“No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome!”
I cannot begin to tell you how much I love this proclamation introduced by my church, the United Church of Christ. I have spoken it, declared it, and internalized it over the years. I truly believe it reflects how I understand the message of the Gospel and the mission of the Church.
Yet, I have some struggles. I am not so sure that we can hold on to our theological integrity, keep our mission focused and alive, and be truly welcoming to EVERYONE and ANYONE at the same time.
Throughout my ministry I have been aware of congregations which proudly advertise themselves as “Theologically Diverse”. They are often adamant that on any given Sunday morning there will be “liberals, conservatives, moderates and undecideds all in the same pew, worshipping together and loving each other”. This is true. There are many mainline churches with this mix of ideologies and worldviews of which they are so proud. But I must wonder if this diversity, though admirable, may be a quiet hinderance to focussed mission and true vision. It seems to me that “theologically diverse” often means, “we will never agree on anything, and we will never be able to do anything of real and lasting value.” And sadly, when congregations are divided by ideological issues, it’s the love that suffers most.
Fundamentalist churches make no bones about it: believe as we do or go somewhere else. As harsh as that sounds, it may have some integrity. Progressive churches claim a theology that is not mired in the orthodoxy and tradition that makes institutional faith so unattractive to so many. We claim a different understanding of scripture, a fresh experience of the Spirit, and a spirituality that affirms the full humanity of ALL of God’s people. So I must ask… would we be truly comfortable having a “pew” full of Biblical literalists, anti-gay Fundamentalists, White Supremacists, and Muslim-haters?
I am committed to having an open door, practicing radical hospitality, and offering, in the words of the UCC, and extravagant welcome. But I simply do not know how to include those whose religion is necessarily exclusive. Is it enough to say, “You are indeed welcome, but you may be happier somewhere else”? Should we have easily available print outs of a Google Map showing where conservative churches are? Mainly, how do we open our doors to everyone, and maintain our theological and missional integrity?
I really want to talk about this one…
Cincy's Progressive Faith 
Best I ever heard this dealt with was the church who’s motto was: “We welcome all, who welcome all.”
I like that… I think it may be a bit more honest… because, really, thats what we do anyway. We might as well say it.
I think we can make a distinction between opinion/thought/idealogy and behavior/action. I may not agree with your theology, but I do need to treat you with respect.
Every Corporate HR personal skills workshop I’ve ever attended started with a flipchart and easle, and a request that we define the ‘rules’ of the group. Things like confidentiality, respect, don’t interrupt, critique the idea/don’t criticize the person always make the list.
Perhaps churches need to spell out behavioral expectations, too. “Love Thy Neighbor” sometimes needs a few details and examples.
I can agree with you, for the most part Joyce, but I am thinking that behavior may not be the primary issue. I don’t expect the Westboro Baptist Church to show up one morning and disrupt worship. I am thinking of the subtle division that exists in all churches which are Theologically Diverse. The kind of experience where we can all get along just fine, until we need to make important decisions or move the mission and ministry in a new direction. Then, instead of talking it out faithfully and kindly, congregations tend to choose sides, gather support, and attempt to take over… often holding the church hostage with their threats of leaving or withholding their giving. Its the kind of situation that many of our mainline churches find themselves in, where little of any great value happens, for fear it will split the church.