Asperger's and church

[Sportster]

I Googled ?pastors with Asperger?s? and came across several sites with articles. As usual, I found myself going down several rabbit trails, but all interesting nonetheless. The Puritan site was the most disturbing, as many on there felt that one with Asperger?s should be disqualified from serving in the pastorate. I?ll save my comments concerning one?s fitness for the pastorate for my group, ?Christian Aspies.? You?re welcome to join if you like.

Here?s the link to where I found the article I posted but then deleted.

VillagePastor: Living with Aspergers

Anybody on a quest for a church, I can sympathize. Those who want to ?fix you? should be asked, ?Why, what makes you think I?m broken.? A church in which I was involved hired a new pastor that had a problem with ?my personality? from the very day he started. I?ll save that story for the group or a private message, except to say they drove me out after serving faithfully in many capacities for several years. I had several take me on as a project. At the time I didn't realize what was happening, but now I look back and see how demeaning it was.

 

[Lizbet]

That's an interesting article. Where did you find it? I'm a Christian as well as an Aspie and I've been struggling with looking for a church because of the social expectations surrounding "fellowship" and "service." I want to be in worship, but going beyond that can be really hard because people start noticing that I'm "shy" or an "introvert" and try to take me on as a project to bring me out of my shell. I've actually had people claim that they're going to "fix me." :furious:

 

[GHA]

Parents love and understand an Asperger child. There only concern is the world around them. I firmly believe,as a parent, that God has bestowed this responsibility on me to help my son in which ever way I can, so that he can adapt to the challenges he faces. Aspergers do not have low IQ at all, as a matter of fact they are far more intelligent and focused than NTs. My only advice to parents is that don't compare them to anyone,they are individuals with a different skill set. They are in this world to do extraordinary things. Don't try to make them NTs.

 

[Ste11aeres]

I grew up in a Catholic sub-culture where Aspie-like traits were actually valued.
Now, still Catholic, the churches I attend are more part of the mainstream culture, and it is a bit harder. But I found a church where no one knows me and I'm able to keep to myself. The Church building itself is understood to be a silent place for prayer, so I can slip in, commune w God, and slip out w-out talking to anyone.

 

[FutureTeacher]

Church is actually one of the few places where I can appear semi-normal. I teach religious education, emceed multiple Masses (favorite day was having Christmas Eve/Christmas, 6 Masses, 24 hours, total insanity. I'm known to be quiet, but I get things done. Now I work for my college doing basically same thing. I feel so comfortable there, just wish I was as comfortable in other social situations. Also, should have noted. Raised and very active Catholic still. Conservative Churches, but very welcoming.