Belonging Starts with Accessibility: A Call to Faith Communities

When people think of accessibility, they often imagine ramps, reserved parking spaces, or wide doors. But in faith communities, accessibility is something much deeper — it is spiritual wellness.

Imagine an older member of your congregation sits in a pew with your bulletin in hand. The print is so small that she quietly folds it up and places it in her purse. A family tuning into a livestream can see the service, but because captions aren’t provided, they can’t follow along. A man approaches the sanctuary with a walker, but the aisle between chairs is too narrow to navigate. They’re present. They’re eager to participate. But they’re left out.

This is the disconnect facing thousands of congregations across the country. Leaders want to welcome everyone. They speak of community, belonging, and shared purpose. But without accessibility, too many members — especially aging adults and people with disabilities — are unintentionally excluded from fully experiencing spiritual life.

Accessibility = Belonging

At its core, accessibility is about belonging. It is about making sure that people don’t just show up — they feel included, connected, and valued.

Data underscores the urgency. One in four U.S. adults lives with a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meanwhile, the median age of many congregations continues to rise, which means that issues like vision loss, hearing changes, and mobility challenges are only becoming more common.

The reality is clear: if congregations don’t address accessibility now, they risk losing the very members who most need community.

The Aging Factor

Faith communities are among the few spaces that bring multiple generations together. But as older adults face barriers — small print, hard-to-hear sermons, steep steps — they may stop attending altogether.
This is not simply a matter of logistics. Research shows that belonging to a community supports emotional resilience, lowers depression, and strengthens overall well-being. Accessibility in worship settings, then, is not a technical issue. It is a matter of health, wellness, and vitality.

Aging is not a future challenge — it’s here. Congregations that embrace accessibility are investing in the long-term health of their members and their communities.

Small Steps, Big Impact

The good news? Accessibility doesn’t require massive budgets or complicated construction projects. Some of the most effective changes are simple and affordable: 

• Add captions to livestreams so everyone can follow along.
• Offer large-print or digital bulletins.
•  Rearrange seating to create wider aisles for wheelchairs and walkers.
• Ensure signage is clear and easy to understand.
• Train volunteers and staff to welcome people of all abilities.

These small actions send a powerful message: “You belong here.” 

And that message matters. Because when people feel included, they participate more fully. They sing louder. They stay longer. They invite others. Accessibility strengthens not only individual wellness but the vitality of entire congregations.

Faithful Leadership in Action

Some congregations are already taking steps — and the results are inspiring. I’ve spoken with leaders who added captions to their livestreams and saw online participation double. Another congregation widened aisles in their sanctuary, making it easier for mobility device users to attend, and attendance among older members increased. These examples demonstrate that accessibility isn’t just “nice to have.” It is a growth strategy. It keeps people connected, involved, and spiritually nourished.

A Call to Action

That’s why at AccessForge, we created a FREE Accessibility Scorecard for congregations. It’s a simple self-assessment tool that helps staff and leaders identify where they’re excelling and where there’s room to grow. The Scorecard is available now — and it’s already sparking important conversations in local communities.

In January 2026, we’re launching a new course, Belonging By Design: Leadership Training for Accessible Faith Communties, designed specifically for faith-based staff and leaders. The course offers practical, affordable steps to embed accessibility into every aspect of worship — from physical space to digital materials to volunteer training. Watch our first module for free.

Accessibility Is the Future of Spiritual Wellness

Accessibility is not an optional feature of worship. It is the heartbeat of community. It ensures that people can show up fully — not just physically present, but spiritually connected.
Congregations that embrace accessibility are building communities of belonging. They are supporting aging members, families, and individuals with disabilities. They are living out their values in a way that strengthens both the individual and the collective.

If your congregation wants to take the first step, download the free Accessibility Scorecard today. It’s a practical, eye-opening way to begin the journey. Stay connected and join our mailing list.
Because accessibility isn’t just about ramps or print size. It’s about ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can find connection, purpose, and spiritual wellness in community.