Finding a Family: Why Church Accessibility is Great for Everyone
By: Daniel Robinson, Missions Coordinator, Open Arms Community Church
In today’s fast-paced and often isolating world, many people crave a sense of belonging, a place to connect, and a community to call home. For centuries, churches have served as havens for spiritual nourishment and community-building. But how accessible are these spaces to everyone, really?
For too long, the doors of many churches have been metaphorically — and sometimes literally — closed to those with disabilities, those from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds, or even those simply unfamiliar with the traditions of organized religion. Making churches truly accessible is not just a moral imperative; it’s a benefit to everyone, fostering inclusion, diversity, and community strength.
The core teachings of most faiths emphasize compassion, inclusion, and love. For Christians, this is exemplified in Jesus’ ministry, which centered on embracing those marginalized by society. Churches, as the hands and feet of such teachings, must reflect this ethos by breaking down barriers that prevent full participation. Whether it’s a lack of ramps for wheelchair users, the absence of sign language interpreters, or services held in inaccessible formats, these barriers send an implicit message: “This isn’t a space for you.” Creating an accessible church means more than meeting legal obligations; it’s about extending the invitation of community to everyone. When someone who is blind can follow along because of braille hymnals, or when a family with a nonverbal child feels welcomed because of sensory-friendly services, it deepens the ties of fellowship. This inclusivity also strengthens the entire community. People of all abilities and backgrounds bring unique perspectives and gifts. By making church accessible, the congregation becomes richer, more vibrant, and more reflective of the world it aims to serve.
Accessibility often gets framed as something that’s “just” for people with disabilities, but the truth is, everyone gains from it. Ramps aren’t only useful for those in wheelchairs; parents with strollers and older adults with mobility challenges appreciate them, too. Captioning on screens doesn’t just help the hard-of-hearing; it benefits those in the back row or anyone trying to follow a dense sermon. Moreover, investing in technology like livestreamed services or multilingual resources opens the doors to those who might never have stepped into a sanctuary before, from the curious seeker to the homebound parishioner.
Making churches accessible takes effort and resources, but it’s an investment in people — and what better cause is there? That’s exactly the vision driving Open Arms Community Church as they prepare to launch their Church for All: Building Community and Accessibility capital campaign. With their move to a new location in downtown Bradford, the church is seizing the opportunity to create a space that embodies their commitment to inclusivity and hospitality. The campaign aims to fund critical improvements such as wheelchair-accessible entrances, updated restrooms, sensory-friendly worship spaces, and technology enhancements like hearing assistance devices and livestream capabilities. By prioritizing accessibility, Open Arms hopes to transform their new location into a welcoming haven for everyone in the community, no matter their abilities or background.
When churches commit to accessibility, they embody the universal message of love and acceptance. They become more than just buildings; they become places where anyone and everyone can find family, belonging, and purpose. And isn’t that what church should be? A place where the doors are always open — figuratively and literally — to all who seek refuge, connection, and hope.
This Giving Tuesday, join Open Arms Community Church in building a Church for All — a space where everyone, regardless of ability or background, can feel welcomed, valued, and included. Your generosity can help fund wheelchair-accessible entrances, sensory-friendly worship spaces, and other critical improvements that will open our doors even wider to the entire community.
Make a difference today and give the gift of inclusion at openarmscommunitychurch.org/churchforall. Together, we can create a church where everyone truly belongs.
