Hispanics

Have you had a chance to read George Barna’s latest findings on the Hispanic community in the United States?  It is quite an interesting read.  It seems to me that the Hispanic Community as a whole is slowly becoming: 1) More Evangelical and less Catholic 2) More Biblically literate and less superstitious.    Barna writes: “The research points out several important realities about the faith of Hispanics in America. First, Hispanics are becoming a more mainstream population in various ways – politically, economically, relationally, culturally – and this data reveals that they are assimilating in their faith perspectives and practices, as well.”

So, if this is true, (and it would seem to me that if this trend continues), it would be extremely beneficial to the non-Hispanics to empower, plan and partner with future Hispanic leaders.  The Hispanic Evangelical population needs to prepare to step up to the leadership demands of the immediate future.  Unfortunately, I see a huge gap existing between mainstream evangelical leadership and the Hispanic worshiper in the pew.   Please prove me wrong, but I don’t see a whole lot of Hispanics crowding the doorways of the leading Theological institutions of our day to be prepared to address the issues which face us from a biblical perspective.  Probably because the mainstream population is not coming to us (Hispanic evangelicals) for those answers.  Or perhaps it is because our future Hispanic leaders do not believe the key to our success to to “study to show ourselves approved” and to be “thoroughly equipped” (2 Tim 2:15, 3:17).

As a young Christian, the writings of the late Francis Shaeffer greatly impacted me, and still haunt me to this day.  In his book: “How Should We then Live?”  he wrote: “If God exists and we are made in his image we can have real meaning, and we can have real knowledge through what he has communicated to us.“  His simple yet deep words impacted a generation of leaders and thinkers through the eighties and nineties and continues on though this day.  They put the Bible in understandable terms and applied them to the issues that faced our nation.  Another statement he made helped me more to think about how to understand the times in which we live.  He wrote: “Each generation of the church in each setting has the responsibility of communicating the gospel in understandable terms, considering the language and thought-forms of that setting.” Those words invigorated the ministries of that era such as Campus Crusade for Christ, The Navigators, various radio ministries and other leading evangelical institutions.  If you are not familiar with him, he is someone with whom you should familiarize yourself.  I believe that he was the father of the Christian conservative movement in the United States.  His influence, while still present is slipping away to the influence of post-modernism in the church (but I’ll leave that discussion for another day).

When I assess the view on the ground in regards to our situation today I see three major trends.  One is that with the election of our new president Barack Obama, those who were once considered non-mainstream are being considered main stream.  A second is that white evangelicals are losing their influence on the whole population, as evidenced by their influence in the republican party.  Third, the economic down turn we are experiencing is the result of greed, worldliness and sin, and our country is in desperate need of revival.

As the baby boomers pass away, the next largest segment of our society coming down the road is the Hispanic community.  It is not a question of when, but it is now that a transition and shift is happening in our culture.  We should thank God that this large segment is becoming more “spiritual and mainstream” as Barna writes.   Could you imagine if this segment went another direction?  Therefore my brothers, as God convicts us, let us not drop the baton that is being handed to us at this time from those who have gone before us.  Let us be biblical first and relevant second.  Let us lead the multitudes to the message of Christ communicated loudly, boldly and passionately to a generation who is desperate to hear it.

However, do not be discouraged by the former mainstream who still does not understand what as happened to them.  There are still some who are not quick to hand over the baton.  That’s ok, we won’t wait for them.  It is God who opens doors and creates ways out of no way.  We need to be faithful to Him who has called us and be ready when our opportunity is presented to us.  If you don’t see Hispanic leaders on platforms, boards, nomination forms, invited guest speakers, consultants, best selling lists, commentators, Senior Pastor Positions, TV hosts, talk show guests and analysts; If they want our vote, but not our voice, our numbers but not our opinions, our market but not our convictions; If they are looking but not buying, hoping but not trusting, seeing but not believing, it is probably because they believe that we, the Hispanic Evangelical population, does not exist.  And, perhaps they are right.  Perhaps the Hispanics that they have asked in the past were not prepared to give a ready answer that is biblical, accurate and reliable.  Perhaps they were not ready to stand up and step in the gap of those who could be entrusted with that message.  But I believe that now is the time my brothers, to prove them wrong, in love.

