Diversity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s something that truly matters to God. So, as churches and faith-based organizations, it should matter to us, too. Yes, our traditions are important, but they shouldn’t come before creating welcoming spaces for people from all walks of life. Whether it’s embracing different races, ethnicities, genders, or making sure people with disabilities feel included, diversity is key to growing and better serving the community. Here are seven practical ways faith-based organizations can promote it:
- Create a welcoming environment
If you want to attract diverse members, your space needs to show that everyone is truly welcome, no matter their background. It’s more than just saying, “All are welcome”—it’s about putting that into action. Be intentional about how your space feels, who’s visible, and how newcomers are greeted. Things like having greeters from different backgrounds, signs in multiple languages, and an open-door policy can make a big difference in helping people feel at home. Also, watch out for any favoritism within your team. It’s natural for people to feel more comfortable with others who are similar to them, but it’s important to train your team to embrace and celebrate diversity. - Be intentional
Diversity isn’t just going to happen on its own—you’ve got to be intentional about it. Take a step back and really think about everything your church or faith-based organization does through the lens of diversity. Are there things you’re doing (even unintentionally) that might make certain groups feel unwelcome or out of place? Maybe it’s the way certain events are organized, the language used in services, or even the cultural references made during sermons. Sometimes, it’s not about what you’re doing, but what you aren’t doing that could be keeping people from feeling comfortable.
Being intentional about diversity means actively looking for ways to be more inclusive and welcoming. Yes, it might take extra effort or create a bit more work. But trust me, it’s worth it. When people feel genuinely welcomed and valued, it leads to a stronger, more vibrant community. So take the time, put in the work, and you’ll see the benefits.
- Teach about it, when necessary
Sometimes, it’s not enough to just talk about diversity—you have to actually teach it. Whether that’s through a sermon, a Bible study, or staff training, it’s important to take time to explain why diversity matters and how it aligns with your organization’s values. For churches, a sermon focused on diversity, inclusion, and unity can open up important conversations within the congregation. You can tie it back to scripture, highlighting how God’s love is for everyone, regardless of background, and how the early church thrived because it brought together people from all walks of life.
In a faith-based company or organization, you might want to host a staff training that focuses on cultural competency, implicit bias, or the importance of creating a welcoming space for everyone. This can also be a great time to give practical examples of what diversity looks like in your context and how your team can promote it on a day-to-day basis.
The key here is not to be afraid to bring it up. Sometimes people avoid these topics because they don’t want to make others uncomfortable, but leaning into these conversations can lead to real growth. Plus, it’s not just about addressing the obvious things—it’s about creating a long-lasting culture of inclusion. When you’re intentional about teaching the importance of diversity, you’re helping your community or organization build a strong foundation where everyone feels they belong.
- Make space for the tough conversations
Promoting diversity means you’ve got to be willing to face some uncomfortable truths. Topics like racism, sexism, exclusion, or privilege can feel tough to talk about, but these are the conversations that really lead to growth. It’s important to create a safe space where people can openly share their experiences and perspectives without fear of judgment. Yes, it might be awkward or difficult to hear someone else’s pain, but these honest conversations are what foster deeper understanding and stronger relationships.
You’re not always going to agree or even fully understand where someone is coming from, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re making the effort to listen, learn, and grow together. Having these tough conversations might feel uncomfortable in the moment, but they’re essential for creating real inclusivity. They help your community become more aware of each other’s experiences and pave the way for meaningful change. So don’t shy away from the hard stuff—it’s how we build stronger, more compassionate communities that embrace diversity in a real, authentic way.
- Incorporate diversity in everything
Inclusivity shouldn’t just be something you talk about once in a while—it should be woven into every part of your organization. From the way you structure your worship services to how you communicate with your community, diversity needs to be front and center. Start by looking at your worship services. Could you incorporate different musical styles that reflect various cultures? Maybe add prayers or readings from different traditions or languages to make sure more people feel represented.
Think about the practical side, too. Do you need translation services for non-English speakers? Offering materials in multiple languages or even real-time translation can make a huge difference for those who might otherwise feel left out. And don’t forget about accessibility. If you have members who are deaf or hard of hearing, providing sign language interpretation can make services more inclusive. Offering written materials in braille for those with vision impairments is another thoughtful way to ensure everyone can fully participate.
Even small changes—like making sure your space is accessible to all—can go a long way toward creating a truly diverse and welcoming environment. These efforts show that you’re thinking about everyone, not just the majority. When diversity is baked into everything you do, it sends the message that every person matters and is valued.
- Expand outreach efforts
If you want to bring more diversity into your congregation or organization, you’ve got to step outside your usual circles and broaden your outreach efforts. Start by partnering with local organizations that serve different communities. Whether it’s cultural groups, nonprofits, or other faith-based organizations, building relationships with these groups can help you connect with people you might not normally reach.
Another great way to expand your outreach is by hosting events that cater to various communities. Think about what would resonate with different groups—maybe a community festival, a multi-cultural potluck, or even an educational workshop on topics that matter to them. The key is to be intentional. Don’t wait for people to come to you; go to them. Engage with underrepresented areas or populations, and make sure your message and actions reflect that you’re genuinely interested in including everyone.
- Get feedback, often
Don’t just assume everything is going smoothly—make it a habit to ask for regular feedback about how your diversity efforts are landing. Check in with folks in your organization to find out what’s working and what could use some tweaking. It’s important to get a variety of viewpoints so you can see the full picture of how your diversity culture is shaping up. Maybe some things are hitting the mark, while others might need a little more attention. By keeping the lines of communication open, you’ll be better equipped to make real, meaningful improvements and ensure everyone feels heard and included.
Promoting diversity is more than a goal—it’s essential for creating a community that reflects the heart of God. To build a truly welcoming environment, go beyond surface-level efforts. Make diversity a core part of everything you do, from how you organize worship and outreach to teaching, having tough conversations, and making practical changes.
Expand your reach, seek regular feedback, and stay committed to inclusivity. Each step you take strengthens your community, making it richer and more connected. By integrating diversity into all aspects of your organization, you help create a space where everyone feels valued and at home. Keep striving, learning, and growing—it’s all worth it.
