The 3 rd Value Growing Diversity in Your District Material adapted from Paul V. Sorrentino’s “Multi-Ethnic Ministry Framework” & George P. Bush’s “Brown America Q. Conference Presentation”

Demographic Shifts Population Growth The ‘baby-boomer’ generation, all of which will be more than 65 by 2030, and their children have had few children thus creating the largest demographic shifts in the U.S. Hispanics account for over 15% of the country’s growth, however, since the turn of the century, the Hispanic community represents 50% of the country’s population growth. 60% of this growth is organic versus immigration (undocumented or otherwise). By 2050, demographers anticipate that African-Americans will comprise 15%, Asians 9%, Hispanics will represent 33% of the U.S. pop.

Demographic Shifts Politics Hispanics voted 2-1 for President Obama but represented 9% of the electorate. President Bush secured over 40% of the Hispanic vote in 2004 while Congressional Republicans in 2006 obtained 30% of the Hispanic vote. Politically, Hispanics are just beginning to flex their political muscle. Right now, there are between 4,000 & 5,000 elected officials at the Local all the way up to the Federal level of Hispanic origin. It’s not unforeseeable that we would have a Latin Leader in the very near future.

Demographic Shifts Faith Despite representing 15% of the U.S. population, about 1/3 of all Catholics in the U.S. are Latino. 2/3 of Latinos attend service in Spanish with Hispanic Clergy. Although a person may speak English perfectly, a majority like to receive the information in Spanish. Half of all Hispanic Evangelicals are converts and over 80% are former Catholics. The Catholic Faith will continue to rely upon sheer population growth of Latinos but the Evangelical Faith will get a shot in the arm as well from conversions.

Recruiting Minority Staff Pray, learn, grow. Encourage diversity in local ministries by implementing intentional hospitality strategies at your district events Reach out to sharp minority students and build a long term relationship, before speaking to them about ministry opportunities. Exercise patience. Target urban campuses and HBCU’s as pioneering targets Hold targeted events Build relationships with ethnic churches Pray, work, and plan for who you want to recruit

Empowering Minority Staff Do whatever it takes to help them get to on campus (put your money where your values are) Be intentional about building personal relationship Always treat them in an honoring especially in front of their students (inform yourself what honor means in their cultural context) Give opportunities for ministry that is appropriate to their gifts and experiences