I’d like to continue my thoughts on the Accessible Church by Sandra Peoples. You can check out my post yesterday on how we are all special needs people by reading this. Let me take it today in another direction. 

One of the famous initials from the last few years was DEI. Now, I know exactly what they mean when they say that. So let me give you a heads up when I say I am going to use the word inclusion here but do not want it to be associated with those initials. Those initials were used to water down, in the church’s case, the power and exclusion of the gospel in daily life. I want to be clear that when I say inclusion  I am standing firmly on the Bible as God’s written, infallible Word. No watering down. No compromise. 

Let me start with a story from Sandra’s book. Jessica and Grant and their two sons visited the church Elizabeth was a part of. During the welcome, Scripture reading, opening prayers, and music, the younger of the two sons wiggled in his chair, played on the floor, use his chair as a spot to draw on, stood on his toes and rocked during the music all while covering his ears, and when it came time to sit down for the sermon he tried to get past his dad. He was prepared. The mother was prepared with colored pencils, chewing gum, and a myriad of other things. The older brother acted disinterested. The attention the son received was from other church members. The husband left with his son and went into the lobby where he was able to watch on the TV screen. As soon as the service was over the mom and older son left. Elizabeth ran them down, introduced herself, and told them she was glad they came. In the ensuing conversation she shared how she had a nephew with autism and what the church did for him. 

Long story short they became actively involved in that church…all because one woman reached out and expressed an understanding. Sort of like Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Philip reached out to the man who was searching. Philip was an example of the true meaning of the word inclusion. As Sandra explains it: approach, ask, and adjust. Do you see that is what Elizabeth did? She approached them. She asked questions. She offered them a way to find accessibility in order for them and their son to be included! The goal of inclusion is not to compromise truth or to make someone feel better. No. The goal of inclusion is for a family and their special needs child to be able to hear, understand, and respond to the gospel message of Good News. 

I challenge you to get out of your comfort zone and go where “angels fear to tread.” Approach a special needs parent. Ask questions. Help them feel welcome. You’ll be glad you did.