Neurodiverse? Neurodivergent? Inclusion? Belonging?

What does it all mean — and why does it matter to us as Christians?

An estimated 1 in 5 people are neurodivergent — living with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. But too often, our churches aren’t places where they feel seen, heard, or truly at home.

Join us for an inspiring and practical evening with Staci McLean, founder of The Neurocollective NZ, Christian author, and passionate advocate for inclusive worship and community.

With warmth, insight, and real-life stories, Staci offers a compassionate insight from both personal and theological perspectives—helping us better understand, support, and celebrate neurodivergent individuals and families in our faith spaces.

Also hear from Emma Cox, founder of the Island of Misfits, a thriving community in Tauranga for neurodivergent and marginalized young people. Emma will share her powerful journey of turning personal challenges into a platform of belonging, connection, and empowerment—showing how safe spaces can transform lives and celebrate every “misfit” for who they truly are.

Who should come?

Church staff, volunteers, kids ministry leaders, youth pastors, worship teams, families, and anyone passionate about inclusion, faith, and belonging.

What you’ll gain:

Clear explanations of neurodiversity and key terms
Practical ideas for access, inclusion, and belonging
Tools to support neurodivergent individuals and families
Encouragement for creating inclusive worship spaces
A fresh, faith-filled view: neurodiversity as a gift, not a deficit
Time for Q&A – and so much more!

Staci McLean is the founder and director of The Neurocollective NZ, an organisation dedicated to creating spaces where everyone truly belongs through advocacy, education, and support for neurodivergent individuals, families, churches and Christian organisations. An experienced speaker, and author of 'A Place where I Belong - Neurodiversity and the Church', Staci works closely with churches, and organisations to promote understanding, accessibility, and belonging for those with neurodivergent experiences.