Luminosity Conference speaker urges church leaders to support neurodivergent Christians in belonging fully

The Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana, a speaker at the first-ever Luminosity Conference, urged church leaders to create inclusive spaces for neurodivergent Christians. Her workshop, titled “Better than Normal,” focused on practical ways churches can meet the needs of individuals with neurodivergent identities. Dana emphasized the importance of understanding and accommodating diverse ways of thinking and processing information within the church community.

Dana opened her session with a poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer titled “For When People Ask.” The poem, which addresses the challenges of navigating a world that often expects quick responses, resonated with the theme of her presentation. She highlighted how the church can honor the presence of neurodivergent individuals by recognizing their unique needs and providing support.

During her workshop, Dana shared a personal anecdote about her experience as an associate pastor in a church undergoing a senior pastor’s retirement discernment process. She described how a consultant encouraged participants to answer questions with “top of the head” responses, a method that proved difficult for some individuals who require more time to process information. This experience underscored the need for churches to be intentional about creating environments that are accessible and welcoming to all.

Dana’s insights were rooted in her own experiences as a parent of neurodivergent children. She explained that her work on “Better Than Normal” and her ongoing efforts on her Substack page, “The Blue Room,” emerged from the challenges her children faced in a world not designed for their way of thinking. She called their experiences “living in a world that is not set up in a way that their minds are built to process.”

The Luminosity Conference, organized by the Presbyterian Foundation, aimed to inspire and spark imagination among pastors and church leaders. Held in Orlando, Florida, the event provided a platform for discussions on innovative approaches to ministry and community engagement. Dana’s workshop was part of this broader initiative to encourage churches to reflect on how they can better serve all members of their congregations.

Dana’s message aligns with the biblical call to care for the vulnerable and to seek justice, mercy, and humble service. Micah 6:8 reminds us that God desires action that is just, merciful, and rooted in humility. As churches continue to navigate the complexities of inclusion, they are called to embody these values in their communities.

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