reaching & congregating hispanic americans evangelizing hispanics ßi. preparation needed ßa....
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REACHING & CONGREGATING
HISPANIC AMERICANS
Evangelizing Hispanics
I. Preparation NeededA. Awareness of ReceptivityB. Change of AttitudeC. Understanding of Roman Catholic
Doctrines Regarding SalvationD. Understanding of Decision Making
Process
Evangelizing Hispanics
I. Preparation Needed
A. Awareness of Receptivity
Hispanics and Denominations
Percent Catholic | Protes/Evang | Other Christian | Other Faiths | Secular
Evangelizing Hispanics
43% of Hispanic Evangelicals converted from Catholicism.
By and overwhelming majority (82%) Hispanic converts cite the desire for a more direct, personal experience with God as the main reason for adopting a new faith (p.5)
Source: Changing Faiths: Latinos and the Transformation of American Religion. Pew Center for Hispanic Studies, 2007
Evangelizing Hispanics
B. Change of AttitudeOnly 22% of Catholics have an unfavorable
attitude toward Evangelicals But 36% Evangelicals have an unfavorable
attitude toward CatholicsDo we need to change our attitude? We are not
talking about accepting their doctrines but about loving them and leading them to Christ
42% 22% 36%Evangelical Christians
Catholics
Catholic Hispanics Views of Evangelical Christians
Percent Favorable | Unfavorable | No Opinion
55% 36% 9%
Evangelical Christians
Catholics
Evangelical Hispanics Views of Roman Catholics
Percent Favorable | Unfavorable | No Opinion
Evangelizing Hispanics
C. Understanding of Roman Catholic Doctrines of Salvation
Evangelizing HispanicsThe Roman Catholic Churches Teaches That
Salvation Is:I. Sacramental – attained through the
observance of the sacraments (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist [re-sacrificing of Christ], Penance, Extreme Unction)
II. Intermediated – through the churchIII. Uncertain – there is no assurance Source: Sharing the Good News with Roman Catholic Friends
Evangelizing Hispanics
D. Understanding the Decision-Making Process
Decision-Making Process(Like Nicodemus)
DISCOVERY DELIBERATION DECISION DISSONANCEDISCIPLESHIP
Source: David Hesselgrave
DISCOVERY Salvation by faith alone
DELIBERATION
What about sacraments, saints, church ?
DECISION I want to receive Christ
DISSONANCE Pressure from family & friends
DISCIPLESHIP Firmness in following Christ
Evangelizing Hispanics
II. Effective Strategies
A. Kinship/Friendship Evangelism
B. Meetings in Homes
C. Utilizing Bible Studies
Evangelizing Hispanics
II. Effective Strategies
A.Kinship/Friendship Evangelism
How Hispanics Hear About The Gospel
First heard about the new religion from:
Hispanic Evangelical Converts
In what efforts do we concentrate?
Family Member 45% __%
Friend 31% __%
Church Member 11% __%
Radio/Television 3% __%
Self-Discovery, other, or declined to comment
Source: LifeWay Research Center
10% __%
Willingness to receive information through…
personal conversation from a family member
21%15%
39%
25%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Very Unwilling SomewhatUnwilling
SomewhatWilling
Very Willing
Hispanic Americans
If a local congregation or faith community wanted to reach out and inform you of what they have to offer, how willing would you be to receive information through each of the following methods?
Source: LifeWay Research Center
Willingness to receive information through…
personal conversation with a friend or neighbor from the church
24%19%
34%23%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Very Unwilling SomewhatUnwilling
SomewhatWilling
Very Willing
Hispanic Americans
If a local congregation or faith community wanted to reach out and inform you of what they have to offer, how willing would you be to receive information through each of the following methods?
Willingness to receive information through…
visit to your door by a member of that church or faith
community
53%
22% 18%7%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Very Unwilling SomewhatUnwilling
SomewhatWilling
Very Willing
Hispanic Americans
If a local congregation or faith community wanted to reach out and inform you of what they have to offer, how willing would you be to receive information through each of the following methods?
B. Meetings in Homes
Catholic Scholars - on reasons why many Hispanics are becoming Evangelical: “The Catholic Church does not offer small, receptive, faith-sharing community context.”1.
Observation: Many Evangelicals believe that without “Cathedrals” we cannot win Hispanics to Christ.”
Catholics are saying: “It is those small, personal, spiritual, warm, Bible-centered groups that are attracting Hispanics to Evangelical churches.”
