|
|
|
|
One Day Soon
Every Other Texan Will Be Hispanic
Join us in creating a new generation of cross-cultural leaders
THE NEW TEXAS:a cultural crossover
While experts predict that Hispanics will be the next great missionary force to cross the globe, the reality of a cross-cultural Texas is already here. The rapid emergence of Hispanic populations is seasoning our state with Hispanic culture from the borderlands to urban boardrooms. And Christians are hearing the call to embrace the opportunities and challenges of cross-cultural ministry with passion and fervor.
Whether one is a first-generation immigrant or a fourth generation Hispanic-American, culture and heritage inform every aspect of life. And learning how to confidently cross over cultural divides - whether you originate from Hispanic or Anglo culture - will be a priority skill in 21-st century Texas.
This is where Baptist University of the Américas is vitally important to the future of ministry in Texas. Hispanic Texans will need thousands of new churches to nurture their faith. Hispanic Texans will need education, healthcare and human services provided by people with both cross-cultural skills and Christian compassion.
And since coming generations of Hispanics will be younger on average, the physical and spiritual needs of millions of Hispanic children and youth are an urgent priority.
HISPANIC TEXANS:a growing resource for mission and ministry
The numbers are clear. Not only will half the population need cross-cultural ministry, but that same Hispanic-half are our greatest human resource for providers of ministry. Hispanics will soon comprise half our population base for volunteers, leaders, and supporters of Christian work.
That’s a good thing, because we need leaders who are equally fluent not only in the languages of Hispanic and Anglo cultures but more importantly in their worldviews, life experiences, values, artistic preferences, daily practices and decision making styles. This new kind of cross-cultural leader will help us all understand one another better and work together to build cohesive, cooperative churches and communities with opportunity for everyone.
New generations of Hispanic Baptists will invigorate our historic passion for Christian mission. They are already strengthening our effectiveness in mission with their easy acceptance in non-western cultures, their relative familiarity with the challenges of poverty and economic struggle, their vibrant worship and vigorous preaching, and their strong family values that emphasize the importance of religious faith, relationships and community.
And trained cross-cultural leaders will become one of Texas Baptist’s greatest exports as we send Hispanic church planters, pastors and missionaries across the country and around the world. At BUA, we recognize that we have become the premiere provider of Hispanic ministers to many states where Hispanic numbers are rapidly growing but there are no educational opportunities in a Hispanic context.
The future is bright for Texas and Texas Baptist work, but it will require new cross-cultural competencies and a new kind of ministry leader. And we believe investing in the education and formation of these new leaders will produce more spiritual and social impact than almost any other opportunity before us.
We are confident that with your generosity and vision,
Baptist University of the Américas, together with our friends,
alumni and supporters will indeed Cross Over Together
and claim a new era for cross-cultural ministry in Texas .
|
|
|