Immigration makes the Kingdom grow, study finds

By Sandra Marroquin —

Immigration has been good for evangelism, a new study shows.

Two out of three converts in Latino congregations are first generation immigrants, according to a Lifeway Research survey of 300 new Spanish-speaking churches, half in California, Florida and Texas.

“It is not surprising that despite many challenges, Hispanic church planters are quick to say, ‘It’s worth it!’” says Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. 

The reason why it’s hard to break out of your culture when you are immersed in it. When you leave that culture, you can re-evaluate your worldview in light of your new culture and make new choices for your life.

Many immigrants are born Catholic and don’t dare to question their teachings and tradition in their native land. Once they come to America, they see a completely different society, culture, set of values, and they may become open to a new view, including their religious upbringing.

One quarter of members in Latino churches are second generation (children of immigrants), while 11% are third generation.

Latino churches appear to do better than others at evangelism.

“The immediate evangelistic impact of new Hispanic congregations is remarkable,” said Jason Stewart, executive director of mobilization at Exponential. “As the congregation grows, the number of new commitments to Jesus Christ per attendee begins to decline, but the overall evangelistic effectiveness is consistently strong.” Exponential is a group that tries to get churches to evangelize.

The average new Latino church work starts with 31 people in attendance in the first year but grows consistently. By the eighth year, the church sees an average of 85 people at the weekly worship service.

In their first year, the average congregation sees 10 people make a first-time commitment to Jesus. Over the next six years, the average fluctuates between 12 and 14 before reaching 15 in year eight.

Another encouraging datum is that Latino congregations are young.

More than a third of attendees in these congregations (35%) are under 30, including 17% who are under 18. Another 39% are between 30 and 49, while 26% are 50 or older. 

“New Hispanic congregations have many current stories of changed lives, as more than 1 in 3 attendees were not attending church at all before this new church work began. These are exciting ministries,” McConnell said.

Sources: The Roys Report, others.