If-Then, Now-Next

When I think about how churches can better serve their congregations, it's not just about ramps and parking spaces—it's about ensuring that everyone can participate meaningfully in the service. Many people find traditional services unpredictable, noisy, and confusing, which can be a major barrier to worship. For those of us who experience sensory overload, transitions without warning can shift our focus from worship to worry. Thankfully, I've discovered two tools that can transform this experience: if-then and now-next. These aren't just classroom tricks; they're vital elements of hospitality that allow people to relax, process, and engage more fully.

Tools for Inclusion: If-Then and Now-Next

The if-then strategy clarifies cause and effect using straightforward language and visual supports. It serves as a bridge between expectations and outcomes, helping individuals predict and understand what comes next. For instance, in a children's class, we might use: "If you sit quietly for the story, then you can choose the next song." For adults, it could be: "If you need a quiet moment, then the sensory room is available." Consistency in using these tools across different environments within the church builds trust and predictability.

Meanwhile, the now-next tool shines during times of transition, which can be challenging for individuals with autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, or anxiety disorders. By clearly stating the present activity and the immediate next step, we reduce uncertainty—"Now we are praying, next we will have a snack." Using visual aids or slides near the stage helps everyone follow along. This approach is not just helpful for children; teens and adults can benefit from pocket schedules or phone lock-screens that provide independence without stigma.

Understanding Individual Needs

It's crucial to start with people, not tools. Disabilities vary widely from person to person. Two people with the same diagnosis may have varying sensory thresholds and processing speeds. I’ve learned the importance of asking direct, kind questions to understand what helps each person manage sensory input and transitions. By focusing on social and spiritual access, we ensure that expectations are clear and that the environment is safe for all.

The Science of Predictability

Why do these tools work so effectively? Predictability helps regulate the nervous system. When expectations are unclear, our brains remain on high alert, scanning for potential threats and wasting energy on guesswork. Clear sequences calm the amygdala, allowing us to focus on listening, learning, and worshiping. Visual aids offload cognitive load from working memory, while short, simple sentences make language processing easier. Over time, predictable routines become associated with safety, reducing anxiety before activities even begin.

Implementing a Predictable Structure

Implementing these strategies is straightforward but requires intentionality. Break the service into 4–6 major blocks, and create two-step now-next prompts for each. Print these prompts large and mirror them on slides. Develop a library of if-then cards tailored to your community. Train greeters and room leaders to use consistent language. Consider sensory needs: provide clear exits, quiet corners, and visible timers. Offer choices within a structured environment to give ownership without chaos. Sharing the routine with families midweek or publishing it in the bulletin with simple icons can further enhance predictability.

Respecting Diversity in Needs

Finally, consider edge cases with respect and care. Individuals who are blind or deaf may not need if-then instructions for behavior, but they benefit from accessible communication like tactile schedules, haptic cues, captioning, and ASL. Those with physical disabilities may not require these strategies unless another diagnosis is present, yet they still need social and spiritual access—clear paths, seat choices, and timely information.

In designing our services to be more predictable and structured, we are not just making worship accessible; we're saying to everyone, "Your needs matter here." This is not about controlling behavior—it's about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and able to connect with the community and their faith.