Evangelicals Views on Immigration Reform, Relationships Drive Support of Urban Churches & You Gotta Have Friends

Evangelicals’ nuanced views on immigration should encourage faith leaders to offer biblical responses to all concerns, key evangelical leaders said Feb. 28 upon the release of a new Lifeway Research study sponsored by the Evangelical Immigration Table.

Both the compassionate care of immigrants and border security rank high among evangelicals, the poll showed, with respondents overwhelmingly desiring a clear path to citizenship and cohesive care for immigrant families.

Evangelical groups represented at the press conference called for cross-partisan solutions to immigration this year – ahead of the next U.S. presidential term – and did not endorse a political party nor candidate best positioned to accomplish desired goals.

Gabriel Salguero, president of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition and an Assemblies of God pastor, instead endorsed justice, love and mercy in the public sphere, and promoted “conviction and civility.”
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In an inspiring union between Champion Forest Church in Houston and urban congregations in Detroit, led by the friendship between Senior Pastor Jarrett Stephens and Pastor Torion Bridges of Detroit, a heartwarming initiative unfolds.

This partnership, deeply rooted in mutual respect and shared vision, goes beyond mere financial support, focusing on creating meaningful, long-term relationships. It aims to empower pastors in underserved communities, sharing resources, knowledge, and encouragement.

Their friendship has sparked a unique partnership, focusing on providing resources and encouragement to pastors in under-resourced communities. This initiative is not just about financial aid; it’s about building long-lasting relationships and sharing the wealth of experience to uplift each other’s congregations.
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Every day, hundreds of thousands of people die without the hope of Jesus. Your faithful prayers will make a difference. That’s why the IMB created a free 18-month calendar, called “Impacting Lostness Through Prayer”. It provides guidance, reminders and encouragement as you pray for individuals and communities who have yet to hear the gospel. Learn more about this free resource at IMB.org/prayercalendar.
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Friendship is perfectly demonstrated in the Trinity by the relationship between God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit, writes Jared Pryer in the Baptist Press Toolbox. As image bearers, we have an innate desire for fellowship, as it reflects our Creator.

He says, in Scripture, we see a variety of friendships: Jesus with Peter, James and John the Beloved; David and Jonathan who exhibited brotherly love to one another; Paul and Timothy in a mentoring kind of friendship; in-laws Naomi and Ruth. Common to them all is affirmation. It’s an important part of relationships, and of the culture of ministry.

Pryer says friendship is far more important that most people realize especially men. The affirmation received in friendship is vital to mental and emotional health.

Read the full piece at Baptist Press.com.