Alcanzando a Todos Nuestros Vecinos: WELS Hispanic Ministry As Model For Congregational Intercultural Integration

Abstract

Intercultural communities are increasing in our nation’s cities and neighborhoods and are finding their way into WELS churches. How has WELS served them? This thesis looks at how WELS churches have served intercultural communities in their churches and offers a model for any future congregation looking at integrating intercultural communities into their churches. This thesis surveys relevant church planting and intercultural ministry resources to detect common themes. This thesis also assesses the traditional counsel that WELS churches have received from Synod Administrators and provides case studies of churches that are currently serving intercultural communities. Finally, this thesis offers potential applications and questions that a church will want to ask if they find themselves with the opportunity to serve an intercultural community in the future.