The obstacles to overcome are staggering.  Biblical illiteracy, lack of a moral compass and an absence of Christian conviction continue to dominate our Hispanic culture.  As a Hispanic Pastor, trying to impact our culture I feel as though we are out manned, out gunned, out spent and out done on every level.  While the spiritual vacuum seems to grow greater, our resources seem to be growing tighter.  That is ok my brothers, because I would rather be in the center of His will, then living high on easy street.  Remember 1 Peter 3:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  While our journey may be overwhelming at times, let us remember that God is faithful and He has not put anything upon us, that we can not handle. Let us not back down in our insistence that Jesus is our answer, Christ is our calling and the Holy Spirit is our power.  We might not see the leading institutions being influenced by our calling, but one day, perhaps our children see that day.  We ought not fear that which we cannot see, but we need to fear Him, whom we cannot see and  trust that His truth will remain the same through all generations.  So hold on my brothers to that which God has given to you to do, and be faithful to complete what He has promised to complete in you.  And let God receive the glory and the praise.  And let’s see what Mr. Barna writes about us next.

God bless you!

Pastor Vince Gonzales

North Dallas Family Church

This year as the Hispanic Baptist Convention of Texas will meet at Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, it will be electing a new president.  The election of officers will launch a year of preparation for Convención’s centennial anniversary to be celebrated in San Antonio.

            Hispanic Baptist work in Texas has come a long way in 100 years!  From that small group of faithful and committed Mexican-origin Baptists, we have become a diverse people.  Our congregations include first-generation immigrants, as well as second, third and fourth generation Hispanics.  Our countries of origin include Mexico, Central American countries, South American countries and countries in the Caribbean.  Our ranks include the working class, school teachers, business owners, community leaders, doctors and lawyers.  Our presence is felt in rural areas, small towns, inner-cities and the suburbs.  Our congregations vary in size, worship style and language preference.  At such a time like this, Convención needs a leader who understands and represents the wide diversity of our Hispanic Baptist work in Texas.

            I am nominating pastor Victor Rodriguez of  South San Filadelfia Baptist Church in San Antonio as president of Convención because he represents the best of leadership in our midst.  He is a product of our Hispanic Baptist work in Texas.  The son of a Texas Hispanic Baptist pastor, Manuel Rodriguez, (who also has served as Convención president), Bro. Victor was a leader among our youth as president of the jóvenes in San Antonio, president of youth camp and president of our state singles camp.  He was educated in Baptist institutions, namely Hardin Simmons University and Wayland Baptist University.  He is bilingual.  He relates to first –generation Hispanics, as well as to second and third generation Hispanics.  Pastor Rodriguez has worked well with Anglos and is well-respected in the San Antonio Baptist Association as well as the Asociación Hispana in San Antonio.  He has worked in harmony with BGCT personnel.  He ministers in the barrio and his vision includes reaching all Hispanics with the whole gospel, including salvation, education, family care and economic improvement.  Victor Rodriguez represents the best of what Convención has been about for 100 years.  He is the profile of a Texas Baptist Hispanic leader.   He is one of ours!  As such he can be an inclusive and understanding leader for our Convención, leading us into the next century of Hispanic Baptist work of collaboration with all those who are committed to the advancement of the gospel in Texas and beyond.

            Bro. Victor has demonstrated skill, passion and ability to lead in his 24 years of ministry as a Texas Hispanic Baptist pastor.  He has been a church planter and the church  which he now pastors has grown from 25 members to over 900 under his leadership.  The church has community ministries that impact 1,300 people on a weekly basis and in the last five years has baptized an average of 100 people annually.  Pastor Rodriguez is supported by his wife Olga and his three sons, Victor, Fernando and Manuel.  His vision is to see Convención impacting all Hispanics in Texas in the spiritual, education, family care, ministerial development and church ministries.

Yesterday was the last day of the 2009 Hispanic Senior Adult Summit.  About 170 Hispanic Senior Adults registered and gathered at the First Mexican Baptist Church of San Antonio for 3 days of fellowship, worship, training and fun.  It was a refreshing time!  I enjoyed spending time with this great group of hermanos, so full of life and love for God and each other.  Many of them have known each other since their youth!!!  Our lives were truly blessed as we served them (Isn’t that always the case?).

