Book Nook - Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence About Neurodiversity

 

Many churches operate under "neuronormativity," placing the experiences of neurotypical individuals at the center. This can unintentionally create barriers for those with different ways of thinking, learning, and being. Many individuals feel pressure to "mask" their neurodivergence in church, leading to exhaustion and a sense of not belonging. Traditional approaches to ministry may not accommodate the diverse sensory needs and processing styles of all congregants. Stigma and shame surrounding mental health and brain differences continue to be a significant challenge in many faith communities. Ableism, or discrimination against disabled people, can also be a barrier to creating inclusive communities. Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence About Neurodiversity, by Sarah Griffith Lund, offers a clear, practical, and theologically grounded guide to help churches become neuroinclusive. Lund, drawing on her own experiences, provides a vision for a church where differences are celebrated, accommodations are embraced, and everyone is welcomed into the Body of Christ. Blessed Minds offers practical guidance for creating more inclusive worship experiences, education programs, and ministry initiatives that honor neurodiversity. It challenges churches to confront ableism and create communities where all individuals are empowered to thrive. It shares stories of congregations who are intentionally including and celebrating the lives and gifts of people with various forms of neurodiversity. It offers a vision for a "neurospiritual movement" that breaks the silence surrounding brain differences and celebrates the diversity of the human mind. It includes resources like The Ten Commandments of Neurodiversity and Ten Core Values of Neuroinclusive Ministry. The result? A church that is more vibrant, welcoming, and reflective of the diverse creation that God intended. Blessed Minds shows that embracing neurodiversity can transform a church into a place where all minds are truly blessed. Sarah Griffith Lund is a pastor, author, and advocate for mental health and disability justice. She is the author of several books, including Blessed Are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness, Family, and Church, Blessed Union: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness and Marriage, Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness with Children and Teens, and Blessed Youth Survival Guide. Lund is currently the minister for disabilities and mental health justice for the United Church of Christ. Blessed Minds is available in print, EPUB, and EPDF formats. You can purchase the book at ChalicePress.com and other major book retailers.

About Chalice Press

Chalice Press is an imprint of Chalice Media Group, which works to grow and equip a community that is vibrant and energizing, a worldwide force for justice, peace, inclusion, and multi-faith cooperation.