How to Start a Spanish Ministry in an English Speaking Church

Enhance your church's outreach by organizing a Spanish-speaking ministry.

If you're of Hispanic origin or speak Spanish fluently, you can lend your knowledge or talents to erect a Spanish-speaking ministry at your church. Asking the right people to help organize activities attractive to Hispanic Christians will create an effective ministry and make your English-speaking congregation appealing to more members.

Things You'll Need

• Bible
• Flyer
• Volunteers
• Spanish classes or books

Instructions

1. Research demographic information for the area where the church is located. Go to your state's or city's government website to find how many Hispanic families live in close proximity to the church. Learn specifics about the Spanish-speaking people in your community, like if most are Mexican, Puerto Rican, or from parts of Colombia or Nicaragua. This will help you research important parts of each Hispanic sub-culture to incorporate into your ministry, e.g. most Hispanics are family-oriented and may respond well to large dinner discussions that make for fellowship and the sharing of several spiritual viewpoints.

2. Make appointments with Hispanic religious leaders in your city or state. Ask these pastors and evangelists what the major issues are in the Spanish-speaking community right now, and what your church can do to help. Also, attend events dedicated to Hispanic Heritage Month (in September), as well as festivals and parades that showcase Hispanic culture. Visit your local library on the days when volunteers read to children in Spanish, and ask about ESL classes you can sit in on.

3. Volunteer at community centers that cater to the Hispanic population to make your church's presence and your devotion to your new Hispanic ministry known in the community. Set up a time each week to visit soup kitchens and donate clothing and toys to locations that Hispanics visit often. You can also offer to teach a local ESL class.

4. Meet with the people who have agreed to help you with the Spanish-speaking ministry to revisit your specific goals before sending out fliers to the community. For instance, if you're focused on reaching Hispanic families, organize a parking lot fair at your church with games for kids. You can also host a couple's dinner for Hispanic couples at a fancy restaurant near the church.

5. Hand out fliers with your church's contact information to local businesses to let people know about the kick-off event you have planned for your Spanish-speaking ministry.

References

• Central Church of the Nazarene: How to Start an ESL Outreach Ministry in Your Church
• Reaching Hispanics: 8 Steps to Beginning a Spanish Ministry in Your Local Church