Organization:  Metro Atlanta Network of Churches (WELS)

Background/Context:

The Meros Center is partnering with Metro Atlanta WELS congregations to develop a community-driven, mission-minded approach to reach a group that has little if any previous connection to Jesus.  The collaboration will create replicable tools and strategies to serve cross-culturally in this area as well as other urban-metro areas in North America to better serve diverse families through church communities. The Metro Atlanta WELS network, with four congregations in close proximity to Clarkston, has a passion for underserved and immigrant communities and wants to use the assets of the network to serve the community of Clarkston – the most diverse square mile of the US. Immigrants and refugees come to Clarkston to get an initial set of resources and then most relocate to other parts of Atlanta or cities in the US. Connecting with families during this critical period is an important time to show the love of Christ without expecting anything in return. The network’s unique approach is to start with community engagement rather than an organized congregation in order to have a participatory process and rely on the local assets in the community.

This project is funded by: Donors like you

Research Question:

Can a congregation-led participatory process produce the insights and experiences necessary to create a toolkit for conducting newcomer ministry in diverse communities?

Study Aims:

1. Identify and leverage existing human, physical, social, and financial resources in the Metro Atlanta congregations.
2. Identify and leverage existing assets in the Clarkston community.
3. Create opportunities to get to know families in Clarkston and connect them with a tangible expression of God’s love.
4. Discover local and cultural assumptions driving the issues families are experiencing in Clarkston and clarify the existing survival strategy for these families.
5. Create opportunities for families in Clarkston to serve one another and see their God-given dignity and gifts.
6. Nurture discipleship among Christians that have a desire to serve diverse families and learn new ways to connect with their own neighbors.
7. Strengthen a mission mindset among Christians that see people as dearly loved children of God first – strengthen a mindset of generous justice rather than an “otherness.”
8. Create a congregational toolkit based on this collaboration.

Impact:

We will build dignity and hope in a population that is isolated, disconnected, and broken in their relationships with God, themselves, others, and the world around them.  We pray that Clarkston households will grow in a relationship with God and share their hope in Christ with both nearby neighbors and relatives in other countries.  We also pray that congregational volunteers grow in their service and connectedness to their broader community. Our team’s innovative, practice-based toolkit and resources will be valuable for urban and suburban congregations to carry out multicultural community engagement. 

Open Positions: 1 Research Scholar (please note project when applying)

Timeline:  September 2024 – January 2027

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