The Multicultural Ministries Office convened a meeting with representatives from various ethnic language and people groups October 11 thru 13 at the Global Ministry Center. The participants were selected by their ethnic facilitators to share about their experiences growing up in a first-generation language or ethnic congregation. The aim of the meeting was to produce a guide to assist first-generation pastors and congregations in making transitions, developing leadership, and retaining and ministering to the next generation, a fast-growing group in a multicultural society.
Ismael Flores, multicultural director for the South Texas District, leads this Next Generation Consultation Initiative. The participants were: Kalara Barnes (Samoan), Beck Rodriguez-(Latino), Qhled Guiwa (Filipino), Rachel Lee (Korean), Shane Lima (Portuguese), Jadinah Naomi Sejour-Gustave (Haitian), Christine Suos (SE Asian), Jonathan Nells (Native American), and Jeff Lin(Chinese). Others were invited but unable to attend to represent their people group.
Several leaders from the USA/Canada Region and Global Ministry Center were invited to share with the group. Dr. Carla Sunberg spoke about her experience of growing up in a multicultural environment. Dr. Alan Lyke shared about how Nazarene Bible College could come alongside to provide ministerial preparation for the next generation of ethnic women and men that God is calling to His mission in the USA/Canada Region.
