William Carey once said, “To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map.”
While Carey was talking about foreign missions, this sentiment is certainly true of living and ministering in the greater Houston area. We cannot hope to see the gospel advance throughout our city without first understanding our reality.
It shouldn't be news to you that Houston is incredibly diverse. Our city’s diversity even extends beyond the major categories that we typically think of and measure. Harris County’s population includes people from 150 Native American groups, dozens more than any other county in Texas and 11th most in the nation.
When we understand the facts, God's Word, and the opportunity this movement of people brings, the church can rise to the moment God has given us.
So few of us who live in Houston were actually born here, and many have immigrated from all over the globe. Some of the best things about our city—our innovation, creativity, and fantastic food, for example—are all byproducts of blending different cultures and perspectives together.
Houston is a picture of what can happen when diverse people from all over the globe converge, bringing their unique stories, traditions, and dreams. When the churches understand the facts, God's Word, and the opportunity this movement of people brings, we can rise to the moment God has given us.
1. Know the Facts.
To fully understand our city, state, and nation, we need to start with a few immigration statistics. Even though you might be tempted to glaze over when people talk numbers and demographics, these statistics are helpful. Demographics represent real people like our neighbors and church members, and having these facts can help us live out our faith in our communities.
According to recent census data, a staggering 1,757,731 foreign-born individuals call the Houston Metro area home. From the eclectic shops of Little Asia to the beautiful murals of 2nd Ward [or Segundo Barrio], immigrant communities are woven into the fabric of our city.
If it seems like most immigrants are coming from places you haven’t heard of, maybe it’s a good time to take William Carey’s advice. Open a map, do some research, and consider who is here and why.
If you’re a visual person, here’s a chart of the top 10 foreign-born populations in the Houston Metro. Census records make much of this information readily available.
Once we have some facts, we can begin to ask more questions about why certain peoples might have moved here and how the gospel speaks to the longing of their hearts.
From this starting point, we can have a better conversation to acknowledge the complex landscape of immigration and how Christians should proceed.
2. Know the Word.
God’s will on immigration is more nuanced than any one “side” would have you believe. Like Peter standing in the house of Cornelius, we might find ourselves trying to discern how God is moving among people we would have otherwise overlooked. Time and again, we see that God’s plans are much bigger than ours.
While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
Acts 10: 44-47
In these cases, the only correct response is to follow God’s leading and stay focused on the Great Commission. As God’s people, we must open our ears to His Word and what the Holy Spirit has to say about these matters. From there, we act accordingly, trusting God will do his work.
Questions for further Bible study:
How would God have us respond to immigrants made in his image?
What does the Bible say about law and order?
How should God’s people care for the foreigner in our midst?
How should Christians approach local laws and authorities?
Threading the needle of justice, mercy, and God's will seems complicated. We need discernment that moves beyond simple sound bites. Rather than taking what others around you—even people you respect—say at face value, we must wrestle with Scripture on these matters.
3. Know your neighbor:
Conceptual conversations about immigration can get heated pretty quickly. When we’re talking about immigrants in general, it’s easy to dehumanize or speak in terms that keep the faces of real people too distant to focus on. But what about your neighbor?
Think of an immigrant you know: the neighbor who’s always generous with their tools, the parents of your kid's best friend on the soccer team, your church’s worship minister.
Do you know their story? Have you ever asked?
“When we remember the image of God in those around us, we can have a more nuanced and godly conversation about immigration.”
How would you talk about immigration policies regarding people you know and love? How would you talk about other immigrants around them?
If you’re inclined to say, “Of course, I’m not talking about you,” maybe reconsider speaking in such broad strokes about immigrants.
When we remember the image of God in those around us, we can have a more nuanced and godly conversation about immigration.
4. See the Opportunity:
God has given churches in Houston a unique opportunity. Living and ministering in our diverse city means that we can engage some of the least-reached people in the world without ever getting on a plane.
It also means we have access to a wealth of knowledge when it comes to living Christian life in a variety of cultures. Our immigrant brothers and sisters in Christ can help American Christians navigate our post-Christian culture. They can see our cultural blindspots and help us live more authentically as Christians.
I would hate to see us squander this moment God has brought to us.
As it says in Acts 17:26-27:
And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us (ESV)
So, no matter where you land on the issue of immigration, God has brought people to our doorstep right now. How will the church make the most of this opportunity?
Who can we share with who might never have understood the good news?
Who can we partner with to advance the gospel in ways we can’t?
Let’s lean into these questions and learn to be #BetterTogether.
Josh Ellis is Executive Director of Union Baptist Association. He has a PhD in Leadership Studies and has served on the UBA staff since 2005. With both practical and scholarly knowledge, he leads the association into innovative collaboration for the sake of strategic gospel advancement.
Marie Burrus is a UBA Church Consultant and Communications Specialist. Her primary responsibilities are consulting on mission engagement and church communications. She also manages, edits, and contributes content for UBA's blog, website, and social media outlets.
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