A Welcoming Church

A WELCOMING church is an ACCEPTING church, not just a TOLERANT church.

From our conversations during my time working with the Vibrant Congregations group that met in 2021 & 2022, through to our all-member session that preceded the Sharing Table Project, we want to describe ourselves as, and to be known as, a ‘WELCOMING’ church. I have been thinking about what the means, especially of late, as the Valparaiso community grapples with being seen as a WELCOMING community.

There is nuanced difference between acceptance and tolerance, a difference we need to recognize as we work to be the WELCOMING church we want to be. With some help from several sources and dictionaries, below is the difference.

Acceptance refers to embracing something or someone as they are, without judgment or resistance. It involves acknowledging the reality of a situation or a person’s characteristics without trying to change them.

When we practice acceptance, we recognize that differences exist and allow them to coexist harmoniously. It doesn’t mean we necessarily agree with everything, but we choose not to fight against it. Acceptance often leads to inner peace and a more compassionate outlook.

Tolerance, on the other hand, involves putting up with something or someone despite our personal preferences or beliefs. It implies enduring or allowing what we might find challenging or disagreeable.

Tolerance can be a positive trait when it promotes understanding and coexistence in diverse societies. However, it can also be passive and superficial if it merely involves tolerating without genuine respect or empathy.

In summary, acceptance is about embracing differences with an open heart, while tolerance is about enduring them even if we don’t fully embrace them. It seems clear that both concepts play essential roles in fostering understanding and harmony among people.

This Saturday in downtown Valparaiso, our church will be represented by several people, including Sharon and I, in an event organized to show that Valpo is a WELCOMING and ACCEPTING community. I believe FPCV is indeed a WELCOMING and ACCEPTING congregation and participating in this event is just one simple way of expressing that. The other way is the way we WELCOME and ACCEPT any and all who visit us and enter the worship space at FPCV. FPCV has a big tent and a big table … and there is room for everyone. I believe that sincerely.

Jim Hubbard