Build a Bridge to Your Hispanic Neighbors

The number of Hispanics is increasing in this country. Don’t miss this opportunity to reach a harvest.

By Luis Avila

While I served as a missionary in Guatemala, the Lord put a desire in my heart to come to the United Stated to serve the Hispanic community. While I was praying about that, I received a call from the late David Wood, pastor at the First PH Church in Greenville, North Carolina. Pastor Wood told me on the phone: “The Lord has spoken to me about reaching the Hispanic community in my city.”

I know we already have the Great Commission of Jesus, so we don’t need anyone to tell us that we should reach a specific group of people with the gospel. The Holy Spirit wants us to share Christ with everyone. But I believe that IPHC churches must be reminded that we are called to reach Hispanics.

It is so important for pastors to build bridges with Hispanic people, wherever they are. The Latino population in the United States is exploding. Did you know, for example:

> Hispanics make up 16.7 percent of the national population, or around 52 million people.

> The state with the largest percentage of Hispanics and Latinos is New Mexico at 47 percent. The state with the largest Hispanic and Latino population overall is California with over 14 million Hispanics and Latinos.

> The U.S. cities with the largest Hispanic populations are (starting with the largest) Miami, Fla.; San Jose, Calif.; San Diego, Calif.; El Paso, Texas; Dallas, Texas; Phoenix, Ariz.; Chicago, Ill.; San Antonio, Texas; Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, Calif.; and New York, N.Y.

But how do we reach these vast numbers of people, many of whom have only recently come to this country? Hispanics are very open to a deep level of relationships and community. They want to connect and belong. We have a ripe mission field right here!

Today more than 60 percent of Hispanics in the United States speak English very well, so communication is not as much of a challenge as it used to be. Yet we are also called to reach those who are not fluent in English or who do not speak it at all.

I want to suggest a number of things IPHC pastors can do to close the gap and reach Hispanics with the gospel. We must build bridges and create unity, especially in this divisive time in our nation’s history. Some of my suggestions will require extra effort, but the hard work will prove worthwhile. Please consider how your church can reach this strategic mission field.

1. Become aware of your Hispanic neighbors. Some of us are so busy we aren’t conscious of who lives around us. There are Hispanics living in your city, county and neighborhood. Find out where they live; then begin praying for them and looking for opportunities to build relationships.

2. Teach your people that God loves all ethnic groups. The Book of Acts clearly shows us that the church cannot be racist—or afraid of foreigners. God has called us to love all people. Show your congregation that your local area is a mission field.

3. Invite Hispanics to come to your services. Find a good interpreter and offer translation in your main services from English to Spanish. You should invest in headsets so all services can be translated. Make Hispanic visitors feel welcome. Help them to know the layout of your church building and what programs and events you offer.

4. Always advertise in English and Spanish. When you host events, let Spanish-speakers know you care about them. Be prepared by asking volunteer translators to help.

5. Build relationships with Hispanic pastors in your area. Find out if there are ways you can partner with them. Invite them to prayer events and make them aware of any other important events in the city that are organized by local ministers. Don’t leave Hispanic pastors out, just because of cultural or language barriers!

6. Involve Hispanics in your church leadership team. When you empower Hispanics in this way, they will be able to effectively reach their community better. And their input will help you become a better leader.

7. Open your church building to plant a Hispanic church. You don’t have to do all the church-planting work yourself. Build strong relationships with Hispanic leaders in your community and help them reach their own. Clarify all the privileges and responsibilities of using your building, and define how they are going to be a part of your church.

8. Connect with local Hispanic organizations. Find out all the organizations in your city that are working with the Hispanic community, whether they are providing immigration services, job training or financial help. Find out how you can become a support to them. By networking in this way, your church will become known as the church that cares about Hispanics!

9. Don’t just live in your church bubble. If Hispanic pastors organize prayer events in your city, try to participate and make yourself available to these types of events. If you receive an invitation to pray or preach, do not turn down the invitation unless the Lord says something different to you. Don’t be isolated!

10. Be generous. If you distribute food, clothing or school supplies to your community, don’t forget to include Hispanics. Make promotional signs in English and Spanish. Have translators standing by.

“Hispanics are very open to a deep level of relationships and community. They want to connect and belong. We have a ripe mission field right here!”

11. When Hispanic ministry leaders gather, join them. It means a lot when you attend an event sponsored by a Hispanic pastor. It says you care! And make sure they know you are praying for their success.

12. Offer helpful training for Hispanic people. Many new immigrants need training on how to buy a house, how to get a job or how to navigate the immigration process. Find a knowledgeable speaker from your city and invite people to participate. Use these events to minister to the community and build relationships. Those who attend will be much more open to visiting your church on a Sunday.

The list is endless of what we can do for Hispanic people in your area. My best advice is to seek the Lord, ask Him what He wants you to do in the Hispanic community and then move forward. The Lord will water every seed that is planted. He will bring a harvest.

Years ago Pastor David Wood told me: “The Lord spoke to me that I have to reach out the Hispanic community in my city.” Perhaps the Lord is sharing this message with you, as well. You can be an instrument to build strong bridges.

Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, LUIS AVILA served there for 11 years as a pastor and national leader of the IPHC. He also served as a missionary and founder of the IPHC in Guatemala for almost 7 years. In 1997 he moved to Greenville, North Carolina, where he served as a pastor. From 2004 to 2013 he served as Director of Hispanic Ministry for the IPHC’s North Carolina Conference. He holds a Doctorate in Ministry from The Christian University. He currently serves as the IPHC’s National Director of Hispanic Ministries and INCaM. Dr. Avila and his wife, Lilliana, live in Oklahoma City, and they have three children and five grandchildren.