Welcome to the Influence Podcast! I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host.

"The church is called to be a place of belonging for all people," writes Julie Pratt. "Paul reminded us in 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 that the body of Christ is made up of many different parts, each one valuable and necessary. In verse 22 he wrote, 'Some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary' (NLT)."

Pratt goes on to write, "That means individuals with autism aren't just people we need to 'accommodate' out of obligation. They are essential to the life of the church. When we fail to make space for them, we're not just failing those individuals and their families. We're missing out on the fullness of the body of Christ."

In this episode, I talk to Pratt about what churches need to know about people with autism in order better to include them in the life of the congregation.

Julie Pratt is Kidmin Discipleship Director for the Assemblies of God and author of Autism in the Church, published by Salubris. My conversation with her begins after a brief word from our sponsor.

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This episode of the Influence podcast is brought to you by Gospel Publishing House, distributors of A Disciple's Growth.

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Show Notes

• 00:00 — Introduction and Sponsor Ad
• 02:27 — Let's start with your personal experience with autism then move to a more formal definition of autism and a description of its prevalence in the U.S.
• 09:00 — You ask, "Is autism also a part of Your image, God?" How do you answer that question?
• 15:29 — What are some of the challenges people with autism face in attending church, and how can leadership address those challenges?
• 21:10 — What are some of the things church leaders should keep in mind when it comes to discipling people with autism?
• 25:19 — How do we train volunteers throughout the congregation to minister more effectively to people with autism?
• 29:48 — We have been talking about ministry to people with autism, but what about ministry with and by people with autism?
• 35:32 — How can we support families who have a member with autism beyond the four ways of the church on Sunday morning?
• 40:59 — What are you reading right now that is interesting, helpful, and/or personally challenging?
• 42:21 — Conclusion