The Power of Cultural Diversity in Our Church

The United States has always had a large Hispanic population, which continues to grow. However, I have noticed over the past decade, Hispanics continue to move north, which has grown Canada’s population as well. Very likely, in the next few years (if you haven’t already) your city or town will experience an influx of Spanish-speaking people. Here’s the question:

How can we embrace and integrate the growing Hispanic population within our church community while respecting and celebrating cultural diversity?

This is a fascinating question in our current moment, considering the cultural views of many Hispanic people groups. If we want to choose unity, change and tolerance are inevitable.

A Personal Journey

My British grandfather remarried a Peruvian woman later in his life, thrusting our very English family into a Spanish-speaking culture. This shift changed the trajectory of my studies from French to Spanish in school and influenced my travel choices toward Central and South America.

I fell in love with Latin America’s high value on community and family over independent thoughts and beliefs, which was very different from the typical Caucasian-Canadian perspective.

A Divine Appointment

God used my background during the pandemic when a couple from El Salvador, named Herber and Elena, showed up at our church doorstep. Through my broken Spanish and Herber’s broken English, I discovered that he had a seminary degree and was a Children’s Pastor.

Furthermore, Herber felt a calling to be the first Spanish-speaking pastor in the Yukon. He had visited other churches, trying to make connections, but wasn’t gaining traction related to his calling. We would help him become a pastor in the Yukon.

This was an incredible opportunity for our church, our territory, and the Gospel! We worked with Herber as he helped reorganize our children’s program (and Herber worked on his English). Soon enough, we voted Herber into our church as a pastor and elder. He has and will continue to shepherd our children, parents and volunteers.

Lord willing, as the population of Spanish speakers increases in Whitehorse, he’ll lead the Yukon’s first Spanish-speaking gathering. We wait for the right time, according to God’s plan.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)

For now, Herber, along with his faithful partner in ministry, Elena, are doing incredible work! They have become great friends and co-labourers in the Gospel.

Moving Forward Together

Embracing racial and cultural diversity within our churches and communities isn’t just about tolerance. It’s about celebrating the unique contributions each group brings. It’s about understanding and respecting different values and finding common ground in our shared faith.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”

Hebrews 10:24 (ESV)

Our journey with Herber and Elena is a testament to the beauty and strength that comes from Christian unity in diversity. As we continue to grow and welcome new cultures into our community, let’s remember to approach each other with love, patience, and a willingness to learn together.

Stay tuned for our next story of diversity in the Yukon, when a Filipino couple showed up at our church a year later facing a similar calling without a place to serve.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

1. How has cultural diversity impacted your church or community?
2. What challenges have you faced in merging different cultural groups?
3. How can we better support new immigrant families in our churches?