By Lauren Wilson, Columnist
The First Episcopal District celebrated a historic milestone during Aspire 2026 (formerly Christian Education Congress), held July 6–9 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, NJ, by introducing its first-ever Stay Space (Sensory Room)—a dedicated space designed to provide peace, comfort, and support for individuals who may become overwhelmed by the energy and activity of the conference.
Known for its vibrant worship, dynamic classes, inspiring preaching, music, and fellowship, Aspire is a mountaintop experience for many. Yet for individuals with autism, sensory processing differences, ADHD, anxiety, and other disabilities, those same experiences can become overwhelming. The Sensory Room offered a welcoming environment where children, youth, and adults could regulate, recharge, and return to worship and learning when they felt ready.
The vision for the Sensory Room began at St. Matthew AME Church in Orange, New Jersey, the first church in the State of New Jersey to establish a sensory room for differently-abled individuals and their families. The ministry was inspired by Lauren Wilson, daughter of Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, who recognized the need for intentional spaces that support individuals with diverse sensory needs.
This ministry is especially close to Wilson’s heart. As the mother of a brilliant five-year-old differently-abled son, she understands firsthand both the beauty and the challenges of ensuring every child has the opportunity to worship, learn, and experience God’s love in an environment where they feel safe and accepted. Her family’s journey transformed a personal passion into a ministry that now serves countless others.
Building on the success of the ministry at St. Matthew, Wilson envisioned bringing that same spirit of inclusion to Aspire with the support of Dr. Sam Green, Jr. PhD. Through prayer, planning, and collaboration, that vision became a reality, making this the first time a Sensory Room has been available during the conference.
“We often say that everyone is welcome in God’s house,” Wilson said. “But true hospitality goes beyond opening the doors. If we believe that all are welcome, then we must intentionally create spaces and provide resources for those who worship and learn differently. Inclusion is an expression of Christ’s love.”
The Sensory Room featured sensory-friendly tools, calming activities, flexible seating, soft lighting, and a peaceful atmosphere where attendees could take a break from the stimulation of the conference while remaining connected to the Aspire experience. Families expressed gratitude throughout the week for having a place where they felt understood, supported, and free from judgment.
For Wilson, the ministry is rooted in the Gospel.
“The church should be the one place where everyone knows they belong,” she said. “We have to change our hearts and our perspective toward people whose needs may be different from our own. Every person is created in the image of God and deserves to feel welcomed, valued, and at home in the house of the Lord. When we intentionally remove barriers, we make room for people to encounter Christ.”
The debut of the Sensory Room at Aspire represents more than a conference accommodation—it is a ministry of radical hospitality. It reflects the Church’s calling to love without limits, embrace every member of God’s family, and ensure that accessibility is woven into the fabric of ministry rather than treated as an afterthought.
As congregations across the AME Church continue to seek new ways to serve their communities, the hope is that this initiative will inspire churches throughout the Connection to become more accessible and inclusive. The message is clear: when we create space for those who have too often been overlooked, we become a more faithful reflection of the Body of Christ.
For churches interested in establishing a sensory ministry or creating a sensory room, guidance and consultation are available. To learn more or receive assistance in developing a sensory-inclusive ministry at your church, please contact Lauren Wilson at Lwilson@stmatthewame.org
Because in God’s house, there is room for everyone.
