Initiative: To support a research and writing project on neurodiversity that will advance religion and theology in ways that address practical issues concerning Christian faith and life, the practice of ministry, religion, and social issues, with the potential to generate new knowledge that enriches the life of the church.

⭐ Terms/definitions are listed below.

Welcome; thank you for being here and reading my story. I am currently working on a doctoral research project serving as a foundation to educate and empower the church through materials including a scholarly writing (dissertation), book(s), certificate training program, and services.

Please note the lens from which I approach this topic is a love for the church as one within the church (overall body of Christ). Therefore, as voices speak up across society, representatives from within the church must be included. I believe the Lord has given this assignment to me for such a time as this. Hence, I add my voice from within the church with the hope that this contribution to the body of Christ will have an impact, and collectively we, the church, will hear the heart of our Father on this topic and be equipped to follow through. 

Problem: 

“There has been an injustice to My people.”

              Read more on this under “Why is this project important.”

Purpose: 

To examine the experience of neurodivergent people within the church and identify positive approaches to neurodiversity.

Why is this project important?

Because being neurodivergent should not be considered an inherent deficit but rather a difference in processing the world around us.

For too long, neurodivergent people have been viewed as flawed or something to be fixed or “cured,” and their autonomy has been threatened. Unfortunately, the church has not been immune to the same societal posture leaving a population of neurodivergent people dealing with religious trauma. 

As many take a stand to change the narrative throughout society, the church’s culture must also be examined.

All brains are different, and everyone, whether neurotypical or neurodivergent, should be treated equally, with equity and dignity: by individuals, the workplace, the church, and external environments. Moreover, everyone has a unique combination of abilities and needs.

This project has been stirring in me for more than a decade. Finally, in the last four years, there have been numerous confirmations that the time is imminent. So, I press in.

As I have heard the Lord speak to my heart, “An injustice has been done to my people. Do you see?” I aim to see and record all that He has me to do.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King Jr.

I hope that this contribution to the church will significantly impact how we love humanity with all its diverse people.

“Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are those who observe justice [treating others fairly] and who do right and are in right standing with God at all times.” Psalms 106:3 AMPC

Who am I? Why am I speaking out? Why me? And what does my career/training/experience involve?

My name is Kelly Friesen, and I am an ordained minister (Reverend) and a Certified Neuroscience Coach experienced in ministry and training, with tens of thousands of hours serving individuals (both neurotypical and neurodivergent) one to one through inner healing, deliverance, and coaching, as well as served in a lead pastor position for just over a decade. I continue to be sought out for consulting, deliverance, inner healing, and coaching from all neurotypes. 

I have seen firsthand the pain caused when neurodivergent people are not treated with the same honour and respect as their neurotypical cohorts. Additionally, the experience of the diagnostic process can be challenging and even traumatizing, most often focusing on “deficits” or “shortcomings,” which only adds to the narrative that the person is “broken.” This has spread into culture across platforms (the church not being exempt) and created ableism along with a “cure” narrative. Alternately, it is more prevalent for a neurodivergent person to celebrate another neurodivergent upon diagnosis. Why? Because it’s one more voice that can be heard, it’s one more person who can embrace their beautiful neurodivergent being and one more person that can find strength and fluidity in their everyday. Just as there are organizations that have sought to “cure” neurodivergent people, the church has played a similar role through a spiritual lens. 

I have ministered to many neurodivergent individuals, and God has always led me to treat each one as the unique person that they are, creatively and beautifully made, with strengths and talents, with a will and with a purpose. Though I am well versed, gifted, and sought out for my expertise in deliverance and inner healing, there has never been a formula regardless of the person’s neurotype. As I listen diligently to the voice of God for everyone equally, He leads some areas to be delivered or healed and others to be embraced and strengthened across all neurotypes (neurodivergent and neurotypical). There are times He has prompted me to minister direct deliverance and other times, said, “No, leave that, I put that there, and I like it. It is precious in my sight, purposed”. It is wrong to assume a quick response, generalization, or worse judgment when ministering to any individual. 

Perhaps the “healing of neurodivergent people” frequently called out in the church will come to pass through a different lens. Are we, the church, willing to be healed as well? Recovered from our perceptions and discriminations. Healed of judgment? Healed and forgiven. Are we, regardless of neurotype, ready to take responsibility for our actions and thoughts, and are we willing to hear? Are we willing to learn? Are we willing to use language that empowers rather than tears down? Are we ready to learn the language that the neurodivergent community prefers? Are we willing? Healing will come for us all when the neurodivergent is embraced and treated as equal to neurotypical. We are all made in the image of God, and every person is to be served, loved, and respected as such. 

I love the church and the people in it deeply, and it is from that lens that I desire to contribute so we can collectively minister more effectively to all and embrace the entire community, including neurodivergent individuals, professionals, and leaders in our midst with integrity and at the very least invite the conversation that leads to healing.

I invite you to join me in this critical mission.

⭐ Terms/definitions:

NEURODIVERSITY:

The diversity or variation of cognitive functioning in people. Everyone has a unique brain and, therefore, different skills, abilities, and needs.

Neurodiversity describes the different ways in which the brain functions in people. Its scope includes all Neurotypical and Neurodivergent.

The term neurodiversity was coined by sociologist Judy Singer in 1997.

Judy has built on her original idea:

    "Neurodiversity is:

    - a state of nature to be respected

    - an analytical tool for examining social issues

    - an argument for the conservation and facilitation of human diversity."

— Judy Singer 2020

"Neurodiversity refers to the virtually infinite neuro-cognitive variability within Earth's human population. It points to the fact that every human has a unique nervous system with a unique combination of abilities and needs."

Our collective differences are our strength!

 

NEURODIVERSE:

Describes the diversity and variation of cognitive functioning in people. 

