Tag Archives: Autism

Making Room for Every Child

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Four themes emerged from last year’s Kansas City Nurturing Care grant participants as congregations explored how children of all abilities could belong, worship and grow in faith. A child looked forward to church because a worship buddy helped him feel … Continue reading →

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

Making Room for Every Child

Posted on August 31, 2026 by Dean G. Blevins

Nashville Based Nurturing Care ministries turn prayer, sensory support and practical hospitality into signs of belonging Across the participating congregations, the summer’s Nurturing Care efforts shared a common conviction: children are not simply recipients of ministry but members of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, disability, Intergenerational, Nashville Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

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 →

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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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