It's Not What You Think: The Cognitive Dissonance of Neurodivergence in the Black Church

After years of careful consideration, I have decided not to be so passive about stark differences I see in how we treat people who do not fit the monolithic tropes our culture has created in the Black church. Neurodivergence has become a trending topic as we live in a society that loves to be labeled. Before this was a trend, people like me did not have the privilege of just adding the label. We had to live our lives in a world that does not see us as properly functioning members of society. 

What is Neurodivergence? 

Neurodivergence refers to the natural differences in how people’s brains think, learn, process information, and experience the world. It includes conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette’s, and others. Still, the key idea is that these are not disorders to be fixed, rather variations of the human mind that bring unique strengths and challenges.

Here’s my personal context…

There is nothing to fix. But there is so much we can do to educate and understand. There is such a wide spectrum, and one person will not look like another. There are people like me who are fully functional but have issues socially and emotionally. Some of us have cognitive differences and require more attention to live fulfilled lives. Recently, I have wondered if my ability to assimilate to societal standards can contribute to the fact that I didn’t have a choice. Growing up in church, I had to get over my lack of comfort and adjust to a church setting. That means I will be in front of people often, and I will have to speak when I don’t necessarily want to. There is a standard that was expected that left me drained, but it’s all I know, and I learned to enjoy it. In addition, there was a level of understanding and safety I experienced once it was clear that I was a bit different. Until recently, I was protected and understood. Isolated but understood, and that was fine with me. I have consistently been studious and focused a great deal of my life on learning. It’s an obsession because it nurtures my ever-turning brain. People like myself enjoy complexity, and we often become politicians, scientists, authors, and inventors. I enjoy problem-solving, and I am naturally analytical. In contrast, I do not hold as much value in relationships in ways that most people do. I have never had many friends, but the friends I did have, I valued greatly. Each of my friends are people who understand how I function and does not expect anything from me outside of that. I see friendship as necessary to live a fulfilled life but it's not something I consider a priority.

I surround myself with like-minded, intellectually relatable, and emotionally intelligent people. I have lost friends because of how I view friendships, because of my lack of understanding of certain social cues. Not to sound haughty, but I have trouble thinking about simple things. Growing up, I sometimes didn’t know if someone was being passive-aggressive because I am direct. Most times, I speak truth to situations, and then I am confused about the sudden backlash. I see people and situations for what they are, and I manage people and things as they are. For example, if you are a liar, I just might call you one and move on with my life. Now you’re mad, and your anger is baffling to me because you KNOW you are a liar. What's the problem? What I have done to combat my natural way of processing is to develop a high level of emotional intelligence, and I have learned to hone in on my sensitivity to the energy of people rather than ignore it. I see my difference in brain functionality as a Superpower rather than a crutch.

How does this relate to the church? Specifically, the Black church. 

Here’s the flip side……We need to know what a Neurodivergent person could look like in your church.

1. Neurodivergence and Perception

Neurodivergent people (including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, etc.) often process sensory, emotional, and social information differently from neurotypical individuals. This can heighten certain forms of awareness:

• Pattern recognition: Many neurodivergent people notice inconsistencies or underlying motives quickly.

• Emotional sensitivity: Some experience emotional cues more vividly, allowing for deeper empathy or intuitive reading of people.

• Hyperfocus: When engaged, their attention can cut through surface noise to discern what truly matters.

This kind of attunement can feel like discernment, a natural ability to “sense” what others might overlook.

2. Spiritual Discernment and Intuition

In spiritual or faith-based contexts, discernment often refers to spiritual sensitivity, perceiving truth, motives, or divine direction. Neurodivergent individuals might:

• Experience heightened internal awareness, leading to clearer spiritual impressions or convictions.

• Feel more connected to subtle spiritual cues due to their unique neurological wiring.

• Rely on intuition as a compensatory strength for areas where social norms or conventional logic may not resonate.

I have to decipher between what my brain is telling me and my discernment. Because it could be just deep processing and heightened awareness. But thank God for the gift of the Holy Ghost because it helps me filter my thoughts from the Lord’s. This is what I have been developing and practicing. As I stated earlier, until recently, I was protected and understood. Isolated but understood. Now I am experiencing a level of misunderstanding that to me is willful ignorance. It's simply because of a lack of awareness and monolithism that is common in Black churches. I can’t help but think about people in churches like me who aren’t getting the understanding they need in order to enjoy church like other members. You might not need to tell someone you have ADHD normally, but it might come up if you desire to work in Administration at church. Telling someone you are on the autism spectrum may not be necessary until you have the desire to teach Sunday school. Personally, I did not find it necessary to explain my differences until it was time for me to serve. I thought when I got the Holy Ghost, I was going to be healed and be “normal”. I thought when the Lord called me, He was going to fix me. I begged the Lord in prayer to change me so I can be who my leaders expect me to be, so I can work well with others in ministry, so I can fit into the standard. 

In prayer, the Lord eventually asked me, “Will you still serve me if nothing changes”? Of course, I said yes, and I haven’t heard anything from Him in regards to this topic since then. What if I’m not the one who needs to change? There is not much research done on Neurodivergent members in the Black church. There is not a priority among our leaders to educate themselves on this topic, so awareness is lacking. However, a leader won’t know this about their members unless they are informed. The good news is that education can start now, and the research is slowly being developed by brilliant minds in the Black faith community. Once your leader is aware, it is their job to educate themselves on how to be an effective leader to you. It is then my job to be open, adjust when I can, and submit. 

