Is Your Ministry Accessible?

When we think about accessibility in our ministry spaces, it is common to assume that if the doors are open, anyone is welcome to come in. You might think that your church is accessible because there is a ramp somewhere or a portable ramp is easily brought out as needed.

But what if someone were to visit for the first time who was not familiar with where the ramp is, or knows how to call ahead for a portable one to come out? What about the child who is hard of hearing and may struggle in group settings? This kind of uncertainty can create barriers and raise anxiety in people that prevent them from just turning up, particularly if it’s going to create fuss.

Accessibility is more than a ramp. A church is accessible when people aren’t required to advocate for their needs by special request or every Sunday. We want our churches to welcome all people, every week, no fuss required. Accessibility ensures that all people, no matter what their disability is, can enter without any barriers.

Whilst this includes physical means, like having a ramp, hearing loops, and accessible bathrooms, it also extends into attitudes such as a welcoming community, effective communication, and a joy in making accommodations to help people thrive

How then do we evaluate if our ministries are accessible? How do we ensure that more and more people know that they are welcome?

We have put together a simple checklist to start the process of considering whether your church is accessible for all people. You can access and download the checklist here. It will ask you some preliminary questions such as whether you have large print Bibles, adequate signage, and information on your website.

There are also some resources to get started, such as property audits and congregational surveys from the Everyone Welcome Handbook.

Making adjustments and changes to remove barriers will not only benefit someone with disability, but it will benefit every other person in the ministry. Of course, ministry is more than checking boxes. It’s about relationships and bringing people to Christ. As you remove barriers, you will help more people be able to gather as God’s people and be united in Christ (Ephesians 4:1-6). Ensuring all people are welcome and that there is diversity will also help the body of Christ to thrive and function as God intended (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).