Acceptance, Inclusion, Diversity and Our Church Community: Growing Good Lent 2025
Contemplating the warmth and love that permeate our church community often fills me with utter joy. It is a true reflection of the boundless love and acceptance that Christ himself embodies. When we consider the importance of inclusion and diversity within our spiritual home, we're not just being polite; we're touching upon the essence of the Gospel, which is divine love.
When we consider it, Jesus Himself welcomed people from all walks of life—the tax collectors, the marginalised, the sick, the Samaritans, even those he considered enemies. His table was expansive, but His love knew no bounds. As His devoted followers, shouldn't our churches mirror this radical inclusivity? In modern language, Jesus was woke!
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians (3:28), beautifully articulates this: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This powerful statement reminds us that our identities and societal categories pale compared to our shared identity in Christ. We are all created in God's image, each uniquely gifted and bearing a reflection of His glory. When we exclude or marginalise others based on their background, ethnicity, socio-economic status, ability, or any other difference, we are not only diminishing the richness of our community but also, in a way, limiting our understanding of God's multifaceted nature.
So, how can we actively cultivate a warm and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors? It starts with intentionality and a willingness to examine our hearts and biases. Here are a few thoughts:
Cultivating a Culture of Welcome: This goes beyond a friendly greeting at the door. It involves actively seeking out those who might feel overlooked, learning their names and stories, listening, and genuinely connecting. We could use mentorship programs or small groups that intentionally foster diverse relationships. Even our Prayer and Coffee Lunchtime Service at All Saints is only a “Mustard Seed”, but it is growing in number each month. Following the success of the second year of Lent Lunches, we are heading in the right direction, and there is much to be said for sharing a cup of coffee with another person and being present. Every time we open the door of All Saints, we welcome people seeking a quiet space, a cup of coffee, and silent prayers. The Welcome Cafe at St Michael and All Angels is another well-established and attended space.
Listening and Learning: We must be willing to listen to the experiences of those different from us. This may involve creating safe spaces for dialogue, inviting diverse voices to share their perspectives, and educating ourselves on issues related to justice and equity. Our understanding of scripture and the world deepens as we learn from others' lived realities. For example, many Christians from countries where it is a crime to be Christian have fled their homes for their lives to start anew in the United Kingdom, and have found solace, comfort and acceptance in one of our four wonderful Churches.
Challenging Our Assumptions: We all have unconscious biases. It's crucial to prayerfully examine these assumptions and challenge stereotypes that might hinder us from fully embracing others. Are there particular groups we tend to make assumptions about? Are we truly seeing individuals for who they are in Christ?
Ensuring Accessibility: Practical considerations matter. Is our building physically accessible to everyone? Are our communications transparent and inclusive? Do our programs cater to a variety of needs and learning styles? Are our Service times workable for everyone?
Recognising and Nurturing Others’ Gifts and Strengths: We all have strengths and weaknesses. Some may be naturally gifted at reading the Scriptures in church, while others are warm, welcoming, and make great coffee! When we nurture one another’s gifts, we come together as the Body of Christ, a compelling force.
Celebrating Diversity as a Strength: Instead of viewing differences as potential points of division, we can embrace them as sources of strength and creativity. Different perspectives enrich our understanding of God's Word and equip us to serve the broader community more effectively. Imagine the vibrant tapestry our church becomes when all the unique threads are woven together in love and fellowship!
Prayerful Reflection: The long but rewarding journey towards inclusivity is not one we undertake alone. It requires constant prayers and seeking God's guidance. We must ask Him to open our hearts, break down any walls within us, and empower us to love as He loves us. We seek hope and connection in prayer, strengthening our resolve to create a genuinely inclusive and diverse church community.
Creating a truly inclusive and diverse church community is a challenging task. It requires vulnerability, humility, and a commitment to ongoing growth. But the rewards reaped from this harvest are immense. When we embrace the 'all' that Jesus embraced, our churches become more powerful beacons of His love, reflecting the unity and diversity of the Kingdom of Heaven right here on earth. And in that warm and welcoming embrace, more and more people will encounter the transformative love of Christ, inspiring us to continue our journey of inclusivity: four Churches, one vision.
A.L.D 25