Scripture is authoritative
The ministry is rooted in a Reformed Baptist and Calvinistic understanding of Scripture. The ESV is the default translation. Scripture is authoritative and sufficient.
About the ministry
Scripture, responsible research, lived experience, and practical ministry reflection.
Different Members, One Body helps churches understand, welcome, disciple, and equip neurodivergent people, including autistic, ADHD, and sensory-sensitive Christians.
Founder
Stephen Mapstone
Stephen Mapstone is an autistic Christian, husband, father, deacon, and M.Div. student. He created Different Members, One Body to bring Scripture, responsible research, lived experience, and practical ministry reflection into the same conversation.
His experience is one perspective, not a template for every neurodivergent person.
The conviction beneath the work
The church is one body formed by Christ, not a room full of identical members. First Corinthians 12:12–27 teaches both unity and real difference. God arranges the members, gives varied gifts, and requires mutual care. The members who seem weaker are not disposable; they are indispensable.
Unity therefore does not require uniform communication, learning, sensory processing, or ways of serving. Churches can maintain biblical clarity while examining whether their customs confuse neurotypical familiarity with spiritual faithfulness.
Theological foundation and ministry commitments
Research serves application
Neurology, psychology, disability research, and human development can inform responsible pastoral application. They do not replace or overrule Scripture.
Listening guards against assumption
The ministry is committed to listening to neurodivergent Christians, families, caregivers, and ministry leaders rather than turning one story into a universal pattern.