1. Miguel de la Torre, Hispanic American Religious Cultures, p.366
Evangelizing Hispanics“Hispanics respond favorably to a faith that is
characterized by:
1. A clear affirmation of God’s transcendence,
2. Strong convictions about God’s will in matters of morality founded on biblical teachings,
3. A confidence in God’s power to work miracles and especially heal,
4. The possibility of establishing a personal relationship with God…Hispanics are finding these needs met by Evangelicalism and Pentecostalism.”1.
1. Miguel de la Torre, Hispanic American Religious Cultures, p.366 -7
Evangelizing Hispanics
II. Effective Strategies
C. Utilizing Bible Studies (Fellowships)
A Resource: Daniel R. Sanchez, Gospel in the Rosary: An Evangelistic Bible Study Series
Spanish version: Evangelio en el Rosario.
Evangelizing Hispanics
Group Participate in Prayer Groups at least monthly
Read the Bible at least weekly
Catholics 31% 27%
Evangelicals 75% 78%
Evangelizing Hispanics
II. Effective StrategiesD. Pre-Evangelistic Events
Block PartiesDramas, Concerts (Christmas Season) Films (Jesus Film at Lenten Season)Gifts of KindnessVacation Bible School
Evangelizing Hispanics
II. Effective StrategiesE. Ministries
ESLCitizenshipJob TrainingTutoring
Times you have been more open to considering matters of faith
Have you been more open to considering matters of faith during any of the following times in your life?
During the Christmas holiday season
49%During the Easter holiday season
38%After a major national crisis such as 9/11
41%After a natural disaster
38%After the birth of a baby
34%At the start of a war or int’l tension
26%During an economic downturn
28%During the Fall/ back-to-school season
12%During the Summer holiday season
12%
Among Hispanics
CONGREGATIONALIZING HISPANICS
A variety of church types is needed to reach all of the segments of the Hispanic
population
Changing Faiths: Latino and Religious the Transformation of American Religion
I. Some Need To Be Distinctively HispanicTwo thirds attend Hispanic-oriented worship
with:1. Latino clergy2. Services available in Spanish (bilingual) 3. Heavily Latino congregations.
Changing Faiths: Latino and Religious the Transformation of American Religion
Those who attend Hispanic oriented services:77% are Foreign Born Hispanics 48% are Native Born Hispanics (p.6)For these, culture and language go togetherFamily loyalty also keeps them together(Grandparents, parents, children)
Changing Faiths: Latino and Religious the Transformation of American Religion
II. Some need to be in English Language – Hispanic Culture Churches
Due to selective assimilation native born Hispanics are fluent in the English language yet they retain socio-cultural elements that motivate them to worship in these types of churches.
“Conversion is higher among the native born than the foreign born. It is also higher among English-Speaking Latinos than it is among the Spanish Speakers.” (p.41)
“Hispanic Churches In American Public Life”Pew Center & Notre Dame U.
AffiliationAffiliation 11STST GenerationGeneration
22ndnd GenerationGeneration
33rdrd GenerationGeneration
CatholicCatholic 74%74% 72%72% 62%62%
EvangelicalEvangelical 15%15% 20%20% 29%29%
Types of Assimilation
Type of Assimilation Characteristics Implications
Cultural Learning the language, basic customs, dress styles, business practices necessary to function.Having most celebrations with family & friends of their own cultural group
Due to the fact that they have retained a large portion of their culture and function better in Spanish, they are more attracted to Hispanic-oriented churches
Structural Having a greater understanding of the English language. Developing meaningful friendships with persons outside their own culture. Joining the social institutions of the predominant society
Due to the fact that they are fluent in English and are a part of social institutions that are mostly Anglo, it is quite natural for them to be attracted to Anglo congregations.
Changing Faiths: Latino and Religious the Transformation of American Religion
The more assimilated Hispanics:1. Have more friends outside their own
cultural group – there is a greater possibility for them to have Evangelical friends.
2. Are less bound by religious tradition3. Feel ignored by the Catholic Church
Hispanic American Religious Culturesp. 365
Roman Catholic Scholars:“The sects not only appeal to the poor,
oppressed, and marginalized, they also appeal to upwardly the mobile because they provide a means of becoming respectable members of the middle class without severing ties with their Hispanic roots and heritage.”
