Characteristics of elected Hispanic Protestant churches in Los Angeles County

Hispanics have been a presence in the United States since the very beginning of the nation. Increasingly, they are involved in all aspects of American society, and have become an integral part of life in the United States. This involvement and increased visibility is part of the reality of the United States, and will continue to be so. Most of the projected population increase in the United States in the coming years is predicted to come from the increase of the Hispanic population. Hispanics are also a very diverse group, comprising many different cultures and national origins. It is important to recognize the characteristics that are particular to the Hispanic population in order to reach them. Anyone engaging in ministry in the United States today should know about the particular issues and characteristics of Hispanics in order to effectively reach them.;The need is urgent as many denominations are shrinking and closing congregations throughout the United States. Denominations and congregations can no longer afford the luxury of ignoring the largest and fastest growing segment of American society. Many congregations that have closed, or are closing, are located in areas where demographic changes have resulted in Hispanics and other ethnic groups moving in. It is important for Christian denominations and individual congregations to be able to understand and reach out effectively to the Hispanic people that are becoming their neighbors. The motivation should not be institutional survival, but bringing people into a relationship with Jesus Christ.;Hispanic people need the message of Christ and they need to be connected to the community that is the Church. Many Hispanic people have disconnected from Church, and there is an increase in those who identify themselves as non-religious or atheist. As Christians, we are to be faithful to the Great Commission given to us by Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19--20) in which we are to make disciples of all nations, with the ministry of Word and Sacraments (baptizing and teaching). The Great Commission to make disciples of all nations includes Hispanics. On the practical level, as well, a denomination, or a congregation that recovers the urgency and primacy of evangelism will find themselves revitalized and invigorated. Having a healthy, Christ-centered, and culturally diverse religious atmosphere in society can have a beneficial effect on all levels of American society.;This doctoral project sought to answer the question, Are there discernible characteristics in established Hispanic Protestant churches in Los Angeles County? The answer was yes. This paper answered this question by analyzing the results of a survey administered to a group of churches meeting a specific criteria. The researcher of this doctoral project also interviewed each of the pastors answering the survey. While the sample of churches is small (ten churches), this group reflected a variety of theological traditions and geographic locations which reflect a segment of the Hispanic Protestant community in Los Angeles County. It is hoped that the results of this study can serve congregations, denominations, and all those interested in reaching Hispanics, in order to integrate them into Christian ministries. Themes, questions, and issues will arise in this project that can serve further study in Hispanic ministry. Hopefully, this study can serve those engaged in the task of reaching Hispanic people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and integrating them into the Church and the denominational structures.