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Cultural Shift in Congregation Brings Rich Rewards
by Beth Fredrickson
CHICAGO, IL (January 18, 2006) - When pastor Linnea Carnes arrived at Immanuel
Evangelical Covenant Church in Chicago six years ago, 80 percent of the
congregation was Anglo. Most of the 20 percent non-Anglo members and
friends were from countries other than the United States. Today those
numbers are largely reversed as the church is experiencing an ethnic and
cultural shift that is both challenging and blessing its ministries.
"God is doing something among us," Carnes says. "We are learning so many
lessons about cultural differences and expectations."
Currently 14 nationalities and people groups are represented in the
church. In addition to African Americans, the congregations includes
people from Chile, China, Cuba, Germany, India, Iran, Japan, Korea,
Latvia, Mexico, Pakistan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka and
Vietnam.
Like many long-time Covenant congregations, Immanuel was founded by
Swedish immigrants. Since its inception in 1923, when it counted 154
worshipers, the church has known a rich tradition of faithful service,
worship and fellowship. When the congregation moved in 1949 to its
present location across from Swedish Covenant Hospital, next door to
Covenant Home of Chicago and a few blocks east of North Park University,
it enjoyed a thriving life in a mostly residential neighborhood.
Today as people have moved away and others have moved in – bringing with
them new businesses and new cultures – Immanuel is undergoing a
transformation.
"We have had to learn to let go of people as they need to move on, and
to embrace people as they walk in," explains Carnes. "The shift was
gradual as people moved away, and as older members died or moved to
retirement communities."
The neighborhood around the church has grown much more diverse than it
used to be. In fact the area's zip code, 60625, contains one of the most
ethnically diverse populations in the city. Many of the new faces in the
congregation are first-generation immigrants, most of whom are not yet
U.S. citizens.
"They are just walking in," says Carnes. "Most of our new attenders are
not white, and they are living in this neighborhood. Many of them have
young children. We have simply tried to make sure that everyone who
walks in the door feels welcome. Our people are gracious and welcoming –
there is openness to anyone. For example, we try to greet people in
their native language. That really makes a difference."
Worship leadership also is diverse, as those with gifts and interests
are incorporated into the services.
The congregation's diversity also is extending beyond Sunday morning
worship. "These people are becoming part of the fabric of the life of
the church," says Carnes. "I am training up new leaders and tying to
bridge cultural situations. The perceptions of leadership and power are
different for other cultures. That makes raising up leaders a slow process."
The congregation calls itself a "unique international community for
worship and learning." It is a community of God's making.
(Editor's note: this article is used with permission of the Central
Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church and first appeared in the
conference newsletter.)
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
