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New Face of Followers
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The demographics of the nation are changing. According to the 2000 census, there’s an estimated 35 million Hispanics living in the United States. That’s more than 12 percent of the population now. In many communities, Hispanics are in the majority, and that means big changes in the future for churches that serve those neighborhoods. |
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New Face of Followers – Story:
Congregation singing: “Jesus loves me, this I know ...”
The music sounds familiar, but the accent has changed.
Congregation singing: “…for the Bible tells me so.”
At the Christ United Methodist Church in Phoenix, survival means learning a new language and embracing a new community.
The Rev. John Cuentas, Christ United Methodist Church: “We have in this area 87 percent Hispanic community.“
Fifty years ago, the church served a largely Anglo community. But longtime members like Leland and Dorene Fike have moved out of the area and a younger largely Hispanic group has moved in.
Leland Fike, Christ United Methodist Church: “I like this church and we're getting older, and if the church doesn't change over it's going to die.”
In order to continue to thrive, the church is opening its doors to the people who live nearby. Offering more than just faith, they offer services like English classes.
Eunice Delgado, taking English classes: “If I can learn English, then it will be easier to teach my kids and help them learn.”
Women like Eunice Delgado are exactly who the Rev. John Cuentas hopes to reach.
The Rev. John Cuentas: “We have open minds, open hearts, and open doors, and always we are here for the people.”
The Fikes admit they don’t always understand the tenor of their new church, but they understand this is the next generation to fill these pews.
Leland Fike: “What we see in here tonight with these people is going to be the life of this church. What I can see here – very good. “
New Face of Followers – Tag:
Right now, the Christ United Methodist Church hosts Sunday services in both Spanish and English. Eventually, as the ministry builds a Hispanic base, it hopes to create two churches – one largely Anglo and one largely Hispanic – to serve the needs of all of their members.