Description
Have you ever wondered, “How can our congregation intentionally create special events and seasonal activities where neurodivergent children—and their families—feel seen, supported, and celebrated?”
This workshop will help you explore that question with practical answers. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how the needs of neurodivergent and neurotypical children may differ—and leave with creative strategies, adaptable tools, and ready-to-use ideas to make your ministries more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.
The focus of this session is hands-on and highly practical. Most of our time will be spent exploring real “how-to’s,” so you’ll walk away with tangible templates and adaptable examples for immediate use. We’ll cover how to offer or adapt sensory-friendly events such as Easter egg hunts, Christmas Eve services, Sunday School, and other meaningful moments in the life of the church.
Whether you’re modifying existing programs, reimagining beloved traditions, or creating something entirely new, this workshop will equip you with the confidence and creativity to build a ministry where neurodivergent children can truly belong and thrive in faith and community.
Workshop Leader: Michelle Junkin
Michelle Junkin, MACE, M.Div, D. Min, is Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Michelle holds a Certificate in Non-Profit Management. She is a Director of Big Faith Resources, a Lilly Foundation, Inc. initiative supporting and equipping churches to minister to neurodiverse.
Co-Leader: Heather Selement
Heather Selement is Director of Children’s Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church and additionally, implements the new ministry programing for Special Needs including seasonal Sensory Friendly Worship services. Prior to working at WPC, Heather served at the Director of Family Ministry at the City Rescue Mission homeless shelter.
She is the Assistant Director of Big Faith Resources.