Inclusive worship: Creating a language and multisensory options so that all can participate

Abstract

Based on the author’s new book, Accessible Gospel, Inclusive Worship,¹ this article explores ways of creating an accessible conversation with God as part of a worship experience. By re-naming components of a worship setting through a concept called “Vertical Habits,” getting to know those who gather, and offering multi-sensory options for participation, this article will challenge and teach faith communities to create an environment in which worship touches all of the senses and every person. Just as God set in place experiences and scriptural wording that encompasses many of our sensory systems, re-imagining the language of a worship event as well as appropriate tools for engaging in those worship habits can provide an anchor that participants can carry into their daily conversations with God. Faith communities that have put this into practice have discovered that providing multiple avenues of participation within a common language structure brings a richness and meaning for each one joining the conversation.