Adult ADHD and the Christian life: Church Services

What would the Christian walk be without church services?  Yet many Christians with ADHD cannot think of a worship service without feeling guilty that they can't pay attention.  Other difficulties that are explained by ADHD include becoming so focused on taking notes that you can't listen to the sermon, getting so distracted by illustrations that you forget the point being illustrated, making distracting comments to others, and feeling restless enough to move around in the pew.  Here are some tips to help you get the most out of a church service.

1.  Prepare your stuff for church the night before.  This might include your Bible, a pen, notebook, offering check, and anything else you might need for your children.  Put it next to your shoes, in front of the door, or even in the car, so you can't forget it.
2.  Plan on dressing comfortably.   Don't let your clothes be a distraction.  This holds for itchy dresses and sweaters and pinchy shoes.  Also, bring something comfy to keep you warm if air conditioning or cold air can be a problem.  Something with pockets can conceal a fidget item nicely.

3.  Prepare your heart.  Ask God specifically to help you to remain focused on what He wants you to hear from the service.

4.  Get a good night's sleep before the service.  If necessary, set an alarm or enlist a family member to remind you that it is time to get ready for bed.  Sleepiness impairs concentration.

5.  Consider bringing something inconspicuous to fidget with if you feel restless enough that you cannot focus on the sermon.  Oddly enough, fidgeting with something mindless can keep the rest of your body still enough so that you can focus on something else, like the sermon.  It should be quiet and preferably something you can keep hidden in your pocket or one hand.  Some people use rosary beads or a cross, or even a pebble.

6.  Consider sitting up front, close to the speaker.  This eliminates distractions coming from people in front of you.  Also, people coming and going from the sanctuary are less likely to come very far forward.  If you have a hyperactive child with you, however, sitting up front may become a distraction for everyone behind you.

7.  Be careful whom you sit next to if you tend to make a lot of extra comments.  Usually its best to pick someone you know well enough to apologize to if you make an impulsive remark you regret later, and not next to a newcomer who is easily offended.  (Though actually, we did this once, offended someone in a really embarassing way, and had to apologize, which the person appreciated so much they came back!)

8.  Consider serving as an usher or in making music if you really must get up and move around.

9.  Don't worry about taking sermon notes if you find it unhelpful.  If you want notes for later, ask the speaker or have a friend take notes for you.  Make sure the person isn't sitting next you, so that you cannot get drawn into the process.  You also might consider listening to a taped or online version of the sermon.  If the people who are with you don't mind, you might also consider attending more than one service.

10.  Consider watching a screen.  For some people with ADHD, it is easier to focus on a screen than on a live person.  You should not skip church altogether because watching a sermon on TV at home puts you out of fellowship.  However,  some churches offer closed circuit TV in a lobby or quiet area for people who cannot listen to the sermon in the main sanctuary.  This type of arrangement can also be helpful for those who listen better if they are moving.
11.  Don't stop coming to church because you have a hard time paying attention.    Of course its better to pay attention than not, but if you miss stuff even though you are trying to pay attention, I'm pretty sure the Holy Spirit can bring your attention in to what you need to hear if you are doing your part to try.  Importantly, coming to church serves many other purposes than just learning from the sermon.  You're also there to encourage and serve others and to be encouraged and served by others, as well as to link up with other events that may be occurring during the week that may be more ADHD friendly.

Reference:

US Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Office of Special Education Programs, Teaching Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder:  Instructional Strategies and Practices, Washington, DC, 2006.