By removing barriers, church reclaims families

Posted: 1/05/07

By removing barriers,
church reclaims families

By John Hall

Texas Baptist Communications

ALICE—Six years ago, Frank Espinoza returned with high hopes to the church he attended when he was married. He wanted to be a vital part of growing Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana in Alice.

Four months later, he came to a crossroads where he had to choose between his church and his family. His daughters didn’t speak Spanish and weren’t learning anything about Christianity at a Spanish-speaking church because of the language barrier. Soon, they didn’t want to go to church.

So, Espinoza did what he felt was best for his family. The Espinozas moved their membership to another church, but his love for Primera Iglesia Bautista Mexicana never faded.

God honored that passion, Espinoza said, by bringing him and his family back to the church.

Noe Trevino, a Baptist General Convention of Texas congregational strategist, was leading the church through a process to rediscover its vision and reach out in ways it never had before.

The church reviewed its history. Members studied the demographics of their community and discovered many young families who preferred speaking English but had no church home. The congregation also found people believed the church was only for Mexicans because of its name.

So, the church started an English service to reach young families and saw it quickly surpass the Spanish service in attendance. The congregation poured more resources into its youth program.

Last summer, the church’s longtime pastor retired, but the growth continued because people were empowered to minister, said Sylvia Torres, who leads the church’s children’s ministry. Church members are following God’s call to serve in a variety of ways, she reported.

“Everybody has to be active,” she said. “There’s a place for everybody.”

The church also removed a cultural barrier by changing its name to Emmanuel Baptist Church.

“We wanted a name that would be certainly Baptist, but one that would imply all cultures were welcome, not just Mexicanos,” Espinoza said.

God continues to grow the church, he said. The congregation averages more than 160 people each week in its worship services. People are making professions of faith in Christ and growing in their faith, which pleases Espinoza.

“It’s not about the numbers,” he said. “It’s about the hearts of people.”

Families who left the church to find ministries in English have returned to be part of the growing congregation. Old friends are reconnecting and encouraging each other in their faith.

As for the Espinozas, Emmanuel Baptist Church has become a second home. They are excited about being a part of a growing congregation where God’s word is preached.

“I’m pleased to say today my girls are absolutely thrilled about going to church,” Espinoza said.