Catholics
68% of Latinos identify as Catholics68% are foreign born
55% say Spanish is primary language
42% did not graduate from high school
46% have household income less than $30,000 a year
14% have household income over $50,000
Evangelicals
15% of Latinos identify as Evangelicals 55% are foreign born
63% say English is primary language or are bilingual
64% have a high school diploma
39% have household income less than $30,000 a year
21% have household incomes over %50,000
Changing Faiths: Latino and Religious the Transformation of American Religion
III. Some need to be English-Speaking, Anglo-Cultural Churches that have a sensitivity for the Hispanic Culture
1. The more assimilated Hispanics feel comfortable in this type of setting
2. Many of these live and work alongside Anglos, therefore, going to church with them is quite natural
Miguel de la Torre, Hispanic American Religious Cultures, p.366 -7
Catholic scholars on decline of the Catholic church among Hispanics:
1. “Due to failure to acknowledge the diversity of persons in the Hispanic community…”
2. “There’s a lack of awareness of ethnic and social class characteristics.”
We must not make the same mistake. Careful study is needed
Changing Faiths: Latino and Religious the Transformation of American Religion
“Ethnic oriented worship combined with the rapid growth of the Hispanic population leave little doubt that a detailed understanding of the religious faith among Latinos is essential to understanding the future of this population as well as the evolving nature of religion in the United States” (p. 4)
CONGREGATIONALIZING HISPANICS
Major question we need to answer: Since Hispanics are growing exponentially,
are our church planting strategies incremental (by addition) or exponential (by multiplication)?
It is obvious that we need strategies for exponential church planting.
CONGREGATIONALIZING HISPANICS
I. What’s the starting point? A. Begin with existing churches1. We have many established churches (Anglo,
African American, Asian, Hispanic) that need to start Hispanic churches in their communities. (Especially in new areas of Hispanic concentrations) N. Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Nevada
New communities in established areas 2. They need to catch a vision for church starting.
CONGREGATIONALIZING HISPANICS
The Antioch Church – An Example A Church of Refugees (Acts 11:19)
It took Acts 8:1 to fulfill 1:8 At First reached “Jews Only” (Acts 11:19)
This was natural – same language, culture Could have had limited ministry Do we have too many 11:19 churches?
Then Reached to Gentiles (Acts 11:20) Expanded its vision Became a “Great Commission Church”
CONGREGATIONALIZING HISPANICS
The Antioch Church – An Example Missionary training ground (Acts 11:26-27)
Barnabas brought Paul Served one year – missionary training
Had Multicultural leadership (Acts 13:1) Herod’s half brother “Simon Niger” – African descent
Sent out first missionary team (Acts 13:3) Willing to share their leaders Willing to support the church planting team
CONGREGATIONALIZING HISPANICS
B. Examine Church Planting Models1. Observation: The largest Hispanic churches use
home-based groupsa. Hispanics (R. Cath) go to a home quicker than to a
“Protestant Church.”b. This strategy does not require large educational
buildingsc. Informality of the groups is conducive to the
communication of the Gospel.
Sponsorship Styles
Majority Culture Church starts Ethnic Church within its own building
P E O P L E G R O U P M O D E L SF O R C H U R C H S T A R T I N G
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STARTING REPRODUCING CONGREGATIONS | CHAPTER 5 | PREPARE: STRATEGIC FOUNDATIONS
Sponsorship Styles
Majority Culture Church starts Ethnic Church at another location
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Sponsorship Styles
Majority Culture Church & Ethnic Church Join to start an ethnic mission
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Mother - Satellites
P A R E N T I N G M O D E L SF O R C H U R C H S T A R T I N G
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Sponsoring Church
Revitalization Project (an established church helps a small one to grow)
P A R E N T I N G M O D E L SF O R C H U R C H S T A R T I N G
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STARTING REPRODUCING CONGREGATIONS | CHAPTER 5 | PREPARE: STRATEGIC FOUNDATIONS
Sponsoring Church Reclamation Project (an established church helps a dying
church to be rebirth into a church of a different culture)
P A R E N T I N G M O D E L SF O R C H U R C H S T A R T I N G
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STARTING REPRODUCING CONGREGATIONS | CHAPTER 5 | PREPARE: STRATEGIC FOUNDATIONS
Multi-Congregational Model
(One church, several congregations)
P A R T N E R I N G M O D E L SF O R C H U R C H S T A R T I N G
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Church Planting Movements(Multiplication of congregations)
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STARTING REPRODUCING CONGREGATIONS | CHAPTER 5 | PREPARE: STRATEGIC FOUNDATIONS
CONGREGATIONALIZING HISPANICS
B. Examine Church Planting Models2. Church Planting Models in Cuba
Pertinent to us:a. Hispanic cultural (R. Catholic background)b. Existing churches – did not start from scratchc. Mainly urban setting – most U.S. Hispanics
now live in urban settingsd. Have experienced transitions in their lives
Source: Daniel Gonzalez, Modelo Cubano de Reinocrecimiento, 2008
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
Fellowship
Local ChurchGrowth
Mutiplication (Missions)
Program-Based Traditional Church
Worship
Traditional Church With Small Groups
Worship
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
Fellowship
Homes
Schools
Work
Public Places
Worship
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
Fellowship
Small Groups Church Building
Cell-Based Church With Building
House
School
Work
Small GroupsOr Cells
Building
Publid Places
HouseHouse
Worship
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
Fellowship
Celebration
Administration
Cell Church Without Building
Homes
Schools
Work
Small GroupsOr Cells
Public Places
HomesHomes
Worship
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
Fellowship
Celebration
Administration?
