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How can our churches reach out to families with autistic members in such a way that the Gospel is good news for them? And how might we need to adapt the way we do church in order to be good news for those with autism in their families?

Dr. David Quel, adjunct professor at Wesley Theological Seminary--and father to three autistic sons--reveals strategies for creating a welcoming environment in our churches for families with autistic members, how to adapt our ministries to meet their needs, and the emotional and spiritual journey of parenting autistic children.


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• David Quel shares how he and his wife discovered that not just one, but all three of his sons were autistic.
• It was difficult for David Quel and his wife to find the kind of family and church support they needed as a family with three non-high-functioning autistic children.
• David Quel underscores the essential need for emotional, spiritual, mental, and compassionate awareness of autism in church ministry.
• David Quel shares a story about his church setting up a sensory room designed specifically for children with autism.
• This sensory room included items like big fluffy pillows, beanbags, and sensory toys to ensure children's safety.
• David Quel discusses challenges and solutions in creating worship services tailored for children with autism.
• Traditional formats like responsive readings and long sermons are challenging for children with autism.
• David Quel highlights the need for music that is more upbeat to engage children with autism compared to traditional hymns.
• Efforts by David’s church to create separate worship services showed significant commitment but also revealed the struggle to let go of traditional practices.
• David Quel recommends the book Autism and Your Church by Barbara J. Newman for further guidance.
• Interviewing families to understand their specific needs and triggers is crucial to contextual ministry.
• Identifying willing volunteers with relevant experience or a willingness to learn can make a significant difference when adapting your church ministry to families with autism.
• David Quel emphasizes seeing individuals with autism as God’s creations, deserving of love and support.
• Steps churches can take to support families with autism:
  • Set up sensory rooms
  • Tailor specialized worship services
  • Interview and understand families with autism
  • Identify and train volunteers
  • Promote inclusivity

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• BeADisciple.com
  • Autism and the Church Part 1
  • Autism and the Church Part 2
• Wesley Theological Seminary
• Books mentioned:
  • Autism and Your Church, by Barbara J. Newman
• Related Episodes:
  • Tackling Adaptive Challenges in Your Church, with Angie Ward
  • Exploring New Forms of Church, with Shannon Kiser

Did you know Spiritual Life and Leadership has been named the #1 Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Feedspot Podcasters Database? Check it out HERE!

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Markus Watson and Tod Bolsinger explore the concept of power within the framework of discipleship and adaptive leadership, inspired by a quote from Michael Rhodes. They discuss how power, when used responsibly, can prevent harm and support the vulnerable, such as orphans, immigrants, and widows. The conversation delves into the transformative potential of Jesus' use of power, emphasizing that true leadership requires the release and sharing of power to foster justice and love. They conclude with reflections on the societal challenges of redefining power in ways that uplift and protect the most vulnerable in the community.

Tod Bolsinger and Markus Watson discuss this quote from Michael Rhodes in Ep 200, The Justice Feast:

“How does our discipleship help us become people who faithfully exercise power in community, particularly on behalf of the orphan, the immigrant, and the widow?”


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Tod Bolsinger explores the concept of power and its importance in preventing evil and harm.
• Discipleship involves using power to protect the most vulnerable, such as orphans, immigrants, and widows.
• Adaptive leadership emphasizes transformation and inclusivity, drawing from many voices within a community.
• Jesus demonstrates ultimate power by sacrificing himself for others, illustrating love and justice in the kingdom of God.
• Effective leadership requires adapting and redefining traditional views of power and authority.

Did you know Spiritual Life and Leadership has been named the #1 Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Feedspot Podcasters Database? Check it out HERE!

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Here in the U.S. the impact of the election and the campaigns of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are inescapable.

In this episode, Tim Alberta, author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, discusses the unsettling trend of political polarization in the church, the role of pastors in responding to the pressure to reclaim a "Christian America," and the importance of having diverse relationships as we navigate this season of polarization.


THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Tim Alberta shares his story of being criticized for his political views while at his father's funeral.
• Tim Alberta expresses concern over the perceived decline of "Christian America."
• Alberta warns about the losses incurred when churches self-select into narrow ideological spaces.
• Diverse relationships are necessary for spiritual growth and addressing complex issues.
• Markus Watson mentions Allen Hilton and Andrew Hanauer’s organizations working to address political polarization. These organizations bring different churches together to facilitate conversations and humanize each other.
• Alberta discusses how American Christians often view the U.S. as a nation set apart or a new Israel in covenant with God. This belief leads to a conflation of defending America with defending God.
• Some Christians view political opponents as cultural and spiritual adversaries, treating political warfare as spiritual warfare.
• There seems to be a fear among evangelicals of losing status, indoctrination of children, and being targeted by the government.
• Alberta discusses the shift from a culture sympathetic to Christian ideals to one perceived as hostile, creating a siege mentality.
• There seems to be a sense of entitlement within the evangelical community, akin to the belief of the ancient people of Israel..
• Tim Alberta highlights the difficulty for Christians to relate to scriptural suffering due to comfort and wealth in America.
• Some Christians compromise their virtues to reclaim a "Christian America," engaging in unethical behavior for a perceived greater good.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Tim Alberta:
  • www.bytimalberta.com
  • The Atlantic
  • Twitter/X - @TimAlberta
• Books mentioned:
  • The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, by Tim Alberta
  • American Carnage, by Tim Alberta
• Related episodes:
  • Tackling Toxic Polarization in Your Church, with Allen Hilton and Andrew Hanauer
  • Leading Your Church Through Political Division, with Allen Hilton
  • Grace-Filled Politics, with Aaron Schafer

Did you know Spiritual Life and Leadership has been named the #1 Spiritual Leadership Podcast by the Feedspot Podcasters Database? Check it out HERE!