How do Neurodivergent members add value to the church?

1. They bring fresh revelation and creative insight

Many neurodivergent people process patterns, symbols, and emotions in unique ways. Within a Black church context, and storytelling, rhythm, and revelation are central. They are often our prophets, intercessors, and “helpers” in the church. They often:

• See spiritual truths differently, offering new interpretations of scripture or prophetic insight that others might overlook.

• Bring innovative ministry ideas or unorthodox solutions to long-standing problems.

• Challenge the church to break cycles of “this is how we’ve always done it,” inspiring revival through renewed thinking.

  
  

  2. They model authenticity and empathy

Because neurodivergent believers often navigate the world differently, they deeply understand what it feels like to be misunderstood or excluded. That awareness can produce extraordinary empathy, especially valuable in:

• Outreach and pastoral care, where compassion and listening are key.

• Mental health ministries as advocates for destigmatizing emotional and neurological differences in the Black community.

• Youth and inclusion programs, modeling that God’s design is diverse and intentional.

3. They expand worship and expression

Our church worship is sensory-rich, with music, movement, sound, and light. For some neurodivergent members, that’s overwhelming; for others, it’s freeing (very freeing for me). Their engagement can teach churches how to:

• Create sensory-aware worship options (quiet rooms, visual supports, structured liturgies).

• Encourage multiple forms of expression, art, poetry, visual media, and tech that are beyond the pulpit or choir.

• Recognize that worship doesn’t have to look uniform to be powerful, especially in the Pentecostal church.

4. They strengthen ministry systems and leadership

Neurodivergent individuals often excel in areas like:

• Detail orientation (administration, event planning, media, finance).

• Strategic thinking (seeing long-term patterns, anticipating outcomes).

• Hyperfocus on mission — staying dedicated to a cause even when others lose momentum.

At its heart, the Black church is about liberation. We are spiritual, social, and emotional. Including neurodivergent members doesn’t just diversify the pews; it restores the full image of God in the congregation. I don’t want to have to survive church; I just want to be seen how God sees me. 

In Conclusion: How can Church Leaders Do Better in this Area? 

1. Educate before you accommodate

Before trying to “fix” behaviors or participation styles, leaders should seek understanding.

• Learn what neurodivergence really is, not just autism or ADHD labels, but the diversity of minds and needs represented.

• Invite professionals or neurodivergent members to share their experiences in leadership meetings or training sessions.

• Recognize that spiritual sensitivity does not mean mental instability, as neurodivergent people may process the Spirit or emotion differently.

2. Practice relational safety, not just spiritual authority

Black church culture often prizes high-energy worship and expects constant participation not just in services but in fellowship as well. For neurodivergent members, that can be intimidating and exhausting. Leaders can help by:

• Offering private feedback rather than public correction.

• Valuing quiet presence as much as visible participation.

• Building trust so neurodivergent members know they are seen, not scrutinized.

3. Reimagine worship and participation

• Provide sensory-friendly spaces or quiet corners during worship, if applicable.

• Allow flexible forms of service because not everyone will thrive on a microphone or in a crowd.

• Use visuals, written outlines, and predictable routines to make ministry meetings and services more accessible. This shouldn’t be possible in a Pentecostal church, but it’s the thought that counts.

4. Empower their strengths

Neurodivergent members often have unique gifts: creativity, pattern recognition, empathy, honesty, and focus. Leaders should:

• Match them to ministries that use those strengths (media, design, intercession, teaching, admin, tech, etc.).

• Celebrate their perspective, not just their participation.

• Include them in leadership planning, not as tokens, but as voices of wisdom.

5. Build community awareness

Train your congregation to see neurodivergence as God’s intentional diversity, not something “other.”

• Host inclusion Sundays or workshops.

• Add a neurodiversity statement to your ministry handbook or vision plan.

• Encourage testimonies from neurodivergent members when they feel ready — stories build empathy.

6. Lead with grace, not performance

Neurodivergent believers often battle internal pressure to act a certain way. As "churchy" as I am, I understand every member is not like me. So great leaders remind them:

• Faith isn’t proven through volume or visibility.

• God honors sincerity over style.

• Rest and quiet obedience are also spiritual gifts.

My difference is my ministry, not my deficit.

References

Brewer, L. P. C. (2019). The role of the Black church in public health. American Journal of Public Health, 109(10), 1360–1362. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2019.305286

Mapson, C. B. (2021). Inclusion of the autism population in churches, schools, and communities [Doctoral dissertation, Duke University]. DukeSpace. https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/bitstreams/745f0e47-7be4-4b13-ab29-30ca3214dcfd/download

Masango, M. J. (2019). Neglect of people with disability by the African church. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 75(4). https://doi.org/10.4102/hts.v75i4.5388

McIver Penny, L. (2023). Worship with differently abled people. Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/articles/latonya-mciver-penny-inclusion-black-churches

Pearson, J. N., Malone, K. M., Stewart-Ginsburg, J. H., Manns, L. D. C., Martin, D. M., & Palazzo, K. M. (2023). “We should all be welcome:” A discourse analysis of religious coping for Black parents raising autistic children. Journal of Disability & Religion, 28(3), 223–239. https://doi.org/10.1080/23312521.2023.2178993

Unidentified Author. (n.d.). The investigation of African American Baptist church leaders’ knowledge and understanding of autism spectrum disorder. Brandeis University Library. https://search.library.brandeis.edu/discovery/fulldisplay/cdi_proquest_journals_3123634438/01BRAND_INST%3ABRAND