Inclusive Services in Tacoma Central Church Are Tailored to Neurodivergence
09 April 2025 |
The Tacoma Central Church has adopted alternative church services for congregants who struggle with traditional worship structures. The project was spearheaded by Shama Felix, a special education teacher, and Lenora Pollard, a parent of two neurodivergent children. For those with alternative needs, the structured services where they must sit still and listen, all while sitting under bright lighting with unexpected noises, could lead to overstimulation and boredom. According to the Gleaner article covering the new ministry,
“The idea for an inclusive church service first emerged when Felix met a fellow teacher who had stopped attending church due to her autistic children’s difficulties in structured services. Later, a client asked if Felix’s church had anything for their child. ”
Felix’s inability to offer an alternative launched the desire to create a solution. Inclusive services are now offered on the second Sabbath of every month. Within a flexible environment, multiple interactive stations are offered, each engaging with a different learning style. The service themes are translated into sensory play, storytelling, tactile engagement, and more to help the message connect more logically for neurodivergents. The inclusive service allows for fluidity, freeing up congregants to move from station to station. The interactive lessons include sorting healthy and unhealthy foods in lessons on Daniel, and building and knocking down block walls to learn about the walls of Jericho.
The idea is funded by a grant from Young Adult Spark Tank and church funding. The self-paced, hands-on experience is not limited to just children but has drawn congregants from 5 to 63 years old. As a result, members of all ages are not only listening to but comprehending the lessons in a more effective way. The inclusive service has enriched their understanding of the gospel, leading to increased Bible literacy and greater confidence in their faith.
