Inclusive Church
Inclusive Church
Radical Welcome
Radical Welcome Session 4
The journey to Radical Welcome
What type of congregation are we?
The inviting congregation
Birds of a feather flocktogether. They also lock
together. "This is who weare and we're not changing."
You maynot be white, but if you can"act" white, then you're in.
The visitor is expected to
become like the congregation ,
leaving outside their culture, beliefes and
identity
The congregation
is mainly concerned with
growth
If a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly,
and if a poor per son in dirty clothes also comes in, and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, "Have a seat here, please,"
while to the one who is poor you say, "Stand there," or "Sit at my feet,"
James 2: 2-3
The inclusive congregation
Anyone who comes to
this church will be
welcome.
Marginalised people are offered a place
inside the church but on the terms that those who have
power in the church keep it and remain largely unchanged Newcomers may
contribute to church life but this is not sustained and the
main congregation is indifferent
Only acceptable newcomers allowed: black graduates; gay
bankers; young classical musicians; and
articulate homeless people.
Newcomers are not genuine partners.
The church has began to hear, “wel come one
another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you,
for the glory of God" (Romans 15:7)
The radically welcoming
congregation.
The mission and purpose is for
liberation, justice and reconciliation
of all creation.
The congregation is a community with open doors and open hearts; newcomers share in mission, leadership,
worship and ministries.
All voices and gifts are present.
People of colour
Poor people
LGBT people
children
People with disabilities.
elderly
addicts homeless
God has graciously, prodigally welcomed you, because it is in Gods very nature to seek you out and welcome you home
when you feel the least worthy. Stephaney Spellman
commenting on the Prodigal Son Luke 15: 11-32
Radical Welcome
Inclusive Church
inclusive-church.org.uk
07935 374 877Radical Welcome Copyright acknowledgement © United Reformed Church
Inclusive Church
Inclusive Church