Autism Spectrum Disorder and Your Church
With one in 68 individuals being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, it is likely that your worshiping community already includes someone with ASD. If you are a pastor, worship leader, musician, church school teacher, or church volunteer, discover specific ways to identify, interact with, and worship with persons with ASD.
Why Youth Need to Be Leading Worship Regularly NOW
When congregations empower teenagers to use their gifts in meaningful ways over time, teens are more likely to imagine themselves as faithful disciples and devoted worshipers for decades to come. Two summer programs in worship, theology, and the arts inspire teens and mentors.
Ordination Best Practices for Ministers, Elders and Deacons
Because so many people search our website for ordination resources, we consulted five experts from five denominations. Their best practices will help you dig beneath the surface when you ordain or install ministers, elders and deacons.
Victoria Emily Jones on Gazing as a Spiritual Practice
Though she is passionate about Christian art, especially visual art, Victoria Emily Jones knows that congregations are full of “non-art” people. Her blog aims to help people of faith interpret, enjoy and use art in worship and private devotions.
Silence, Beauty, and the Shape of Christian Discipleship
A video conversation and discussion guide to help shape Christian responses to questions of love and suffering, silence and beauty, as explored in the Martin Scorsese movie ‘Silence’ based on Shusaku Endo's novel.
Nancy Gordon on Sensing the Sacred
Nancy Gordon adapted the multisensory Young Children in Worship program for people with dementia. Her model deserves to be spread and developed more widely.
David G. Myers on Hearing Loss in Worship: An Invisible Disability
The older you get, the more likely you are to lose hearing. Most hearing aids and cochlear implants now come with telecoils. Your church can install hearing loop systems that deliver customized sound directly from microphones into T-coil hearing aids.
A Roundtable on Connecting Sunday’s Worship to Monday’s Work
Six pastors and scholars share ideas to help congregations authentically practice God’s vision of shalom in worship and at work.
Barbara J. Newman on Visual Hospitality in Worship: More than Large Print
The older you get, the more likely you are to experience visual loss. Disability and advocacy expert Barbara J. Newman describes sight-related worship changes that benefit the church as a whole.
Nancy Foran on a “Wisdom of Our Elders” Service
Residents of senior living facilities often are treated as recipients of worship services presented by visiting groups. Nancy Foran offers an alternative design to receive and honor the wisdom of older adults.
Stephen Martin on Music that Wakes Up Older Minds
Your students or small group can use hymns and Christian songs to design meaningful personalized worship for older adults living in their own homes or in care facilities.
Jane Chandler on Morning Prayer at Nursing Homes
Residents of senior living facilities do not have to be Episcopalian to appreciate regular onsite morning prayer services. Your congregation could offer a similar ministry.