What happens when we assume competence and simply say hello?
Many churches express a genuine desire to welcome people with disabilities but often feel uncertain about how to begin. I've come to understand that the answer is both simple and profound: start with “hello.” That initial moment of contact is crucial because it establishes a tone of dignity, safety, and belonging. When we lead with a greeting, we’re not just initiating a program; we’re starting a relationship. By saying hello, we open the door to understanding individual communication styles, sensory needs, and personal preferences. It’s the most basic act of hospitality we can offer and is the first step in transforming our culture from passive welcome to active inclusion.
The Importance of the First Greeting
Starting with hello doesn’t guarantee perfect communication, but it does signal our intent: “I see you, and I’m willing to learn how you communicate.” Some people may respond verbally, while others might use ASL, a device, pictures, gestures, or may need extra time to process. The key is not memorizing every possible communication method but being observant and adaptable. If someone steps back, we give them space; if noise is overwhelming, we lower our voice; if the timing feels off, we slow down. These are the courtesies we naturally extend to new people in our lives. Disability doesn’t change these fundamentals; it simply reminds us to practice them with greater care and patience. From this starting point, we can ask questions like, “How do you like to communicate?” or “What helps you feel comfortable here?” These questions return control to the person, showing respect and allowing us to tailor our welcome to the individual rather than a stereotype.
Listening and Respecting Individual Needs
In my experience, listening is not optional. By asking, “How would you like to be treated?” we shift from generic inclusion to respecting personal dignity. Over time, this trust enables us to learn preferences around touch, volume, transitions, seating, and participation, reducing anxiety for everyone and creating a predictable, kind environment where people want to return. Assuming competence is a crucial mindset shift. Too often, we assume “can’t,” “won’t,” or “don’t understand.” A better approach is to assume a person can understand and contribute when presented with accessible pathways. This might involve plain-language teaching, visual supports, quiet spaces, flexible seating, or buddy systems. It might mean having ushers trained to recognize communication devices and greeters who wait patiently for responses. Assuming competence also reframes behavior, helping us see that what appears as disinterest might be sensory overload.
Embracing Everyone’s Unique Contributions
The theological foundation is clear: every person bears the image of God. This truth disallows tokenism and demands full belonging. Image-bearing implies creative purpose, spiritual capacity, and communal value. Churches live this out by making the Gospel accessible in both form and content—through visual story Bibles, captioned videos, interpreters, sensory-friendly services, and clear next steps for involvement. Accessibility isn’t a special project; it’s a discipleship practice. We aim for everyone to know Christ, grow in him, and serve with their gifts. This requires training, starting with volunteer teams learning basic disability etiquette, practicing de-escalation through calm presence, planning predictable routines, and maintaining simple communication. It also requires listening spaces—panels, Q&A sessions, and feedback forms—so those with disabilities and their families can shape the ministry that serves them.
Practical Steps for Inclusion
To turn this vision into action, we can start with practical steps. Develop a greeting script like, “Hi, I’m [Name]. I’m glad you’re here. Is there anything that helps you feel comfortable?” Train greeters to look for cues like devices, headphones, or stimming and to respond without judgment. Establish quiet zones with soft lighting. Provide visual schedules of the service flow. Offer multiple ways to respond—prayer cards, text lines, visual prompts—so communication isn’t limited to speech. Recruit buddies who shadow with consent and audit signage for clarity and contrast. Caption livestreams and include basic ASL for common moments, partnering with interpreters when possible. Most of these changes require time and thoughtful engagement, yet they pave the way for a truly inclusive and welcoming community.
In my journey, I’ve found that starting with “hello” is a small step with a profound impact. It’s the beginning of understanding, connection, and transformation. And it’s a commitment to seeing every person as a valued member of our community.
