“Welcoming neurodiversity in worship” by Jen Bluestein
Questions:
- If neurodiversity and neurodivergent are new concepts for you, how has this article helped you to understand their meaning?
- Are you aware of any neurodivergent children or youth in your congregation? If so, how has your church responded to the child’s or youth’s needs?
- It is likely that there are several or more neurodivergent adults in your congregation, and they probably have gifts or abilities to share. If you are aware of them, how do they participate? And how are they welcomed?
- How has this article helped you think about and relate to people in your congregation who are identified as neurodivergent?
- What are some ways your church could plan and conduct worship and other activities to be more welcoming of neurodivergent persons?
“Beyond inclusion” by David F. Evans
Questions:
- In the paragraph that begins, “As I travel the nation …” the author poses four questions. What are your responses to one or more of those questions?
- The author uses the image of America as a “house on fire or ablaze” with a key question being whether to reform the “house” or rebuild the “house by revolution.” What do you think of these two alternatives? Is there a third option?
- Reread the last paragraph of the article. To what extent do the author’s words reflect some of your own thoughts?
- What are some tangible ways your church might be a resource and force for building the Beloved Community?
“A surprising intersection: Queer theology and disability theology” by Tony Stiff
Questions:
- What do you find most interesting or challenging in this article?
- Are the concepts of queer theology and disability theology new to you? If so, how has this article helped you to understand these concepts? If they are not new, what fresh insights did you gain from the article?
- What are some ways you see the intersection of queer and disability theologies playing out in your denomination and/or church?
- When you consider your church’s worship services, educational programs, and other activities, how have those ministries welcomed queer and disabled children, youth and adults?
“Church support and care for transgender congregants” by Patrice Gaines
Questions:
- Are you aware of any transgender persons attending your church, or active in your church’s life? If so, how have they been treated? In what ways do they participate in your church’s ministry?
- How would you describe the inclusivity posture of your church toward transgender persons?
- Has your church offered any classes or presentations focused on being open to and affirming of LGBTQIA+ persons? If so, what was the experience of those who attended? If not, should leaders consider that?
- To what extent are you aware of the actions of several General Assemblies related to open and affirming matters since 2011? What are your opinions regarding those actions?
- If someone were to propose to the leadership of your church that the Transgender Day of Remembrance on March 31 be recognized, how might that proposal be received and responded to?
