Accessing church from the perspective of neurodivergent people!
Rev Victoria Lawrence shares some ways churches can makes themselves more welcoming to people who are neurodivergent
It’s time for churches to be more intentional about seeing individuals with additional needs as valuable members of their congregations. Oftentimes, I meet people who attend church, but they attend without their child or adult person who has special needs – also described as neurodivergent.
What is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the concept that differences in brain function and behaviour are natural variations of the human experience rather than disorders that need to be “fixed”. It acknowledges that people think, learn and process information in diverse ways.
The term is often used in relation to conditions such as autism-spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia and Tourette Syndrome.
The neurodiversity movement promotes acceptance, inclusion, and the idea that society should adapt to accommodate different ways of thinking, rather than forcing individuals to conform to neurotypical standards. It emphasises strengths as well as challenges, advocating for accessibility, education, and workplace accommodations.
What does the Bible say about neurodiversity?
The Bible does not specifically mention neurodiversity or conditions like autism, ADHD or dyslexia. However, its core teachings emphasise the value, purpose and dignity of all people – regardless of their differences. These teaching are:
1. Everyone is created in God’s image. ‘So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them’ (Genesis 1:27). This means that every person – no matter how their brain works – reflects God’s image and has inherent worth.
2. God has a purpose for each person. When Moses worried about his speech difficulties, God reassured him, saying: ‘“Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord?”’ (Exodus 4:10-11). This suggests that differences in communication and ability are part of God’s design, not mistakes.
3. God uses people with unique strengths. Many biblical characters displayed traits that today might be seen as neurodivergent. Moses struggled with speech but became a great leader (Exodus 4:10).Samuel had a unique way of perceiving God’s voice (1 Samuel 3).Paul was highly intense and focused – qualities sometimes linked to ADHD or autism – yet he played a key role in spreading Christianity.
4. The Church should embrace and support everyone. ‘On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable’ (1 Corinthians 12:22). This highlights that every individual – including those who think differently – has an important place in the community.
5. Jesus welcomed those who were different. Throughout His ministry, Jesus showed compassion to people who were marginalised or overlooked, including those with disabilities, demonstrating that God’s love is for everyone.
The Bible teaches that every person is valuable, loved, and has a unique role in God’s plan. Neurodivergence is not a flaw but a reflection of the diversity in God’s creation. The Christian response should be one of acceptance, support and inclusion.
The month of April is Autism Awareness Month. Why not do something for the neurodivergent people in your church?
As a mother to a 24-year-old daughter living with autism/ADHD, some of our painful experiences came from the Church, but such experiences have been turned around to provide education for the church communities.
One of the things that greatly helped my daughter was that our church allowed her to be herself, join the choir to sing, and just enjoy the service. Because the church gave my daughter such a positive welcome, I now drive 40 miles on Sundays to get to church simply because my daughter was made to feel supported, valued and special.
My church now also hosts Ability Sundays, where we encourage other young people with additional needs to come and showcase their talents. This has really meant a lot to parents.
How churches can support neurodivergent people
Awareness and education. Educate church leadership and members about neurodiversity. This increases understanding and removes attitudinal barriers.
Create a sensory-friendly environment. Offer a quiet space or sensory room where individuals can take breaks if overwhelmed by harsh lighting, loud music, and other sensory triggers in worship services.
Adapt worship and church activities. Offer different service formats, such as shorter services or live-streamed options for those who find crowds difficult. Also, use clear, predictable structures in services, with visual schedules or bulletins.
Communicate with clarity and compassion. Use clear, direct language in sermons and church materials. Provide written or visual guides for events, sacraments, and church traditions.
By taking these steps, churches can truly embody Christ’s love, ensuring that all people – regardless of neurotype – feel valued, included and empowered in their faith community.
REV VICTORIA LAWRENCE
Founder of The Father’s JoyVisit www.thefathersjoy.org.uk
