Growing Congregations with All Cultures

Agora, a timely ministry
Assisting congregations to grow with the changing population in their neighborhoods

America is changing. Changing fast! In the past, Christian congregations searched for mission fields outside the United States and were sending missionaries to faraway countries. Today, mission fields have come to us - to our neighborhoods. The question: Is it a blessing or a burden?

The following is from the article "Eventually, each one of us will be a minority" published in the St. Paul Pioneer Press August 14, 2008.

In a few decades, all Americans will be minorities, according to Census Bureau projections.

* Non-Hispanic whites: will drop below 50 percent of the population as early as 2042, 10 years earlier than predicted.
* Hispanics: The number will triple by 2050 to nearly a third of the U.S. population
* Blacks: The number will increase from 14% now to 15% (66 million).
* Asians: Their number will increase from 5% to 9% of the population (41 million).
* American Indians, Alaska Natives: Their number will rise from 1.6% to 2% (9 million).

Many organizations and institutions in the U.S. are educating their leadership to prepare for dealing with the diversity on their staffs and among their clientele. They recognize the need for change in their culture and leadership if they are to take advantage of this increasing diversity. Institutions, such as schools, colleges, and banks are employing people in their leadership and visible work force who represent the population of the community. Is it too great a challenge for our congregations to make changes in staffing and in worship styles for the sake of mission - for the sake of welcoming and accommodating into God's church family the new populations moving into our neighborhoods?

Agora is committed to assist congregations to grow by reaching out to the new populations in our midst. We are asking your partnership and help in the important ministry.