Have you ever thought about the chairs in our Corps? The ones we set out in neat rows every Sunday, each chair a quiet invitation to “Come, sit, be part of this family.” But what if one of those chairs isn’t enough? What if someone needs more space to join us? Or maybe they need the light a little dimmer, or the music softer? That’s the heart of inclusion—preparing a place with someone else in mind.
In The Salvation Army, our mission is clear. We’re called to intentionally create a space where every person, regardless of their ability, can experience God’s love. Every human being, the Bible tells us, is made in the image of God. We’re each stamped with His likeness, each one a unique reflection of His creativity and beauty. So when we think about those chairs in our Corps halls, or the doors to our buildings, or the attitudes in our hearts, we have to ask ourselves an important question: “Is there a place for everyone here?” Because if our Corps is for everyone, we need to make sure it looks like it.
Moving Beyond Stigma
Around the world, millions of people with disabilities face challenges that go far beyond physical limitations. Many experience the pain of being overlooked, misunderstood, or treated as “less than.” It’s a reality that goes deeper than ramps and accessibility policies. Sometimes, it’s a matter of hearts and minds. The Salvation Army stands with a commitment to go beyond what’s legally required. We’re called to be radical in our love, to offer spaces where people can not just be present but thrive. We believe that when people with disabilities are fully included, the church becomes richer, more complete—a true picture of God’s kingdom.
When we see people with disabilities as God does, we are better for it. They aren’t just “added” to the church—they enrich it, revealing facets of God’s love, beauty, and strength that we might otherwise miss. If we exclude them, we miss out on a deeper understanding of who God is.
The Beauty of a Diverse Church
Paul describes the Church as a body, with each part valuable and necessary. He reminds us, “Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (1 Corinthians 12:22 NIV). Every person, regardless of ability, has a unique role to play in the family of God. It’s only when we embrace everyone, without discrimination, that we experience the full beauty of God’s Church. Inclusion isn’t just a kind gesture; it’s the Gospel in action. When we make space for people with disabilities, we’re saying to the world, “God’s love has room for everyone, and so do we.”
Practical Steps to Make Room
So how can we, in our Corps and communities, actively create spaces that feel like home for everyone? It starts with a willingness to listen and adapt. Here are a few ways we can begin:
- Raise Awareness and Engage in Training: Sometimes, a lack of understanding can lead to unintentional exclusion. Let’s learn about different disabilities and how we can make practical adjustments to help people feel more comfortable and included.
- Be Intentional with Building Design: Whether it’s a ramp, seating arrangements, or toilets, accessible design isn’t an afterthought—it’s an expression of welcome.
- Consult and Involve: We’re better when we invite people with disabilities to share their needs and experiences. Their insights can help us build a more inclusive community that truly reflects God’s heart.
- Commit to Best Practice Communication: Small things, like offering printed materials in accessible formats or making sure we use people-first language (“person with a disability” rather than “disabled person”), can make a big difference.
- Promote a Culture of Mutual Support: We all need each other, and the journey of faith is best traveled together. People with disabilities aren’t simply recipients of ministry; they are essential members of the Body of Christ, with gifts and perspective to offer to the church family.
A Church That Looks Like God’s Heart
Imagine walking into your Corps and seeing a mosaic of people—some with walkers, some with hearing aids, some with no visible disability at all. And yet, everyone is worshipping, everyone is learning, everyone is growing together. This is what we’re called to create. A church that isn’t complete until everyone has a seat at the table. As The Salvation Army, let’s remember the heart of our mission: meeting human needs in Jesus’ name, without discrimination. That means going the extra mile to make sure no one feels like an outsider. The world often draws dividing lines, saying who’s “in” and who’s “out.” But God’s kingdom looks different. There, we’re all beloved. We’re all invited.
Let’s make sure that our doors—and our hearts—are open wide, creating a space where every person, every beautiful, God-imaged soul, can find their place … knowing they belong … know they are home.
The Salvation Army’s Positional Statement on Persons with Disabilities can be found at: https://s3.amazonaws.com/cache.salvationarmy.org/f0dae4b5-c0de-409f-a2bd-62755793533f_English+Persons+with+Disabilities+IPS.pdf