Migrants in the Church continued

of Baptist World Aid, provided participants with a biblical foundation for welcoming the stranger, the migrant, the alien and foreigner into congregations. Forced migration caused by war, conflict, persecution or need has been part of the human condition throughout history, and is also seen throughout the biblical narrative. At the same time, the Bible contains repeated commandments for God’s people to demonstrate hospitality, inclusiveness, and care for the stranger in our midst. Anthony Peck, BWA regional secretary for Europe and

general secretary of the European Baptist Federation, provided participants with insights into the complexities of the present-day situation in Europe, where many people travel from across the world to find work, to study, and as refugees and asylum seekers from war and oppressive regimes. At the same time, there has been an alarming increase in anti-migrant attitudes in countries of the European Union, which, when combined with renewed nationalism by far right groups, has fostered both hatred and xenophobia. Peck pointed to several ways that local churches and unions

can prove to be a vital resource in meeting the needs of foreigners. Extending the love of Christ through welcome and hospitality is fundamental to building relationships with people who feel far from home, are alone and vulnerable. Practical help with housing, language instruction, counseling and work are important, coupled with the sharing of food, conversation and friendship, which can prove to be instrumental in the conversion of people to Christianity. Migrant churches can represent a significant presence in Baptist conventions and unions and bring life, vibrancy and diversity in theology and practice. Migrant churches can engage in mission and evangelism to their own people in their new cultural setting. However, cultural diversity can provoke differences in attitudes to models of leadership and power, democracy and accountability, as well as theology and practice. Problems related to second- generation immigrants need to be addressed sensitively, as they struggle to find their identity between two cultures. At the same time, migrant churches will require pastors with adequate theological education. “What our European Baptist unions and churches can do

above all is to make it clear that we will have no part in racism, xenophobia or a narrow exclusive nationalism,” Peck said. “We must stand for justice for all, especially the stranger, the immigrant, the refugee, the asylum seeker.”

EVANGELISM: The Heart of Christian Witness Fernando Brandao, from Brazil, in a presentation on evangelistic preaching,

indicated that evangelism is a core part of the mission of the church. Evangelism, in

turn, involves making disciples, and building relationships is important to discipleship. “Those who develop a missional lifestyle demonstrate a true relationship with God, a purposeful relationship with others, and will actively engage in making disciples of others,” Brandao said. He emphasized that evangelism is the work of the Holy Spirit through the body of Christ. A majority of participants at the evangelistic preaching

session were deeply moved by failures of the church to commit to evangelism and disciple making. The use of the imagination is important in preaching, said

Clifford Jones, Douglas Dortch and William Brown, all Baptist pastors in the United States. Jones emphasized the need to evoke listening through

imagination, but imagination also involves preparation, including reading, dialogue, active listening, cultivation of the spiritual disciplines and spending time in the presence of God. It includes understanding the culture of one’s congregation. Similar points were made by Brown, who presented a paper

prepared by Dortch. True imagination in preaching rests on the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and time spent in quiet reflection with the Creator. Different approaches in presenting the Gospel, or preaching the sermon, should also be explored.

Nones Sam Chaise of Canadian Baptist Ministries believes that an

attitude of listening is best when reaching out to “nones,” persons who have no religious affiliation. He cautioned that these persons may not necessarily be averse to spirituality, but rather may feel estranged from religious institutions. The rejection of religious institutions may stem from a

deeper aversion to how power is exercised in the church, and discrimination based on gender and sex. In religious institutions, nones often see a disconnect between what they know of Jesus and the church. Reaching nones requires self understanding by Christians,

including motivations and goals, and a consciousness of one’s attitude and behavior, such as defensiveness and an improper tone. A key part of reaching nones is establishing authentic long

term relationships. There should be “no arrogance, smugness, superiority.” It involves being open “more than being certain.” Presence is important, being available, ready to serve.