NEURODIVERSITY IN THE CHURCH

Today, one in five families navigates life with neurodivergent members, including those with autism, ADHD dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other neurotypes. Neurodiversity is the recognition that different ways of thinking and behaving are natural and valuable, and that each person is made in God’s image with unique gifts and needs. 

Neurodivergent individuals may experience the world differently, with strengths such as creativity, attention to detail, or deep focus, alongside challenges like sensory overload, social communication differences, or executive function needs.  Around one in seven people is neurodivergent, and in some clergy and leadership roles, the proportion is even higher.

Scripture and theology can affirm God’s love for diversity, seeing it as a blessing for the whole body of Christ. Different “neurotypes” can enrich community life.

When church activities feel inaccessible, these families are pushed to the margins. Welcoming them fully is a deeply pastoral calling and an essential mission for the church.

What We Can Do:

  • Affirmation over correction: Focus on inclusion, as marginalization and discrimination often cause distress. 
  • Safe and accessible spaces: Make worship and activities welcoming without over-confining neurodivergent people to specific roles 
  • Awareness and education: Talk about neurodiversity in sermons, small groups, and communications to normalize understanding. 
  • Adjust expectations: Allow flexibility in participation, such as arriving later, using alternative seating, or responding in preferred ways 
  • Sensory support: Provide earplugs, fidget tools, whiteboards, and visual aids; use multi-sensory environments 
  • Clear communication: Share service outlines, use visual schedules, and explain what’s happening during worship 
  • Variety of activities: Offer both quiet and social events to meet different needs 
  • Training and support: Equip leaders with knowledge of neurodiversity and resources for pastoral care 

Churches can become barrier-free, affirming spaces by normalizing neurodiversity, adapting worship and activities, and training leaders to meet the needs of all. This not only supports neurodivergent people but also deepens the church’s mission to reflect God’s inclusive love.

Resources

Practical ideas, stories, and tools for churches All Resources | Neurodiversity + Church

Strategies for children, young people, and adults Neurodiversity and the church – Church Support Hub

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Making Space for Every Mind: A Guide to Using Universal Design for Learning in Ministry

Articles from Dr. Niki Elliott – speaker at 2026 Extravaganza Our Founder – Mindful Leaders Project

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RETREAT

October 10-11 at Camp Kinard

WHAT ABOUT…?

We will explore what it means to pray, know (Bible), forgive and serve.
Join us as we play, learn and grow together.
There will also be a track for parents! More details to come!
Registration is open!

Elementary Retreat

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The ELCA NETWORK EXTRAVAGANZA is a four-day leadership training event for congregational leaders in children’s, youth, young adult and outdoor ministry. This event is designed specifically with your congregation in mind.

The Event: January 22-25, 2027
The Hilton, Downtown Minneapolis

I am offering a scholarship covering the $379 registration fee for one children’s, youth, or young adult leader in our Synod! (You are responsible for hotel and flight expenses.)

Please reach out if you are interested or know someone else who might be.

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Design the 2027 SC Synod Gathering T-Shirt!

We are officially kicking off the T-Shirt Design Contest2027 ELCA Youth Gathering to find the look that will represent our synod in Minneapolis. We’re looking for something that captures our synod’s faith, energy, and excitement!

Please submit to deborah@scsynod.com by November 1, 2026

This is your chance to showcase the unique gifts God has given you and inspire fellow youth and leaders. So let your creativity shine—we can’t wait to see what you create!

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NEWS FROM THE ELCA YOUTH GATHERING

Important Dates

Oct. 1, 2026 Financial assistance opens

Oct. 21, 2026 Priority registration opens

If you haven’t signed up for gNews, here is the link. It is filled with updates!

Gathering | 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering

Region 9 is hosting a series of Zoom gatherings. They are designed to:

  • Share important Youth Gathering information and updates.
  • Connect congregations from across Region 9.
  • Answer questions and provide helpful guidance as plans come together.
  • Encourage and support one another throughout the journey.

Whether you are attending for the first time or have participated for years, these gatherings are a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and build excitement together.

Download the Schedule

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Reformation

Reformation Day Activities

Reformation Day Activities for Kids: Teaching Christian Heritage

Six Activities to Teach Kids about the Reformation

The Protestant Reformation Lesson Plans | Unit Study – Thinking Kids

HF- Reformation Party

Let’s Have a Marty Party – Youth Night Reformation Celebration – youthESource

25 Fun and Engaging Christian Activities for Youth Groups – THE WAY WITH CHRIST

40 Simple, Effective Church Activities to Strengthen Community

Faithful Parenting from Vibrant Faith

Walk alongside families, offering encouragement, guidance, and practical tools that empower parents as the primary faith influencers in their children’s lives.

Faithful Parenting – Vibrant Faith

Faith in an Anxious World: A 4-Week High School Curriculum

from Fuller Youth Institute

Faith in an Anxious World: A 4-Week High School Curriculum – Fuller Youth Institute

Faith at Home Challenge

Created by Lyle Griner, this resource gives your families nine creative, hands-on challenges tied to the topics your students are already learning: Baptism, the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, Communion, the Apostles’ Creed, Scripture, and the Church Year.
Faith @ Home Challenges