Tag Archives: ministry

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 →

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

Go Tell it on the Mountain: Trust and Compassion on Display

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

As Nurturing Care churches approach Christmas, the staff received an early Christmas present courtesy Palmer Family Church of the Nazarene. Palmer grant director Monica Gaige sent a video where children lead worship on Sunday morning inviting congregants to “Go Tell … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Clergy, Continuing Education, Discipleship, Moral Integration, Nurturing Care, PLNU, Practical Theology, Virtue, West Coast | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Seeds of Compassion on the Coast: West Coast Churches Pioneer Children’s Ministry Innovations

Posted on November 10, 2025 by Dean G. Blevins

Across the West Coast, congregations are reshaping children’s ministry with creativity, empathy, and collaboration. From Chandler, Arizona, to Palmer Alaska, the Nurturing Care initiative continues to grow—fostering inclusive, compassionate spaces for children through worship, art, and play. The October West … Continue reading →

Posted in Children, Leadership, Nurturing Care, West Coast | 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