Out of Many, One in Christ

By Rev. Jacob Gaugert

“Somos uno en el Espírtu.” “Mysme jedno v duchu” “We are one in the Spirit.” A trio of banners with these words that echo Ephesians 2:18 welcomes all who come to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Dr. Martin Luther in Chicago. These languages are an odd combination, but they reflect the people who receive the Lord’s gifts here.

In the early 20th century thousands of immigrants came from what is known today as Slovakia. They were fleeing from a centuries-old program by which the Hungarian government forced the Slovaks and others to speak and act more Hungarian. The Slovaks could not use their language in public—not in papers, schools, church, nor even in the spelling of their own names. The economic situation in Slovakia left much to be desired. Taking a chance to forge a better life in America, large groups of Slovaks settled in Chicago, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Upon their arrival, many Slovak Lutherans used their new liberties to encourage the use of their language. In October 1908, a group of Slovak men in Chicago formed a group they named the Slovak Evangelical Literary Circle. These men, many of whom did not have a formal education, came together to read, recite poems, and sing in Slovak. They were holding onto their traditions, their culture, and most of all, their Lutheran confession. The writings of Luther, translated centuries before, were readily available. They also loved to sing from their beloved Slovak Lutheran hymnal, the Tranoscius. For them, being a good Slovak went hand in hand with being a good Lutheran. In August 1913, they and their families formed the Slovak Congregation of Dr. Martin Luther. They were gradually blessed with stable and fair employment, and slowly became more established and “American.” In 1933, English services were added. In 1948, the congregation moved to its current house of worship in Gage Park. Along with their Polish and other eastern European neighbors, the Slovak Lutherans continued to enjoy their nice neighborhood. They could go to their restaurants, their stores, their banks and speak their language in their community. This cozy situation, however, would not last.

Like most urban centers in the 70’s and 80’s, the city of Chicago began to experience “white flight.” Those of European descent moved farther out of the city and other groups moved in. In Gage Park, these new people were predominantly Mexican. Like the Slovaks decades ago, they were also seeking out a better life. As the evangelism committee went knocking on doors in the neighborhood each year, they encountered more and more people who did not speak English or Slovak, but instead spoke Spanish. English signs on the surrounding businesses were replaced. Gangs also moved in. The community quickly changed. In contrast to other congregations that sold their buildings and moved out to the suburbs, the stubborn Slovaks decided that their church was called to the place where it was. But how would they change while still being faithful to their good confession?

The congregational leadership began to act. In the 90’s, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes were offered for the first time. Various pastors and deacons received calls to the congregation specifically to do outreach to the new neighbors. Spanish hymnals were added and Spanish Bible studies and worship services offered, but the new neighbors did not come streaming in to join the congregation. These new residents and their families had their own language and culture which were closely tied to their identity as Roman Catholics. Cultural ties to the faith had facilitated the founding of the congregation long ago. Now they presented a new barrier to outreach.

Despite slow progress and few new members, the congregation held on to their Lord’s promise to bless HIS work, year after year. Now, slowly, by the Lord’s blessing, things are changing. Like the Slovaks decades ago, the Mexican neighbors are also becoming more “American.” With each generation, more speak English. Mixed marriages are not uncommon. The neighborhood is far from perfect, but home ownership is on the rise. The lines and distinctions between “us” and “them” are gradually fading. That’s not to say that there are no more challenges, but our Lord’s promises are greater than our fears, prejudices, and doubts. Slowly, the Spirit is drawing more of our neighbors to come and receive Jesus’ forgiveness in this place. ESL classes are still offered. Spanish versions of Luther’s Small Catechism, Portals of Prayer and Good News magazine are available. Spanish Bible studies and bilingual Divine Services are offered. The youth group is active. We not only pray for the needs of our own members, but also consciously remember “all people according to their needs,” our neighbors, and those who suffer in our city and the whole world. Our church potlucks feature traditional Slovak halusky and pirohy, as well as tamales and Spanish rice.

The gospel is not bound or limited to any particular skin color, culture, or language group. Being German, Slovak, American, or Mexican does not determine if one is a good Lutheran. Rather, it is the faith and confession that Christ gives that does. The Church is not called to avoid what is new or foreign, but to encounter it head on and engage it with our Lord’s powerful, transformative Word. The reality of Pentecost is still a reality for Christ’s Church in the here and now. Now this doesn’t mean that we are to go out and try to make our churches into poster-child communities of multiculturism. Many churches do just that, but without truly caring for the souls of their members with genuine Law and Gospel proclamation. We are called to be faithful and to receive our Lord’s gifts as He gives them to us in Word and Sacrament. That’s how true unity is formed and fostered. Thanks be to God for His work here and to His whole Church on earth! Out of many, by God’s grace, “We are one in the Spirit.”

Rev. Jacob Gaugert is originally a country boy from Wisconsin. He is the pastor of Evangelical Church of Doctor Martin Luther in Chicago, Illinois. In his free time he enjoys reading, studying languages, and gardening. He can be reached at soul_man_jake@yahoo.com