Embracing Church Family Diversity

Isa 56.1-8 | Ps Alex Huggett | 23.08.2026

Part of a series on Bentley Baptist's Values and Mission

As a church, Bentley Baptist is situated in one of the most diverse suburbs in Western Australia. While this diversity could be seen as a happy accident of geography, we choose to embrace it as a core value. We aspire to be a community that is intergenerational, multicultural, and disability-friendly—reflecting the very heart of God.

In Isaiah 56, we see God extending His covenant to eunuchs and foreigners, two groups historically excluded from the worship life of Israel. God’s heart has always been for the marginalized and vulnerable. This radical inclusion is fully realized in the Gospel, where our unity in Christ supersedes all our differences.

However, true diversity is not a free-for-all. It is grounded in our shared covenant with Jesus. We are united by the Holy Spirit, which allows us to celebrate our differences rather than letting them divide us.

Main Pillars of the Message:

• Intergenerational: We value the wisdom of the old and the energy of the young, actively reaching across generational divides to build relationships.
• Multicultural: We celebrate the various cultural expressions within our church, recognizing that our unity in Christ makes our diversity beautiful.
• Inclusive of All Abilities: We strive to be relationally accessible, ensuring that people of all physical and neurological abilities are fully embraced in our church family.

“Healthy families are made up of generations living, loving, and laughing together. We embrace the mess because that's what healthy families do.”

Bible Study & Reflection Guide

ICEBREAKER

If you could instantly become fluent in any language and fully understand its culture, which one would you choose and why?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read Isaiah 56:1-8. Why was it so radical for God to include eunuchs and foreigners in the life of Israel at that time?
2. The sermon mentioned that "diversity isn't a free-for-all" but is grounded in our covenant with Christ. How does our shared faith allow us to celebrate our differences rather than be divided by them?
3. In what ways does our church currently reflect an intergenerational, multicultural, and inclusive community?
4. What are some practical ways we can reach out across generational divides within our church?
5. How might we make our worship services and small groups more reflective of the diverse cultures represented in our congregation?
6. The sermon distinguished between having a physically accessible building and being a relationally inclusive church. What does relational inclusion look like in practice?
7. How can we embrace the "messiness" of being a diverse family while still pursuing unity in the Spirit?

PERSONAL REFLECTION

1. Who is someone in the church who is different from me (in age, culture, or ability) that I can intentionally reach out to this week?
2. Are there any personal preferences or biases I need to let go of in order to better welcome others?
3. How can I actively contribute to making my church a place where everyone feels they belong?

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