Mission Among Diaspora Communities

EMQ » Jan – April 2026 » Volume 62 Issue 1

Summary: Christians are called to welcome strangers, build relationships, and share Christ’s love across cultures. Cultural diversity is increasing in many neighborhoods across the world. New ways of connecting are affecting how people do church. Mission among diaspora communities requires flexible approaches to ministry based on relationships. As we make friends with diverse neighbors, this can challenge us yet enrich our faith.

By Evelyn Hibbert

Just as mission is changing, so church is changing. Across the globe, even outside cities, once ethnically homogenous regions are becoming more diverse. Where communication was once limited to face-to-face meetings, now technology enables immediate connection with people thousands of kilometers away. Traditionally, church meant a physical building. Now, the walls are breaking down as people meet together in multiple different places and ways (Stephens). While this makes the boundaries of church less clear, it makes it easier for people to find their way in. At the same time, it is harder to know who is in or out.

Whether in an Asian megacity, African refugee camp, or US rural town, the Bible is clear about the principle of welcoming the stranger. Christians are a family who can afford to be generous. Our father owns the cattle on 1000 hills (Psalm 50:10)! We have nothing to fear, because he is powerful to protect us in all circumstances (Psalm 118:6, 1 John 4:4). At the same time, we are compelled to share Christ’s love with people in need of him, wherever they come from (2 Corinthians 5:14). Yet all these biblical reassurances do not necessarily make building relationships with strangers easy or straightforward.

As we meet people from other backgrounds, they challenge but also bless us. We may give in multiple ways, but we also receive far more than we expect. Our experiences will challenge many of our presuppositions and may stretch our understanding of our faith. However, through this, we become increasingly aware of the riches of God’s glory.

In this issue, we explore the practical realities of engaging with diverse neighbors. José Cruz Parada reminds us that the unreached are people, not a place. Yet, although unreached peoples may have come to our area, how do we build relationships and introduce them to their Savior? It starts with making friends (Babione), having conversations (Deckert), and creating welcoming spaces (Noble). Often, being welcoming, good neighbors means helping with multiple needs (Totire). Sometimes, they will be Christians (Ntamushobora). Other times, from unreached people groups (Hwang). With some groups, it can be hard to share Jesus (Grace). When it comes to discipling, we may need to adjust our approach (Spyker).

Whether at home or overseas, engaging with people across cultural boundaries can be challenging. Bruce Sidebotham gives some advice on how to help people doing these ministries.

Finally, while people anywhere remain without the opportunity to hear of Jesus, workers are needed. Katy White, Dave Jacob, and John Mcvay give insights on what motivates younger generations to participate in missions.

Read this issue of EMQ →

Evelyn Hibbert
Editorial Director

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