God’s Kingdom of Inclusion: From Theory to Practice
What does it truly mean to have an inclusive church? This question serves as the starting point for a thought-provoking conversation that explores the biblical principle of inclusion. We can breathe new life into this principle, moving beyond trendy buzzwords and making it a reality in our churches.
Let’s draw parallels from a character named Sean from the TV show, The Good Doctor. Sean's character, who has autism, demonstrates the power of inclusion in action. His ability to perform complex tasks and provide unique solutions, despite or because of his autism, highlights the value of every individual. However, the knowledge of Sean’s autism is intimidating to his colleagues. It leaves a lot to question and much of his intelligence is questioned, not because of his ability but because of his autism.
As the church, we can emphasize that God's kingdom is for everyone, and the inclusion of all abilities is crucial to fostering a vibrant worship community. Just as Sean has specific talents when processing information and problem-solving, he still struggles with sensory input and becomes overwhelmed in certain circumstances. Giftings in people are not without trouble, in whatever way that looks. However, a struggle, or a different way of doing things, does not negate the ability.
We need to recognize the divine purpose and callings of individuals with disabilities. These individuals, often overlooked in our church communities, possess God-given talents that can contribute to the enrichment of our worship community. It is not enough to simply acknowledge these individuals. Rather, we need to foster their abilities and talents, while encouraging their active participation in the worship community.
We need to check our attitudes towards inclusion and disability. If our attitudes do not align with the scriptures, we are presented with a challenge to shift our perceptions and create a community that truly embraces everyone. Inclusivity is not just about creating accessible spaces or providing the right tools. It is about changing our attitudes and perceptions towards individuals with disabilities. We need to see these individuals as God sees them, created in His image with a divine purpose and calling. Our social interaction is a great indicator of where we stand in inclusion. Are you feeling sorry for the individual? Are you looking at them as less than? Do you see the individual as incapable? These are great questions to check ourselves.
What is our call to action? I urge you to build a church that echoes the spirit of God's kingdom. It is a challenge for us to break down barriers and foster abilities within our worship community. This call to action extends beyond the confines of our churches. It is a call for us to create an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities, is valued and included and it starts with seeing people with disabilities as co-laborers in Christ.
