Two Michigan United Methodist churches have launched new ministries for neurodivergent children and young adults, choosing to love boldly as Christ calls us to.
JOHN E. HARNISH
Michigan Conference Communications
Two Michigan United Methodist congregations are exploring new ways to welcome neurodivergent children, young adults, and their families. Portage: Chapel Hill UMC and Stony Creek UMC are developing ministries that foster belonging, discernment, creativity, and care.
As co-pastor of Portage: Chapel Hill UMC, Rev. Dr. April Gutierrez explains, “The day-to-day reality young adults experience is chaotic and stressful. Now imagine you are 18 and neurodivergent.”
With that concern in mind, she and the congregation are creating a ministry designed to meet the needs of neurodivergent young adults. They believe Methodist spiritual practices, discernment, and the support of small groups can offer a regulated, disciplined, and life-giving approach to the challenges these young adults face.
The term “neurodivergent” refers to a wide range of developmental, learning, and neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), dyslexia, and sensory sensitivities.
“They see the world differently than others,” says Gutierrez. “Both of my children have ADHD, and I have learned so much from them. Standard approaches to church life and faith practice do not always connect, but when the church is curious and adaptive, we are better equipped to respond.”
Generously funded by a grant from the Forum for Theological Exploration (FTE), Portage: Chapel Hill UMC’s new ministry, Grounded to Dream, is built on the conviction that a discernment experience in which participants can belong and dream together will help them connect with God, understand their gifts, and imagine their future.
The ten-month project will include collaborative games, art, and other embodied practices to help participants identify their gifts and envision a faithful future.
A culminating experience in the summer of 2027 might include a visit to a seminary campus, especially if any participants are discerning a call to ministry.
Gutierrez says, “We expect the project to deepen participants’ sense of belonging in the church and among peers, increase their understanding of their gifts through discernment, and open new possibilities for them as they anticipate their future.”
At Stony Creek UMC, the Messy Middle Homeschool Co-op seeks to address the needs of neurodivergent children and their families. Rev. Michael Vollmer, the pastor at Stony Creek, is partnering with Tiana Haywood and her program, Feed the Need Sensory Zone, to support children whose needs go unmet in local schools.
According to Feed the Need Sensory Zone’s website, the Messy Middle is “a sensory-friendly learning community designed for middle-school-aged homeschool students, especially neurodivergent learners and those who benefit from a flexible, supportive environment.” Learn more about this program based in Ypsilanti.
Vollmer’s son is on the autism spectrum, giving Vollmer a personal connection to this community. The church partners with Feed the Need by hosting the Messy Middle program and providing a safe space for neurodivergent children.
“Stony Creek is a loving and open congregation,” says Vollmer. “They don’t get bothered by noisy children, so they are willing to make room for these families.”
The church has already equipped a room for children who can’t handle the noise or bright lights during the worship service.
Vollmer says, “We are also thinking about a community garden as a way to involve these children. We have retired farmers who would love to help children learn how to plant corn.”
The Messy Middle at Stony Creek UMC has been supported in part by a Ministry Innovation Grant from the Michigan Conference. Learn more about last year’s grant recipients. This year’s application window opens on October 15. More information will be published soon.
For more information on Grounded to Dream, contact Rev. Dr. April Gutierrez, co-pastor at Portage: Chapel Hill UMC, at [email protected]. For information on the Messy Middle Homeschool Co-op at Stony Creek UMC, contact Rev. Michael Vollmer at [email protected].
When Jesus invited the children to come to him, he invited all children, including those with special needs. As the church of Jesus Christ, we can do no less.
The publication of this article was made possible thanks to generous financial gifts from local United Methodist churches in Michigan through Ministry Shares. Thank you! Learn about the impact of Ministry Shares on mission and ministry in Michigan and around the world.
Last Updated on September 28, 2026