Second generation is shaping ethnic ministry in New England

If there is one specific characteristic of ethnic ministry in New England that can be noticed even throughout difficult times, it is that the second generation in our ethnic churches is doing well. During these past months, young ethnic leaders have been gathering regularly to learn from each other, encourage one another, and dream about the future of the ethnic church. It is interesting to note that their challenges are not only unique but common among different ethnic groups. During these conversations, that fact became very apparent as we traced specific characteristics to each ethnic group according to the perspective of these young leaders.

It was surprising to see the commonalities in challenges faced by each ethnic group, but also the fortitude of a second generation of leaders that has been forged during times of difficulty and in the day-to-day reality of ethnic churches here in New England. What all of us noted during the conversation is that in spite of the limitations, the reality of second generation leaders is that this has been a fertile soil for leadership development.

Common struggles

One common observation was that ethnic churches tend to rely on young leaders at an early age. Because of this, many have found that they had no other choice than to mature rapidly in terms of serving in their respective churches. Much of this is due to the lack of options in many ethnic churches that do not have mature leaders to serve and therefore have to depend on younger manpower in order to fulfill the church’s vision. As a result, leaders are recruited at a very early age. This seems to be the norm among most ethnic groups represented in the conversations with young leaders, but this does not come without challenges.

Many young leaders complained about burnout in ministry, that a lot of times their church was laying a heavy burden upon their shoulders. They mentioned that a lot of times, if not always, they were expected to do their duties without proper training. They felt incapacitated to do what they were being called to do, but also did not want to let the church down. Because of this, they have worked hard to learn how to serve their churches by learning on their own and striving to do their best in spite of a lack of training.

Common perceptions

Others mentioned that in spite of the difficulties, they were proud to serve alongside the first generation of immigrants. The underlying notion is one of being proud of their ethnic heritage and the awareness that God has brought them here to make a difference in the New England context.

Another common perception is that ethnic churches need to be more contextualized to the culture in which they serve. There is a clear understanding among second generation leaders that the Gospel is for all nations, not just for their specific ethnic group. Their perception points to the necessity of ethnic churches embracing ways of doing ministry in New England that are different than in the motherland. This would require not only being familiar with the local language, but also adapting to regional culture and customs.

The younger generation understands that they are a hybrid transition from the culture of their parents to the reality of the future of ethnic churches in New England. They understand that in order to reach their own peers, at school, at work, and in their social circles, they need to be able to communicate the Gospel well - in English as well as in a way that makes sense to the overall New England culture. These young leaders are well aware that this can be a huge struggle for first generation immigrants, but they are willing to pave the road for a future when people of all tribes, tongues, and nations feel welcome in their ethnic churches.

I have been surprised by the passion and the commitment of these young leaders. May God continue to do great work in their lives, as it is very apparent that they are not just the future of the Church, but also the present.

Joe Souza serves as the ethnic ministry coordinator at the Baptist Convention of New England.