I was privileged to serve as a pastor in one local church for 30 years. I still treasure that season until this day and have been especially reflective in recent days on the last decade of my service there.
Kentwood Community Church (KCC) in Southeast Grand Rapids, Michigan was awakening more than ever to “beyond the walls” ministry. Partnering with then West Michigan District and District Superintendent Mark Gorveatte, we were participating in giving resources and sending people for church planting at an accelerated rate.
We also recognized our community was becoming wonderfully multiethnic. Formerly primarily Dutch, there was now representation from over 50 countries around our church. We recognized “The Nations Are Our Neighbors.” We sought with our words and actions to “love neighbors and nations,” around the world and now next door.
Those who served as lead pastor following me, Kyle Ray and now Mick Veach, led KCC to pursue this vision to an even greater level. As I write this, I’m wearing a KCC hoodie with the words “A Church of and for the Nations,” a reality flourishing as Pastor Mick draws upon his global missional experience. KCC now offers the services of Immigrant Connection (IC) on their campus.
But this is not about one local church. We were part of something broader happening in The Wesleyan Church.
In 2008, 96.2% of elected delegates attending the Eleventh North American General Conference of The Wesleyan Church approved Memorial 367 — “Position Statement on Immigration.” The women and men who voted at that conference presented to their denomination, their churches and the people gathering there to worship, a guide to respect, support and care for immigrants.
Immigration is once again being, as it has continually been, discussed, debated and in some cases, becoming divisive. As North American Wesleyans, we need to remember and demonstrate the commitment we made to our immigrant brothers and sisters 17 years ago …
… We must treat all persons with dignity, including those who have entered the country illegally or who entered legally but are now out of status with immigration authorities.
… We will give of ourselves in wholehearted love to others without intolerance, judgment, favoritism, or disrespect, in spite of who they are or what they have done to live among us.
… We will exercise awareness of the laws as they pertain to immigration and will endeavor to obey them, and encourage all immigrants to do the same, unless these laws are contrary to God’s Word as interpreted by the collective wisdom and authority of the body of Christ.
… We will encourage one another to engage in acts of kindness and compassion (i.e., providing food, shelter, clothing, and other resources) toward immigrants who are in need regardless of their immigration status.
… We oppose and condemn all unjust and harsh laws, policies and measures directed against immigrants among us, whether documented or undocumented. We will act as advocates for just and humane policies for all people by all levels of government and in all parts of society.
I often remind myself that, “Immigration is an issue. Immigrants are people.” There are certainly issues to be resolved, but most important is our words and actions incarnating the Greatest Commandment.
Our commitment is clear. As we engage with grace in the conversation, we hold ourselves accountable for action. Regardless of whether a person’s status is documented or undocumented, the words of our mouths must carry dignity and respect. The doors of our sanctuaries must be open to worship together. The work of our Wesleyan family to serve as navigators and advocates must be supported.
My Wesleyan sisters and brothers, respecting and caring for our immigrant neighbors is about faithfully living out what we have already declared publicly by word and demonstrated by action. Care for our sisters and brothers is about God’s heart seen in and through us.
Visit www.icwelcome.org to learn more about the ministry of and resources provided by Immigrant Connection, a Wesleyan Church subsidiary. IC provides training and support for pastors and churches who want to better serve immigrants, guidance and tools for churches unsure of their rights and responsibilities, and practical resources for congregations wanting to walk alongside immigrants in Preparation and Planning training.