The theme for the Summit was “A Cheering Cloud” and was based on Hebrews 12:1-2.  Through seminars, music and sermons, seniors were challenged to serve as witnesses to and supporters of those generations that follow them; to live a legacy worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

On Tuesday morning, during the devotional time, participants reflected on the subject of legacy.  The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines legacy as “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor.”  What are we transmitting to today’s generation?  What are they receiving from us?  If I died today, what would I like to be remembered for?

When a trainer is teaching youth how to improve and give their best, he may use three main techniques.  First he says, “Others have done, and you can do it too.”  Second he says, “Just think how much it will help you physically to do this.”  And then he says, “Now, look a others - see how they do it.”

The author of Hebrews in chapter 12 verses 1 & 2 uses these same techniques to encourage us in the Christian race. 

First he says, look at the winners (v. 1a).  The great cloud of witnesses was presented in Hebrews.  They are the heroes of the faith.  Now, the idea was not that these men and women are in heaven watching us, like in a stadium, as we run the race.  The word “witness”, in this context, does not mean “spectators”. 

A martyr is “a person who sacrifices something of great value and especially life itself for the sake of principle.”  And the New Testament word for “witness” comes directly from the Greek word for “martyr”.  These people, the cloud of witnesses, the heroes of the faith, are not witnesses of what we are doing; but are giving witness to us that God will help us finish the race.

What a beautiful legacy!  Telling others, “Others have done it, you can do it too.  I have done it, you can do it too.  The Lord is with you!  You are not alone.”  When was the last time you shared these words with a younger Christian?

Secondly, he says look at yourself (v. 1b).  Athletes used to wear training weights to help them prepare for events.  No athlete would compete using the weights since they knew they would only slow them down.  Also, too much weight would affect the runners endurance. 

As part of the legacy that we leave those that follow us, it is necessary that we get to the point of sharing with others where we have failed and encourage them not to make our same mistakes.  For this, we must be honest about our weaknesses, and have a heart full of love and compassion for those younger than us.

Lastly, he says look at Christ (v. 2).  Why must we look at Christ?  Because he is our supreme example, and He is the only one that can make it possible for us to finish the race.  

Some say: “It is not how you finish that matters, but how you live.”  This I heard said of Ray Combs, the host of the show Family Feud from 1988 to 1994, who committed suicide in 1996 after several business failures.  He had done many good works during his life, and somehow they were supposed to eclipse the manner of his death.  Others say: “It is not how you live that matters, but how you finish.”  Have you ever heard someone say this?  “I’ll live my life however I want to.  I’ll make Christ my Lord when I’m old or about to die, and then do the right thing.”

These two ways of thinking are wrong.  It is equally important how we live and how we finish.  Why?  Because how we live and how we finish is part of our legacy to those that come behind us.

We must constantly, every minute of our lives, point others through Christ through our words and our actions.  He is the supreme example and has all the power to help us finish the race victoriously.   

Louis Pasteur, the pioneer of immunology, lived in a time where thousands of people were dying of rabies every year.  Pasteur had worked on a vaccine for years.  When he was about to begin experimenting on himself, a nine year old boy, Joseph Meister, was mauled by a rabid dog.  The boy’s mom asked Pasteur to experiment on her son, but he struggled with the decision.  Experimenting on Joseph involved significant personal risk since he didn’t have a license to practice medicine and he could face criminal charges if something went wrong.  But after seeking counsel from his colleagues, Pasteur proceeded to inject Joseph with the vaccine.  After 10 days, the boy lived.  

Decades later, among all the things that Pasteur could have asked to be put on his headstone, he only asked for three words: Joseph Meister Lived.  All he wanted to be remembered for was that Joseph Meister lived.

Truly, the greatest legacy we can leave behind is those that live eternally, those whose lives are transformed because of us.

I know that most of us are not senior adults, but without a doubt, we are all aging everyday and everyday are getting closer to our death.  With that in mind, what do you want to be remembered for the most?  We will all leave a legacy.  The question is, what kind would it be? 

