Discovering & Cultivating Untouched Potential: Using Ethnography to Evaluate and Envision Ministry with Central Arkansas Autism Families Open Access

McMurray, Kathleen (Spring 2026)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/1g05fd29c?locale=en
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Abstract

Increasingly, children on the autism spectrum and their families experience isolation, particularly in communities of faith. Due to its proximity to a local school with strong special education, its existing ministries for children on the spectrum, and its heart for children and families, Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock has the potential to truly be a place of belonging and growth for Central Arkansas autism families. This paper will explore the problem of exclusion for autism families in churches, the call of Christ towards not just inclusion but true appreciation and belonging for children with autism, the challenges and potential for ministry with Central Arkansas autism families at Lakewood UMC with the fresh perspective of a recently appointed pastor, and a plan for moving forward as a congregation in ministry to be a church of belonging and growth for Central Arkansas autism families.

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