Quick Steps:
1. Reserve a pew and call it "Adam's Pew".
2. Notify those in the local community that it is available for those who have not felt comfortable attending church services in the past.
3. Encourage the congregation to make a special welcome to anyone sitting in “Adam’s Pew".
4. Church leaders then contact the family sitting in “Adam’s Pew” and determine their special needs and necessary accommodations.
Detailed Steps:
1. Reserve a pew. Locate a pew, preferably in the back of the church, to minimize distractions for the rest of the congregation. If this is not possible, locate a welcoming and functional pew. Clearly label this pew as "Adam's Pew". A card or form asking for a name and phone number may be helpful in the event the family leaves early. This provides contact information for a return invitation. The card could be placed in a designated box or envelope and placed in the collection basket as appropriate.
2. Notification of local community. Place ads indicating Adam's Pew is ready and available for use. Make a public appeal to those who have avoided Church in the past and make it clear that your church welcomes them and will make every effort to accommodate their special needs. Your goal will be to fully include them in the life of your faith community. Suggestions for ads include local or neighborhood newspapers, local radio, or church newsletters. Ask the congregation to notify friends, relatives, or neighbors of the project.
3. Welcoming from the congregation. Educate the congregation about autism or other reasons why people hesitate to attend church. Help the congregation understand that church is for everyone since we are all made in the image and likeness of God. Useful scriptures might include the stories of Jesus going out to associate with the tax collectors, prostitutes, and public sinners. He also accepted the lepers who broke the law by defying "public health standards" by coming to Jesus. Jesus entered the homes of the righteous as well as the tax collectors inviting all people to know the Father through him. For the Jewish faith, you might speak of the requirement to accept the sojourner who dwells among you and those who are marginalized in society. On a practical level, ask those who are seated near the reserved pew to shake hands and greet anyone who chooses to use “Adam’s Pew”. If there are any minor disruptions, ask the congregation to not stare, but rather turn and smile. Simple gestures mean a lot to a family struggling to keep children in the pew, let alone pay attention. Let your congregation know the family may bring in food items, a variety of toys, pillows, or even blankets. These are often used as a means of keeping children with autism calm. If a child with autism reaches out to touch a stranger, it is important to gently accept the child's outreach. On the odd chance that the child does something inappropriate, the parents will control the situation.
4. Church leaders contact with the family. Greet the family warmly after church and inquire about their special needs. Find out what has kept them away from church and explore ways together to overcome these obstacles. Each family will have a unique situation. If necessary, hire a behavioral consultant to make suggestions for creating successful church experiences for each individual child and their family. A list of behavioral consultants can be located through social services, public schools, or group homes and residential institutions. Further education of the congregation may be necessary so they can become involved in the process of fully integrating new families into the life of the Church. Also see our Resources for organizations that have programs available for use. Remember to make accommodations for religious education and other aspects of church life. In most cases, the family will express their needs so they can be included in the life of the church. Once integrated, the family may choose to sit in a "regular" pew of their choice or another "Adam's Pew" will be needed. In any case, make sure there is always an "Adam's Pew" open to new families. If you would like your church listed on this site as having an "Adam's Pew" available, please contact us and we will list your church, denomination, and location on our site, under "Current churches offering an Adam's Pew".