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

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Inclusive Church

Inclusive Church