Perhaps I am getting too nostalgic in my old age and I begin to pay more attention to dates, anniversaries, funerals and the like.  But several events have caused me to reflect recently.  Forgive me if I sound a bit melodramatic, but it feels to me like the passing away of Bro. Rudy Sanchez signals the end of an era.  At the same time our youth and singles CONGRESO celebrates its 45th anniversary.  This is a whole generation!  I am humbled by the reminder that I was called to ministry at the 1982 Congreso (27 years ago) and that I was licensed to the ministry shortly after High School graduation in 1984 (25 years ago).  Interestingly, the same month and year I was licensed to the ministry at the age of 19, my friend Frank Palos began his ministry at the BGCT.  As the longest tenured Hispanic employee of the BGCT, he has recently been recognized for his 25 years of service.  These events bring, for me at least, to the forefront several topics of discussion regarding the legacy or legacies that we have been left and that are passing on.

One of those topics for me is that of mentoring.  Who has mentored us?  Who have we mentored?  How significant has this been?  How important should it remain as we pass the baton to the next generation?

 Another topic is how outward-focused were our churches and events a generation ago?  How was the evangelistic fervor evident 25 to 45 years ago?  (It seems to me that it was a primary focus of our work but I may be mistaken)  How have we grown in that?  Have we become more outward-focused than a generation ago or has the opposite happened?

What about youth?  How important was youth ministry in our Hispanic churches in those years?  How were these youth integrated in the overall fabric of our churches and Baptist work in general?  How many of our current pastors and leaders were produced by the youth ministries of that era?  Was this effective?  If so, in which ways?

What about cross-cultural ministry?  How were the leaders of our Hispanic Baptist work in Texas of a generation ago innovative and effective in cross-cultural ministry or not?  How far have we come in this respect?  

Lastly, how were our leaders of a generation ago visionary in respect to cross-vocational domain networking?  In other words, how were they able to see the impact that their youth could make for the kingdom, not only through being pastors and missionaries but also doctors, lawyers, teachers, counselors, social workers, etc. etc.  I understand that one of the early purposes of Congreso was to encourage our youth and singles to pursue higher education and to be encouraged in their quest for professional careers so that we could multiply the leadership base of the church’s next generation?  Where are we today in this respect?

I would like to invite our writers to post on any of these topics or other related topics in the next few weeks.  The posts may be reflections, memoirs, or suggestions.

Julio Guarneri

Getsemani, Fort Worth

Although our church is not currently seeking a full-time worship leader, we are constantly evaluating our effectiveness in this area.  The challenges of music styles, multi-generational congregation, bi-culturalism and, in our  church’s case, bilingualism are great.  I found this article interesting in its discussion of a search for a worship leader:

http://tinyurl.com/5jsv3t

I find the discussion very relevant to our particular context.  Add to that the challenge of addressing the cultural needs of the congregation.  In our case, there are 13 countries represented in our pews, not to mention that just in Mexico we have mariachi’s, nortena, spanish pop, cumbia’s and tropical, to name a few.  Now, keeping it bilingual is not the biggest challenge but it does make things a little more complex.

Though the author seems to assume that choir music is performance only and worship teams automatically involve the congregation in direct worship, I believe this is oversimplified.  This may be more the norm than the exception but times of contemplation and meditation are possible while choirs are singing.  But most importantly, some worship teams could be in danger of being more into performance than into worship leading.  It is important that the worship leaders and worship team members actually be worshiping and that they are seeking throughout the worship service to engage the congregation in worship, rather than getting through the song and onto the next song.

I couldn’t agree more on the necessity of quiet reflection, meaningful prayer times, scripture reading and affirmations of faith as integral parts of the worship experience, not as added side ingredients to the “main” thing which is the music.

I would like to hear what your experience and thoughts are on the subject.  Please post or comment.

The Pew Hispanic Center is a great resource on Hispanic issues.  UPI had a a story (back in August, which is eons ago in internet time) on Pew’s findings regarding Hispanic student trends (h/t brenda):

A study says the number of Hispanic students in U.S. public schools doubled from 1990 to 2006 to about 10 million children.

The Pew Hispanic Center in Washington said Tuesday that the growth spurt accounted for 60 percent of the overall growth rate in public schools enrollment and the trend was likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

“In 2050, there will be more school-age Hispanic children than school-age non-Hispanic white children,” Pew said in a written statement.

Now we just need to help them graduate.

PS: The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life is another favorite for research, news and discussion.

Here is a great resource for presentations. I know some of you could either use it for papers or to educate others about Hispanics. This PDF gives a Geographic Distribution of the Hispanic Population. Click Here to view the PDF.