Tag Archives: Autism

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

All God’s Children: Workshops at the 2025 Preachers Conference

Posted on October 7, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

Nurturing Care participated in the 2025 Hugh C. Benner Preachers Conference at Nazarene Theological Seminary hosted by NTS Praxis. The event gathered pastors, educators, and advocates around the theme “All God’s Children”—a focus on engaging and supporting neurodiverse and disabled … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, disability, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Leadership, NTS Praxis, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology, Preaching Conference | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Preaching on the Spectrum

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

In designing the ministry, part of the Nurturing Care initiative included a commitment by Nazarene Theological Seminary and its professional development team, NTS Praxis, to commit the seminary’s Preacher’s Conference to highlight the need for churches, and particularly lead pastors, … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Bible, Children, Clergy, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, NTS Praxis, Nurturing Care, Practical Theology, Preaching Conference | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Partnering with Nurturing Care

Posted on September 27, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins
Posted in Autism, Children, Clergy, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, NTS Praxis, Nurturing Care, Preaching, Preaching Conference | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Maker’s Space: New Projects for Neurodivergent Kids

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

Nurturing Care launched it’s third Maker’s Space retreat in Kansas City developing new prototypes to lead autistic children in worship and prayer practices. This year the gathering included churches from Texas and Oklahoma bringing the total participation to twelve congregations, … Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Children, Discipleship, Intergenerational, KC Nurturing Care, Nurturing Care | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments