How the Church Can Love Them Too.

New book on Neurodivergence in a Church setting. I will publish each chapter here as it is written before publishing the whole book on-line.

Please note, this is the unpolished article – the book is still being edited.

Chapter 12. Communication That Includes Everyone

Communication is one of the most powerful tools the Church has. It shapes understanding, builds trust and creates connection. Yet communication is also one of the most common barriers for neurodivergent people. Words may be unclear, instructions may be rushed, expectations may be unspoken and social cues may be confusing. When communication is inaccessible, people feel lost, anxious or excluded. When communication is clear and thoughtful, people feel safe, valued and able to participate.

Inclusive communication is not about simplifying everything. It is about making meaning accessible to all kinds of minds. It is about recognising that people process information differently and that the Church has a responsibility to communicate in ways that honour this diversity. This chapter explores how churches can communicate with clarity, compassion and inclusivity.

1. Clarity Over Complexity

Many churches use language that is poetic, metaphorical or filled with insider phrases. While this can be meaningful for some, it can be confusing for others. Neurodivergent people often benefit from clear, direct language. This does not mean removing depth. It means removing unnecessary ambiguity.

Clarity might involve explaining what a phrase means, avoiding jargon, Christianese, or choosing words that communicate the point simply. Clear language helps everyone, not only neurodivergent people. It reduces anxiety and allows people to focus on the message rather than decoding the words.

2. Predictable Patterns of Communication

Predictability reduces cognitive load. When people know how information will be presented, they can process it more easily. Churches can support this by using consistent formats for notices, sermons, prayers and instructions. A predictable pattern does not limit creativity. It provides a stable framework within which creativity can flourish.

For example, notices can follow the same structure each week. Sermons can begin with a brief outline. Instructions for communion or prayer can be given in the same order. Predictability creates safety.

3. Slower Pace, Steadier Delivery

Many neurodivergent people process spoken information more slowly than it is delivered. A fast pace can create stress or confusion. A steady pace allows people to absorb meaning. This does not require speaking unnaturally slowly. It simply means pausing between ideas, avoiding rapid transitions and giving people time to think. When the preacher pauses to think, the neurodivergent, pauses to process what has gone before. If you are a minister who prides himself with being able to deliver a 40 minute sermon without pausing, then you are disrespecting many neurotypical as well as neurodivergent people.

A slower pace communicates respect. It says, your understanding matters, your presence matters and you are worth waiting for.

4. Visual Support for Spoken Words

Visual aids can make communication more accessible. Slides, symbols, written instructions or simple diagrams can reinforce spoken information. These supports help those who process visually, those who struggle with auditory processing and those who need time to revisit information.

Visual support should be simple and uncluttered. Too much information can overwhelm. The goal is clarity, not decoration.

5. Written Versions of Key Information

Providing written versions of notices, instructions or sermon points can be transformative. Neurodivergent people may need to read information to understand it fully. Written materials allow people to process at their own pace, revisit details and reduce anxiety.

This can be as simple as a printed sheet, a QR code linking to a webpage or a slide with key points. Written information is not a luxury. It is an act of inclusion. In today’s digital age, there are free apps for smartphones which can take notes and give a summary of a sermon for further consideration after the service.

I use a free app, available on Apple and Android called tl;dv

This app records the whole sermon, provides a written transcript and a key point summary. Other apps are available, but this is the one I use. It’s free to download and use. There are upgrades available for business use, but for personal use, the free version is more than adequate.

6. Explicit Instructions, Not Assumptions

Churches often rely on unspoken expectations. People are expected to know when to stand, when to sit, when to sing, when to pray or how to participate in different parts of the service. Neurodivergent people may not pick up on these cues. They may feel embarrassed or anxious when they are unsure what to do.

Explicit instructions remove this pressure. A leader can say, We are going to stand together now, or, If you prefer to remain seated, that is completely fine. Clear instructions create freedom, not restriction. Some congregations have added the phrase, “Please stand, if you are able.” This statement recognises that not everyone can stand, so it’s more inclusive than “Please stand.” Still, it divides the congregation between the able-to-standers and the unable-to-standers. It would be better to use language that keeps everyone together?

Please rise in body or in spirit.

Here’s one way to do that: “Please rise in body or in spirit.” With this command, all are invited to rise: some in body, others in spirit.

7. Reducing Figurative and Ambiguous Language

Metaphors, idioms and figurative expressions can be confusing for some neurodivergent people, especially those who interpret language literally. While figurative language has a place in preaching and worship, it should be used thoughtfully. When metaphors are used, they can be explained briefly. When idioms are used, they can be clarified.

This does not diminish the beauty of language. It ensures that beauty is accessible.

8. Creating Space for Questions

Neurodivergent people often have questions that others do not ask. They may need clarification, precision or additional detail. Churches can create space for questions by offering opportunities to speak with leaders after the service, providing written channels for questions or hosting discussion groups.

Questions should be welcomed, not dismissed. Curiosity is a sign of engagement, not disruption.

9. Respecting Different Communication Styles

Not everyone communicates in the same way. Some people speak directly. Some speak slowly. Some avoid eye contact. Some use gestures or movement. Some need time to process before responding. Some communicate best through writing.

Churches can honour these differences by avoiding assumptions about what good communication looks like. Directness is not rudeness. Silence is not disinterest. Lack of eye contact is not dishonesty. Every communication style has value.

10. Reducing Social Pressure in Communication

Many church settings involve social interaction, such as greeting one another, sharing testimonies or participating in group discussions. These moments can be difficult for neurodivergent people. Churches can reduce pressure by making participation optional, explaining what will happen and avoiding putting people on the spot.

Belonging does not require public speaking. It requires safety.

11. Training Leaders in Inclusive Communication

Leaders set the tone for communication. Training them to understand neurodivergent communication needs helps create a culture of inclusion. This training can include understanding literal interpretation, recognising processing differences, avoiding ambiguous instructions and responding with patience.

A leader who communicates inclusively communicates the love of Christ.

12. Communication That Reflects the Gospel

Inclusive communication is not merely a practical strategy. It reflects the heart of the Gospel. Jesus communicated with clarity, compassion and patience. He explained things when people did not understand. He used simple language when needed. He welcomed questions. He adapted His communication to the needs of those He met.

When the Church communicates in ways that include everyone, it reflects the character of Christ and becomes a place where all can hear, understand and respond.

In the next chapter we will explore how churches can create sensory aware spaces and environments that support neurodivergent people in every part of church life.

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© Richard J Kirk – 2026. If you want to know more, see: About Me…

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