Reaching Immigrants

By Ken Gosnell

A December 12 USA Today article carried the headline, “More immigrants than ever flow into the USA.” The article said the nation”s immigrant population hit a record 35.2 million in March 2005, more than double the number at the peak of the last great immigration wave of 1910. Immigrants now make up 12.1 percent of the U.S. population. Further studies show that 31 percent of adult immigrants have not completed high school.

I have been reading through the book of Revelation. One thought has stood out about what Heaven will be like. The book of Revelation makes clear that Heaven will include those from every corner of the world. It describes a “great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9; see also 4:9; 14:6; 15:4). God is the God of every nation, tribe, people, and language. The church of the 21st century or the emerging church will be a multiethnic church. It will reflect a multicultural approach.

Here are some ways churches can reach across cultures.

A – Advertise to meet needs. In the December 12 USA Today article, the writer stated that 33 percent of immigrants don”t have a high school education. The church can provide services that these immigrants need in order to survive and thrive. When we meet needs we are provided an opportunity to evangelize.

C – Convey acceptance. Promote your church as one that accepts people from different backgrounds and beliefs. People of various cultures will stay away until they believe this.

R – Redo the budget to reflect this value and consider hiring cross-cultural staff to reach the immigrants in your area for Christ.

O – Open your minds to creative services. For example, maybe you can”t have a Spanish service at your church every week but you could four times a year. Find innovative ways to preach the gospel to people of every nation, tribe, tongue, and language.

S – Show sensitivity to various cultures. Americans have been known to trample on cultural values. Paul said he became all things to all men to win some. Incorporate cultural values and actions into the ministry of the church.

S – Survey the calendar for opportunities to connect with people. Churches must think strategically if they are going to cross cultural barriers. Use the calendar and incorporate different cultures in different services throughout the year. For example, have a Spanish prayer or song in a Christmas service or have an African story during a thanksgiving service.

I remember years ago I had a missionary professor who was fond of saying, “You are either a missionary or a mission field.” I hope we can see the need and become missionaries to a variety of cultures right in our own neighborhood.

 

 

Ken Gosnell is a minister and a business and life coach with KenSalt Coaching in the Washington, D.C., area. Reach him at [email protected].