A church puts the phrase “Everyone Welcome” on the sign out front. Who actually is welcome at the church? Most would respond that they really mean everyone.
That may be true but some people are more welcome than others.
Here are two scenarios:
- A fairly wealthy businessperson, someone who is well connected in the community and who has leadership skills, arrives at church looking for a church home.
- A nonverbal autistic person who is also blind arrives with a caregiver.
Will these two people be welcomed in the same way? In an ideal world, yes they would be welcomed in the same ways and both would be recognized as bearing the image of God.
In reality, one person would be seen as a potential asset and the other person as a potential burden. The truth is that we often see people as means to accomplish a mission. Those who have something obvious to contribute may receive a more hearty welcome.
This is not to say disabled people have nothing to offer to accomplish the church’s mission. In fact I would say they have much to contribute.
Sadly, we see value in what people can do and we anticipate what people can do from first impressions. This often means that disabled people receive less of a welcome.
What is the answer? The first step is just being aware of the forces at work, not just within the church but within our hearts. Instead of just giving in to first instincts, take time to think through why we are reacting the way we are. As we become more aware, we can begin to change our behaviour.
