A Blog by Roberta Egli
Messy Church: Where all are welcome!
One thing I have always loved about Messy Church is that it is a place where all are welcome- where creativity, community and Christ-centered exploration meet in surprising and beautiful ways. As a mother of a (now adult) son who is kind, compassionate and happens to fall within the neurodivergent definition, I discovered firsthand how Messy Church was a place where he was more comfortable being his awesome self and was more engaged than he ever was in ‘Sunday’ church.
As the Messy Church movement continues to grow in the USA, it is important that we take time to consider what it means to be truly inclusive in our communities of faith. How can we welcome, recognize and celebrate neurodiversity? Although neurodiversity is a new term for me, it broadens my understanding of the topic. Neurodiversity describes the natural variations in how human brains process information, experience the world and interact with others. In the context of Messy Church, how can celebrate that our differences that are strengths that enhance the shared experience for everyone?
At its heart, Messy Church already resonates with the many expressions of our neurodiversity. The multisensory, non-linear approach to worship—through crafts, storytelling, movement, and food—allows for engagement beyond traditional, sit-and-listen models of church. There is room for noise, movement, and questions. There is room for individuals to participate in the ways that suit them best, whether that means diving into the paint or quietly watching from the sidelines.
Ideas to deepen your commitment to neurodiversity at Messy Church
- Create consistent and predictable routines: How does your Messy Church flow from one thing to another? You can use opening and closing rituals, a posted schedule of timed events and activities, and verbal cues for a time of transition. This helps decrease anxiety as people know what to expect.
- Create a sensory- friendly space: We always have a reading corner with picture books, a rug and some rocking chairs in one corner of our large room with activities. Think about lighting, noise levels and smalls as you create space for those who may need a break from stimulation.
- Celebrate Different Forms of Participation: Encourage engagement through movement, art, silence, or staying at one activity table for the entire time. Make space for all these valid expressions of faith.
- Provide a Diverse set of Activities: Some Messy Churches have begun to include a sensory bin as one of their regular activities. Fill containers with materials like colored rice, shredded paper, or soft fabrics. Hide small items that match the theme of your Messy Church inside for a tactile and exploratory activity.
- Use Clear and concise language: Use visual aids, simply storytelling and hand-on activities that bring concepts to life. Avoid abstract illustrations or theological statements.
Reflect God’s blessed creation in our communities
Be embracing neurodiversity, we reflect the fullness of God’s image in our communities. In her recently released book, United Church of Christ pastor Sara Griffith Lund explores how the church can embrace the Neurodiversity of Creation.
Lund asks: “What would it look like for followers of the Jesus Way, for disciples of Christ today, to honor diversity when it comes to brain functioning and mental health? What would it look like for your church to be a stigma-free zone when it comes to children, teens, young adults and people of all ages who have neurodevelopmental differences?”
(Chalice Press: 2025)
In a world that often expects conformity, Messy Church stands as a beacon of creative freedom and radical hospitality. May we create communities where all minds—and all hearts— are welcome in the messiness of grace.
Peace, Roberta
What’s Next?
Are you interested in more discussion of how to create space at your Messy Church to welcome and celebrate Neurodiversity? Would you be interested in a book group to look at Lund’s book? We would love to start a conversation! Please contact us at roberta@messychurchusa.org.
Messy Church USA is a program of the 501c3 All- Age Faith formation nonprofit. Will you consider making a one time tax-deductible donation. Messy Church USA partners with the global Messy Church Network headquartered with Bible Reading Fellowship in the UK. Your gift makes it possible for Messy Church USA to equip Messy Churches to start. sustain and connect throughout the United States of America.
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