Humanity is neurodiverse. 


NEUROTYPICAL: 

Neurotypical is a descriptor that refers to someone with brain functions, behaviours, and processing considered standard or typical. 

 

NEURODIVERGENCE:

Cognitive functioning that is not considered "typical."

 

NEURODIVERGENT:

Describes people who have a neurodivergence.

Note: most people use the term neurodivergent in a singular context. For example, "I am neurodivergent."

What falls under the term neurodivergent?

There is some discrepancy in what falls under neurodivergent, including preferred terminology. Still, without diving into that at this time, the list may include but is not limited to Autism/Asperger's/PDD-NOS, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, NLD or NVLD (Nonverbal Learning Disorder), ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), SPS (Sensory Processing Sensitivity), Empath, SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), Misophonia, Misokinesia, Alexithymia, Synesthesia, Meares-Irlen Syndrome, Hyperlexia, Tourette's Syndrome, etc.

It's important to note that Asperger's is technically no longer a diagnosis on its own and is now part of a broader category of autism. Though some still embrace their identity with this term, many prefer to identify as Autistic. It is essential to be sensitive to an individual's preference as the word Asperger's can have a negative connotation for some.

Additionally, some outdated diagnostic terms have been included as those previously diagnosed as such prefer to use these terms as they were their original diagnosis.

Why I like the term neurodivergent:

Neurodivergent is an excellent term because of the overlap of co-occurring conditions (multiply neurodivergent) that are often connected and sometimes part of the bigger picture. 

The term neurodivergent invites others to see the neurodivergent person as unique to themselves. It can remove pre-conceived ideas, stereotypes, or stigmas that can surround a diagnosis and set a stage for discovering their unique character and strengths. It keeps the individual from being placed in a box and celebrates them.

Just as when you meet one neurotypical individual, when you meet one neurodivergent individual, you have only met one. Everyone, regardless of neurotype, is unique and creatively made. 

You can help me by donating. Your donation will go towards the following:

Part 1:

  1. DOCTORAL STUDIES: the costs of tuition, research, creating, writing, editing, and anything related to obtaining my degree, including a scholarly dissertation leading to a book.


Part 2:

  1. BOOK(s): the costs of creating, writing, researching, designing, editing, publishing, marketing, advertising, and related. 
  2. Supporting the neurodivergent community through services or materials.
  3. Services or materials, marketing, advertising, and related costs to continue bridging the gap, including a certificate training program specific to the church. 


I accept single and monthly donations via:

➜ PayPal or Card here 

➜ e-Transfer (Canada) to email  info@kellyfriesen.ca

➜ PayPal Me @kellyfriesenca here  


Or

If you are in the USA and would like to receive a tax receipt for your donation:

USA *Tax receipt here 

*IMPORTANT: When you have completed your USA (tax receipt) donation, send a note via email to Kelly Friesen at info@kellyfriesen.ca with your giving details, or forward your email receipt. Thank you.

 

Thank you, your one-time and monthly donations make a huge impact today and as this project continues into the months/years ahead. 

Other ways you can help:

➜ You can help me by supporting, sharing, and spreading the message of this project to whomever you believe would be interested or could also assist me. 

➜ You can help by purchasing my courses here and my coaching program here

➜ If you are a neurodivergent individual or you love one, you can share your story with me. You are not alone. If you would like to share your experience within the church with me for inclusion in my book(s), please email me at info@kellyfriesen.ca. Your confidentiality and anonymity are assured. 

➜ Additionally, if you are neurodivergent or you love one and would like to apply to be on a waiting list (or would like more information) for personal ministry/consult/coaching, please email me at info@kellyfriesen.ca. 

➜ When my book(s) is published, you can purchase it, gift it, and leave helpful book reviews on Amazon for others to read.

➜ And you can help change the narrative by educating and empowering yourself through the certificate training program when it is developed. As a church leader/pastor, promote and purchase it for the leaders and teams within your church. If you would like to be notified when the program is available, send a note via email to info@kellyfriesen.ca.

You can also help by following me here:

Facebook: kellyfriesen.ca

Instagram: kellyfriesen.ca

Twitter: Kelly_Friesen 

LinkedIn: Kelly Friesen

YouTube: Kelly Friesen

My details for your information:

Kelly Friesen, Rev. ThM

Master of Theology (ThM) from MSU College of Theology (NCCT), GPA 4.0

The current field of study: Doctor of Ministry (DMin) in Neurodiversity at CMM College of Theology

Ordained Minister of the Gospel (Reverend) - Christ's Mandate for Missions and Correll Missionary Ministries

Certified Neuroscience Coach - OMI | CCE - recognized training institute with the International Coaching Federation (ICF)

Certification in Neuroscience Coaching & Leadership with specializations in NeuroRelationships, NeuroHealth, NeuroEducation, NeuroEntrepreneurship, and NeuroSpirituality.

The Council of Issachar Member – CMM World Missions

"The Council of Issachar members are select senior CMM five-fold ministers meeting regularly to intercede and prophesy (1 Cor. 14:3 encouragement, exhortation, edification) bringing transformation into individuals, ministries, 'now' issues, regions, and governments. These anointed/battle-tested Fathers and Mothers shepherd our CMM Missionaries and Ordained Ministers serving globally with wisdom to develop mature, fruitful leaders, healthy families, and vibrant fellowships."

Neurodivergent – "Nothing about us, without us."

Actual neurodivergent professional with over 50 years of bridging the gap between the neurodivergent and neurotypical through personal and professional experience. 

Endorsements

Website: www.kellyfriesen.ca

Email: info@kellyfriesen.ca 

 

Thank you all for your assistance. I remain inspired by all the brave neurodivergent people speaking up to change the narrative.