Churros, Chocolate, and Christ

Reimagining church for a diverse world

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churros and chocolate

The aroma of freshly made churros and rich, warm chocolate filled the air as people of all ages gathered, their voices a joyful cacophony of Spanish and English. This wasn’t a typical church service – it was “Churros y Chocolate,” a fresh expression community in Marion, Illinois. This innovative approach to ministry is just one example of how the church is adapting to reach people in today’s diverse and rapidly changing world.

In a recent episode of the Pivot Podcast, hosts the Rev. Drs. Dwight Zscheile and Terri Elton sat down with the Rev. Dr. Eliseo Mejia, a church planter, educator, and director of Expressiones Divinas, the Fresh Expressions initiative for Latino Americans. Their conversation delved into the exciting world of fresh expressions and how they’re reshaping our understanding of church and community.

Meet People Where They Are

Eliseo emphasized the importance of creating faith communities that connect with people in their everyday lives. “Fresh Expressions or Expressiones Divinas are crucial because they provide innovative ways to engage with people where they are, those who may not be connected with what I call inherited church settings,” he explained.

These new forms of church can take place anywhere—from coffee shops to parks, online spaces to motorcycle gatherings. The goal is to embody God’s mission in ways that are accessible and meaningful to a broader audience. By thinking creatively about where and how we do church, we can breathe new life into our ministries and reach those who might never step foot in a traditional church building.

Embrace Cultural Diversity

As the United States becomes increasingly diverse, with over 400 languages spoken across the country, the church has a unique opportunity to celebrate and engage with various cultures. Eliseo shared, “We have become the third largest missionary field globally.”

But diversity presents both challenges and opportunities. Church leaders must be willing to adapt their approaches and learn to “be the church in different cultural contexts.” This might mean incorporating cultural elements, like the “Churros y Chocolate” ministry, or learning to communicate the gospel in new languages and cultural frameworks.

Foster Intergenerational Connections

One of the most powerful insights from the conversation was the importance of intergenerational ministry. Eliseo shared a beautiful example from his own church, where older members “adopted” younger congregants who were far from their families.

“You have groups of younger generations, even children, praying for grandparents. And our grandparents, or the older generation, praying for [the younger generations],” Eliseo recounted. “It’s just so beautiful.”

This organic form of intergenerational ministry not only meets the needs of both younger and older members but also reflects the biblical model of the whole household of faith.

Listen and Discern

For church planters and leaders looking to start fresh expressions or adapt their existing ministries to meet the needs of their communities, Eliseo emphasized the importance of listening and discernment. “What is the context? For a church planter to be effective in that setting is to understand what do people do there? How do they live together? What is community like?” he advised.

This approach requires humility and a willingness to set aside preconceived notions about what church should look like. By truly listening to the community and seeking to understand their needs and cultural context, leaders can create ministries that genuinely resonate with the people they’re trying to reach.

Cultivate Hope and Resilience

Despite the challenges facing the church today, Eliseo expressed great hope for the future. He pointed to the resilience he’s observed in leaders across denominations and the growing adaptability of congregations in the face of change.

“I see a growing willingness within the church to engage with the world in meaningful ways,” Eliseo said. An openness to change, coupled with a deepening commitment to justice, mercy, and cross-cultural engagement, provides a strong foundation for the future of the church.

As we navigate the complexities of ministry in the 21st century, the insights shared by Eliseo offer a roadmap for creating vibrant, inclusive, and culturally resonant faith communities. The challenge now is for each of us to consider: How can we apply these principles in our own contexts? What fresh expressions might God be calling us to explore? As we ponder these questions, may we be inspired to step out in faith, ready to meet people where they are with the life-changing love of Christ.

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with the Missional Leader Cohort