House Church Traditional Structure
Homes Homes
Worship
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
Fellowship
Worship
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
Fellowship
Multiplication (Missions)
House Church Network Under Established Church’s Umbrella
CHURCH UMBRELLAANCHOR
Worship
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
FellowshipHomes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
House Church Network Under Association’s Umbrella
ASSOCIATIONGroup of Churches
HomesWorship
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
FellowshipHomes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
House Church NetworkUnder Constituted House Church
HOUSECHURCH
HomesWorship
Evangelism
Discipleship
Ministries
Fellowship
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
Homes
PRINCIPLES1. Prayer – specific & concerted 2. Small-groups (homes, garages, carports,
apartments, etc.) in networks3. Reproduction in their DNA (every church
planter has an apprentice)4. Evangelism & Church Plating follow
kinship & friendship lines
PRINCIPLES5. Utilize a variety of workersI. Strategy Coordinators
A. Catalytic – involve othersStudy where churches are neededEnlist sponsoring churchesEnlist church planting teamsTrain the teamsEncourage the work of the teams
B. Responsible for areas (communities, cities)
PRINCIPLES5. Utilize a variety of workersII. Church Planters
A. Encargados (In Charge of a house church)B. Obreros Laicos (Lay Leaders) C. Pastores Laicos (Lay Pastors)D. Pastores Ordenados (Ordained Pastors)
PRINCIPLES6. Recognition of each level of leader
A. Encargados (Commissioned by a Church)B. Obreros Laicos (Licensed Worker) C. Pastores Laicos (Licensed Pastor)D. Pastores Ordenados (Ordained Pastors)
PRINCIPLES7. On-going training for each level of
leadershipMeet on a weekly basisLearn as they serve
8. Flexibility: “Estrategia Criolla” (Creole Strategy) Some house churches become sponsoring churches of a
network of house churchesSome use a modified form of cell groups & gather
members regionally for celebration (worship)
PRINCIPLES9. Small Groups carry on the functions of a
church (Acts 2: 40-47) WorshipEvangelismDiscipleshipMinistryFellowship
10. Boldness in sharing the Gospel and starting churches
OBSERVATIONS1. By utilizing lay church planters and being
willing to meet in whatever places are available, they have overcome two of the major limitations for church planting multiplication.
2. By using simple methods of evangelism and church planting (i.e., Participative Bible, Informal Worship & Fellowship), they have enabled reproduction of simple churches.
Baptists in Cuba
1995 2008 Increase
Traditional Churches
238 672 Doubled
Missions 353 1,232 Tripled
House Churches 1,369 4,391 Tripled
Total Churches
Members of Traditional Churches
1,960
13,358
6,295
44,220
Tripled
Tripled
Assemblies of God in Cuba
1990 1995 1998 2001 2005 2008
Churches 89 300 350 650 866 2,418
Churches in Homes
0 850 1,650 3,780 6,406 6,698
Members 12,000 40,000 85,000 100,000 164,000 309,692
Adherents 35,000 30,000 30,000 166,640 263,500
Total 12,000 75,000 115,000 130,000 331,439 573,192
Assemblies of God in Cuba
Assemblies of God in Cuba
Our Challenge
1. The Hispanic American population is continuing to grow exponentially. The US has the 2nd largest concentration of Hispanics in the world.
2. Hispanics are more receptive to the Gospel than ever before. 20% “Protestant or Evangelical.” (3rd Generation – 30%)
Our Challenge3. We have more resources than ever before
More studies are availableMore successful church planting models
4. There are more opportunities for partnerships than ever beforeHispanic churches Anglo churchesAfrican American churchesOthers
Our Challenge5. We are seeing a mighty movement of the
Spirit of God in many parts of the world. In China, India, Africa, Latin America
thousands are coming to Christ and thousands of churches are being planted
Many Christians are earnestly praying that this will happen on a large scale here in America in our day.
Our ChallengeHow are we going to respond to the challenge
of reaching and congregating Hispanics?
What will future generations say? (Churchill)