We've been looking at the story of David and Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9: 1-13) to see how the church can show God’s kindness to people with special needs and their families. Last time, we saw that the first kindness was the gift of life itself. The second kindness David showed Mephibosheth was the kindness of hospitality. David provided Mephibosheth with a place of welcome and safety.
7And David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul
David made it absolutely clear that Mephibosheth was a welcome guest at court. “Come on in, Mehphibosheth, good to see you. Make yourself at home. Mi casa, su casa.” Mephbibosheth enjoyed all the privileges of the David’s court and the safety that the court provided because he was a welcome guest of the King.
Have you ever gone somewhere and wondered if you were really welcome? That’s the way many families feel when they come to church for the first time with a family member who has a disability. Church members want to be kind and friendly but sometimes we send subtle and unintended messages to the contrary because we are unprepared to meet the special needs of this family.
Imagine bringing a child with Down Syndrome to church and inquiring about Sunday School. “How old is your child? His class is in room 112, down this hall, and to your left. Have a good day!” While this information is sufficient in most cases, it doesn’t begin to address a parent’s concerns for a special needs child. Who will look after him? Will he be safe? How will I be contacted if they need me? They might well ask themselves, “Are we really welcome here?” The inability of most churches to accommodate their needs leads many families with special needs to the conclusion that they are unwelcome and the environment is unsafe.
Well, then, how can we provide a welcome environment for special needs families?
Probably the best way we can start is to let it be known that people with special needs are welcome in our church. David reached out to Mephibosheth. He didn’t wait for Mephibosheth to come to him. Let’s put out the welcome mat – announce it on our website and on our sign – “Ask us about our Special Needs Ministry.”
Let’s demonstrate it in fellowship in our foyer and in our homes. Sometimes, people feel awkward around those with special needs. For some reason they don’t know what to say. They are afraid of making a mistake by drawing attention to their disability. As a result, they appear to be unfriendly.
If we greet people with disabilities in the same way we would greet anyone else we should be fine. Ask them about their family, home or other interests and speak to them directly rather than to a family member. It doesn’t have to be an awkward situation. What’s awkward is ignoring them entirely. Simply say “hello” and take it from there. And don’t worry about making a mistake. Somehow, we’ve all managed to make it this far by being ourselves. Go for it!
Next time: Hospitality -- A “Twilight Zone” moment.
Thoughts? Comments? I’d like to hear from you. Come along side. Side by Side, we’ll grow together!
No comments:
Post a Comment