“The Immigrant Church Project:” A Refuge of Hope and Worship in Los Angeles

Modus Church focused on training its leaders and congregants with classes in homiletics, the art of preaching, and music. Their goal was twofold: (1) to understand that they are an immigrant church promoting a universal language of worship, integrating all tongues and nations, and (2) to learn and propose worship music in genres and styles that are connected to the church’s immigrant identity. 

"The classes have guided us to understand that worship is more than singing; it also involves practices that glorify God in our personal relationships,” said Franciso. “In our context, it is crucial to glorify God by caring for all immigrants. We have learned the significant impact we can have on this community as we are called to act with justice and mercy for those on the margins.” 

During classes, the members of Modus Church were first challenged to closely observe what was happening in their surroundings and in the community. Based on that reflection and observation, they then conceived ideas about actions that could be taken. From there, they began to accompany and meet the needs of the immigrant community through a series of classes, activities, and practices offered by the church. 

They learned that the pulpit should be a platform of affirmation, hospitality, and acceptance. They understood that the greatest acts of worship are expressed in service to others. This form of worship shared with the congregation includes accompanying immigrants, empowering them, and incorporating them into the family of God. 

Modus Church is a church composed of immigrants who have come from different countries and live in Southern California. Through the training they’ve realized that, despite their many difficulties, they are not alone. “Those who congregate in our church have Christ by their side, who grants the immigrant community hope to change their life narratives,” the organizers shared. “There was a significant push for congregants to get involved and for newcomers to feel important and cared for.” 

The “Immigrant Church Project” was born when the congregation understood that they follow a God in motion. "We wanted the church to be aware of this divine movement in our social context and how God is forming a pilgrim church with brothers and sisters who are part of the family of God. It is important to incorporate them into this family. We involve them in this movement so that God continues to fulfill His purposes in this country," stated Francisco. 

"We wanted the church to be aware of this divine movement in our social context and how God is forming a pilgrim church with brothers and sisters who are part of the family of God."

The coursework focused on the previously mentioned components and on how to become a prophetic voice for the Hispanic community. This means accompanying, caring, and being hospitable but also breaking cycles of poverty affecting Hispanic immigrants. "We already have a reputation for not finishing high school or college. We believe the church can influence the breaking of those patterns and help to create new ones, motivating and encouraging folks to strive for their material and spiritual dreams,” said Francisco. 

There were other benefits for Modus Church during the project's execution. For example, it strengthened the church as a whole because it allowed the members to grow in their leadership skills and identify existing needs to find other ways get involved. Moreover, new people without legal immigration status are joining the congregation. They are received and well cared for and the church helps them with basic needs at no cost. Francisco shared, “When people see this, their demeanor changes because, unfortunately, the church is often seen as a place where tithes and offerings are requested for service, and nothing is given back. But when you tell them they do not have to pay, everything changes, and they feel part of it.” 

Many immigrants cannot contribute financially due to insufficient resources, but they feel part of the church and want to give back somehow. That is why they get involved in various ways, helping other immigrants. “One does not need to be a citizen to help,” emphasized the pastor. 

Modus Church is unique because it does not ask for tithes and offerings from those who cannot afford to give financially. Instead, as a community guided by the Holy Spirit, the church focuses on shelter and accompaniment, addressing the urgent needs of immigrants. Francisco stated, ”I believe that when the church emphasizes this power, which does not depend on us but comes from God, it can heal a wounded community.” 

Finally, thanks to the music classes offered (and due to the encouragement and support of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship), there are now candidates to serve, whereas there was no defined worship team before at Modus Church. The team is working on bringing forth the richness of Latin American genres and their instrumentation to incorporate sounds and melodies native to Latin America. "I think it is essential to rescue this aspect because we are a culture with such richness that is, unfortunately, often lost. These are sounds that people recognize and long to hear again in a new land," added Francisco. 

Testimonies

Testimonies shared by folks at Modus Church emphasize the importance and urgency of addressing the marginalized populations in Southern California, both inside and outside the walls of the church. This ministerial focus has the potential to transform the present and the future of all involved. 

Jairo, a church member, after taking hospitality classes and understanding them, realized he had not considered the urgency of attending to other immigrants like himself. Jairo approached Francisco and said, "Pastor, that class amazed me. I had not previously paid attention to so many people in need. I feel fortunate that God has helped me through so much, but others have less than I do, and I’d like to do something to support further." 

Fabiana is a nine-year-old girl who recently arrived from Peru with her family. At her age and without a secure place to live, she said, "The church feels like home." These words touched the hearts of those present, especially the pastor and leaders at Modus Church, who are committed to teaching integral worship. "This was one of the most impactful comments when we were recording a video because, ultimately, that is the goal,” said Francisco. “The church should become a refuge, a home, a family for people who culturally lose their dignity and their sense of belonging and freedom, either due to the system or the immigration process. The church can fulfill that need.”