories of progress, growing support, and the challenges of creating more welcoming spaces for neurodivergent and sensory-seeking children and … Continue reading →

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Faith Communities Welcoming Disability: Bill Tammeus Reports on Melody Escobar

Posted on April 15, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Former Kansas City Religion Reporter Bill Tammeus attended the Nurturing Care Day of Learning with Melody Escobar. Tammeus, also a columnist and book reviewer with the National Catholic Press and The Presbyterian Outlook, contributes to the KC online magazine Flatland … Continue reading →

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Churches Urged to Rethink Inclusion for Autistic Individuals, Families

Posted on April 14, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Dr. Melody Escobar, a leading practical theologian, calls on churches across the United States to confront a troubling reality: families of children with disabilities, particularly autism, leaving congregations at alarming rates due to a lack of genuine inclusion. Speaking during … Continue reading →

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