"Everyone is welcome here," they proclaim with confident assertion from the pulpits of churches across the globe. But are they? Really? Is everyone welcome, or could it be suggested that some people are ... now let us be honest here ... some people are more welcome than others? Are those bringing talents and gifts not just a teeny weeny bit more welcome than those presenting with needs, and particularly those with special needs? How about the single unemployed guy with a limited range of literacy skills, or the young woman who is attracted to those of the same gender? Do they fit into church quite so easily as a family of reasonably well to do home owners with respectable nine to five jobs? We don't think so.

 

There are many people for whom church is not a comfortable place. The last ones to be able to see that are those who have always attended a church. They have next to no clue how difficult it can be for a seeking non church person to come along to a church service. Even the very act of walking through the doors can be daunting. Church can be extremely uncomfortable for those with no ability to sing. Sometimes it can be plain embarrassing if you are not used to it. What of those who are unable to follow a lengthy sermon. So often there is a 'preacher' or a 'pastor' who seems to be entirely oblivious to the reality that many people therein lost the thread of the talk after about five minutes. If your attention span is short, you have no chance. If you are positioned somewhere on the spectrum of autism then much of what is said makes no sense to you at all. Nonetheless, the speaker often continues to expound on minor theological points and numerous sub points. What is the point of that if there is anyone having to sit painfully through it? Where is the encouragement and the growth in such a practice? 

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We have the view that church services in particular can be uncomfortable for some, unwelcoming for others, and a stumbling block for many ..... yet week after week they plough on regardless. 

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We aim to try to come up with alternative ways of 'doing church' for those who may wish to or who may want to take a look without having to struggle through a church service. Whatever that will look like is anybody's guess (we have some ideas to begin with). We would greatly welcome any suggestions or ideas ... whizz them across on e mail to Spindriftercontact@yahoo.com ... and watch this space.