Characters

A sensory individual lives in the world of “real world” sensory data – sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, and body movement. Their understanding of important information (including scriptural truth) is strongest when it is experienced through the senses – such as singing worship songs / playing an instrument, sharing communion, fasting / intercessory prayer, and/or celebrating a special event (eg Passover). We see in scripture how our Lord used sensory experiences to teach important truths – washing the feet of the disciples, sharing bread and wine at the Passover supper prior to His death, and teaching with parables connected to the real-world activities in people’s lives (sower and the seed). Congregations can adapt to the sensory style by incorporating sights, sounds, touch / body movement, taste, and smell sensory elements into their worship and teaching. Sensory individuals tend to be naturally drawn to ministry or service activities that involve “hands on” doing, and will experience their love for others by noticing and responding to practical real-world needs.

Check out our Sensory Specific Resources

A cognitive individual prefers to use thinking (facts and logic) to understand the world and interact with others. Testimonies or teachings on “feeling close to the Lord” will tend to be viewed as subjective and unreliable. However, in-depth Biblical study (including looking at the meaning in Hebrew / Greek, and reviewing all relevant scriptures on the topic) will be appreciated – as will opportunities for them to lead others in such in-depth study. Such individuals are also often drawn to apologetics – evaluating and challenging arguments for and against a particular point-of-view. People with strong social-emotional skills may experience cognitive individuals as “brutally honest” or even appearing to be confrontational, but it is important to understand that they challenging or confronting the logic or truth of a position – it is not intended as a “personal attack”. This tendency to critique a topic and provide feedback (or pushback) can help a home group or church avoid getting caught up in a “vision” or trend that seems right at the moment – but can have serious unforseen negative consequences.

Check out our Cognitive Specific Resources

The emotive individual experiences intense emotional states. When they are in a positive (or manic) state, they may be very happy, energetic, productive, and social – and their positive energy can be very appealing and charismatic. This positive energy also shows up in their spiritual life, and they will give themselves completely to a spiritual activity – particularly if it involves a group working together. In fact, they may give themselves so completely to a spiritual project that they may make decisions that may be reckless and impulsive (such as giving away money they need to pay rent). Emotive individuals also tend to unconsciously “pick up” on the emotional energy of others, and may find it easy to “weep with those who weep, and rejoice with those who rejoice”. This emotional sensitivity can help them empathize with others and want to support those who are struggling. However, this positive phase generally tends to “burn itself out” and then they crash. They can also experience the same emotional intensity in a negative state, and may become depressed or even suicidal. Their natural style is best utilized as a team member in a group activity (such as outreach), but it is important that they be provided with structure and regulating activities (such as exercise breaks and calming activities) to avoid burnout. They will also need support when they experience their intense negative states (being given the tyope of emotional support they gave others during their positive “up” state). Check out our Emotive Specific Resources

The imaginative person experiences strong sensory perceptions (hearing / seeing / sensing things others do not) and / or beliefs about the world that other people do not generally hold. These individuals may have visions or lucid dreams, and strongly believe they are receiving “prophetic words / visions” and “messages from the Lord”. Since these perceptions and visions occur in the context of a spiritual community with shared beliefs, and since imaginative individuals appear to be “grounded” in their daily life, it can be easy for others to view these visions / messages as consistent with – or a confirmation of – shared beliefs. These sensory perceptions and / or beliefs “feel real” for the imaginative individual, and seem to match what they read in scripture (about visions and prophets), so they become firmly convinced these are true. However, these perceptions and / or beliefs tend to quickly become extreme – and often end up with a “conspiracy” theme (the individual or group is being targeted or persecuted by others / unbelievers / government / satan). This can lead into a “battle” mentality where the imaginative individual gets caught up in an intense focus on constant “spiritual warfare”. The imaginative individual tends to hold on to these beliefs even when it does not match real-world facts. A home group or church can best support the imaginative individual by focusing their attention on structured study of scripture, and developing a “sound / balanced mind” that uses wisdom rather than “visions” to make life decisions. Cehck out our Imaginative Specific Resources

A parent, spouse, sibling, or friend can become overwhelmed by the challenges of acting as an advocate or mediator for their “neuro-diverse” loved one. There is often a tendency for others to offer simplistic advice or simply quote verses – without understanding the complexity of the situation. The ally will often be in a position of being unable to share confidential information of a medical or mental health diagnosis – and it is unlikely that lay people would understand the complexity of the situation even if they knew the diagnosis. A home group or church can help by providing emotional support (a listening ear and encouraging words) and practical assistance. It is usually best to ask the ally what kind of support they need rather than trying to guess. However, it may take some encouragement before the ally will open up and share their own needs – because they may feel their primary obligation and responsibility is to support their neuro-diverse loved one. They may feel “guilty” or “selfish” if they open up and share their own needs.

Check out our Ally Specific Resources