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How Congregations Can Reach the Hispanic Community

Being missionaries in your own “back yard” may be not sound as fun and risky, but let me walk you through different suggestions with the hope you can feel called to partner in ministry by reaching your own Hispanics neighbors for Jesus.

1. Change both outdoor and inside signs. Go “Bilingual.” Welcome-Bienvenido; Sanctuary-Santuario; Nursery – Cuidado de Niños; Restrooms – Baños. The department stores do, why not the church? It’s a sign of Radical Hospitality.
2. Your Outreach Program Flyers should be bilingual, andbe placed in your community’s Mexican or international groceries, Mexican restaurants, Migrant Council Office; International Student Center boards, etc.
3. Choose to designate September as your “Hispanic Heritage month.” Colleges and universities celebrate it. Extended an invitation to your church, invite the international students in your area, and cater some Mexican food from restaurants.
4. Use Cinco de Mayo free advertisements in your community and offer your own program.The Hispanic community might have a formal folklore dance group and bring Hispanic bilingual speaker to talk about the Hispanic culture in your community, this will be very educational for your congregation and you will find very useful information that will help you reach them.
5. Connect with your community college and ask offer them your building for English as a Second Language and U.S. Citizenship classes. Prepare a group of your mission team to host and welcome students, provide child care and see how easy it’s to make friends.
6. Offer Spanish classes to your leadership team or Mission team.
7. Make a missions trip to Honduras. The IGRC Missions office is working with them to start new churches. See information at www.igrc.org/honduras.  After the trip, use the highly motivated group to reach your Hispanic friends in your community.