Imagine a church where everyone—regardless of race, physical ability, or economic status—feels truly at home. But how do we move beyond simply welcoming diversity and make it a living part of the church? For churches today, the role of the Holy Spirit offers an inspiring model for creating this inclusive community. The Pentecostal/Charismatic tradition, known for its emphasis on the Spirit’s power, provides a unique perspective on what it means to be a church that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
How the Pentecostal Movement Began
The Pentecostal movement began on Azusa Street in Los Angeles over a hundred years ago. Led by William Seymour, a Black pastor, this revival defied the social norms of its time by welcoming people of all races, backgrounds, and genders. The early Pentecostals believed in the power of the Holy Spirit to break down walls, declaring that “the color line was washed away in the blood of Jesus.” Seymour’s vision was for a church where people from all walks of life could find unity in the Spirit.
But it wasn’t easy. Even Seymour faced resistance within the church community, as some white leaders created separate, racially exclusive denominations. Despite these challenges, his work set the stage for a vision of the church that would continue inspiring believers worldwide: a church built on the radical idea that God’s Spirit unites us all, beyond any human divisions.
Beyond Ethnicity: The Call to Embrace All Differences
Today, the need for inclusivity stretches beyond race to embrace other aspects of human diversity, such as disability and social status. Amos Yong, a Pentecostal theologian, advocates for a theology that includes people with disabilities. He emphasizes that the church should not see disabilities as defects to be fixed but as part of the person’s identity in God’s image. Yong’s ideas challenge us to view disability through a lens of respect and understanding, where individuals are valued for who they are rather than sidelined or “fixed.”
Take the story of Jesus welcoming and healing people. Yong points out that Jesus didn’t just “fix” people’s disabilities but invited them to be part of the community. In a similar way, the Holy Spirit calls the church to make room for everyone, including those with disabilities, in ways that value them as they are.
Why Economic Status Matters, Too
For many, economic hardship creates significant barriers to full inclusion in society—and often, in the church. Finnish theologian Veli-Matti Kärkkäinen notes that Pentecostals, while passionate about personal transformation, sometimes overlook systemic issues like poverty. To be an inclusive church, it’s essential to see poverty not as a moral failing but as a result of social and economic systems that may need changing.
When we support people facing economic struggles, we’re not just offering charity; we’re embracing them as valuable members of our community. As the early church did, we build koinonia—a Greek word meaning community or fellowship—by standing in solidarity with each other. This kind of fellowship transcends financial status and reflects the unity of the Holy Spirit in bringing people together.
Creating a “Colony of Heaven”
What does it mean for a church to reflect the Holy Spirit’s unity? Clark Pinnock, a respected theologian, describes the church as a “colony of heaven”—a community where God’s love connects everyone. In this view, love becomes the universal bond, mirroring the relationship within the Trinity itself. For Pinnock, the church should be a glimpse of what God’s Kingdom will one day look like, where everyone is accepted, valued, and loved.
In practical terms, this “colony of heaven” goes beyond social divides. It’s a church where everyone, regardless of race, disability, or income level, feels truly included and valued. By embodying this love, the church can be a source of hope and healing, a place where God’s love is more than just words.
The Future Is Now: Living Out an Inclusive Eschatology
In his teaching on inaugurated eschatology, theologian N.T. Wright challenges the church to live out the Kingdom of God in the present. This idea means we’re not just waiting for the world to change; we’re actively participating in that transformation now. For Pentecostals, this aligns with their belief that the Holy Spirit’s power makes it possible to begin building God’s Kingdom here on earth.
Imagine if the church took on this mission in everyday life. When we advocate for those marginalized by society, care for those in poverty, and include those often overlooked, we’re reflecting God’s Kingdom. It’s about changing the world around us, one act of love and unity at a time.
Embracing Diversity, Powered by the Holy Spirit
The early Pentecostal movement modeled an approach to inclusion that went beyond social norms. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, these early believers showed that diversity is not only possible but essential to the church’s mission. As churches today, we can look to this legacy to find our way forward, driven by the same Spirit that calls us to love, embrace, and unite.
So, how will your church embody this vision? The Spirit’s invitation to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion remains open, calling us to live out a more inclusive faith that truly reflects God’s heart.