In every encounter recorded in the gospel narrative, Jesus met people with love, and never with labels. He saw past social stigma, physical difference and mental instability, looking instead into the heart.

The term ‘neurodivergence’ refers to a variety of neurological differences such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s Syndrome and more. Each of these conditions should not be viewed as defects to be ‘fixed’, but rather as different ways of thinking, processing and experiencing the world in which we live. While modern science gives us the language to talk about neurodiversity, scripture gives us the heart to respond to it.

Throughout the gospel narrative, we see Jesus reaching out to those on the margins of society: the misunderstood, the rejected and the feared. In Mark 5 we read of Jesus restoring the man with an unquiet mind; in Luke 8 he honoured the faith of a woman overlooked by others; in Matthew 19:14 he called attention to the dignity of children. Jesus never recoiled from those who were different. Instead, he drew near; he asked questions. Jesus healed, although not always in the way people expected. Healing, for Jesus, was more about restoration and dignity than about changing a person’s nature. Jesus dignified rather than dismissed.

Genesis 1:27 reminds us that every person, regardless of their neurological makeup, is made in the image of God. That includes the person with autism who struggles with eye contact, the person with ADHD who battles distraction and disorganization, or the person with Tourette’s who has involuntary tics and vocal outbursts. When we begin with the imago Dei, our posture shifts. We move from seeing neurodivergent individuals as ‘problems to be solved’ or ‘projects to fix’ to recognizing them as full image-bearers of God’s glory, with something valuable to teach us about God’s creativity, beauty and diversity.

1 Corinthians 12 paints picture of the Church as a body made up of many parts. Paul stresses  that the parts we might think of as being ‘less honourable’ deserve special honour and care. Neurodivergent people are not ‘extras’ in the body of Christ; they are vital organs, essential to the life of the Church. 

Some of the most insightful, compassionate and creative Christians are neurodivergent. Their way of seeing the world challenges the Church to broaden its understanding of worship, discipleship and community. But, this can only happen if the Church makes space – physically, emotionally and relationally – in which they can feel a sense of belonging.

How can the Church respond in a Christ-like way?

1. Listen and learn: We need to start by listening to neurodivergent voices; by reading their stories; by inviting them to share their experiences. We should never assume that we understand what someone needs without actually asking them.
2. Create safe spaces: The Church needs to consider adapting worship into a more sensory-friendly experience. We could offer quiet areas, printed sermon transcripts and worship that demonstrates our understanding that not everyone sees the world through the same lens. Simple adaptations of the familiar can lead to an experience of profound hospitality.
3. Honour differences: As we develop our understanding that not everyone worships, thinks or communicates in the same way, we can demonstrate our desire to celebrate the richness of diversity. The Church should make room for different expressions of faith, and engagement in the life of faith.
4. Challenge stigma: Jesus calls us to speak out against the embracing of harmful stereotypes and dismissive attitudes. We should all be ready to educate ourselves about neurodivergence from a biblically-inspired compassionate perspective.
5. Empower gifts: Neurodivergent individuals bring unique gifts to the Church. The Church should encourage their leadership, their participation and their contribution to its life, mission and ministry. The Church should not just serve the neurodiverse, it should invite them to serve alongside the rest of us.

Jesus’ ministry was, and is, good news for every kind of mind. His call is not limited to those who fit into a certain mould – it reaches the anxious and the impulsive, the brilliant and the broken, the quiet thinkers and the passionate speakers. As followers of Christ, we are invited to open our eyes, our hearts and our churches to the beautiful neurodiversity among us. When we do, we reflect the heart of our Saviour – the Saviour who welcomed all, who healed with compassion and who never overlooked a single soul.

Jesus said: Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.