Date

4-18-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Deanna Gonzales

Keywords

Special Needs, Neurodivergent, Children and Student Ministry, Discipleship Tools, Disability Ministry, Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome

Disciplines

Religion | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

There is a rapidly growing number of individuals in the United States being given neurodivergent diagnoses. With this rapid rise, the church must carefully consider how to spiritually disciple these individuals. This action research project sought to refine existing spiritual development tools at Crosspointe Christian Church in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, to integrate families with special needs intentionally. Eight parents of neurodivergent children at the church participated in assessments, action steps, surveys, interviews, and a group discussion. Through this process, additional discipleship tools were tested and found to be moderately helpful in aiding parents in the spiritual growth of their children. More importantly, parents indicated their need for the church to integrate their children in various ways and methods to accomplish that. The project’s overall success is a potential model for other small to mid-size churches to consider in their ministry to those with special needs.

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