Missiology
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 49, No. 2 – Spring 2007
Managing Editor: Malcolm B. Yarnell III
By Daniel R. Sánchez. Fort Worth: Church Starting Network, 2006. 320 pages. Softcover, $27.95.
Daniel Sanchez, professor of missions at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, has provided an invaluable resource for those interested in the dynamics of Hispanic ministry in the United States of America (USA). The book is divided into three main interrelated sections designed to provide both statistical data and sound theological interpretation.
The first section deals specifically with important statistical data which offers the basis for the book’s claim that Hispanics “are now the largest minority group in America and are projected to comprise one fourth of the American population by the year 2050” (xvii). It is in light of this fact that ten “realities” are exposed. One of them affirms that recent Hispanic immigrants have outnumbered previous generations, thus revealing a greater need for Hispanic speaking ministries and churches today than three decades ago (21). Another reality is that in the USA “Spanish language is not declining but increasing” (23). Still another reality is that “Hispanics are showing more receptivity to the evangelical message than ever before in the history of this country,” making them the most responsive ethnic group to the gospel (35). The challenges for evangelical churches are obvious. Among other things, churches need to equip Hispanic leaders to share their faith in a context dominated by a Roman Catholic mindset. They also have to develop contextualized evangelistic, church planting, and church growth strategies that will accelerate outreach to all of the “Hispanics and enable them to establish churches with effective and compassionate ministries” (38).
The second section of the book is entitled “understanding Hispanics,” and is composed of four fascinating chapters dealing with Hispanic historical, sociological, and theological issues. Two chapters specially de- serve attention. Chapter 14 was written by Jesse Miranda, who also writes the book’s very instructive preface. In “Modern Days Samaritans,” Miranda, professor of Hispanic Studies at Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California, compares the historical, psychological, and behavioral patterns of first-century Samaritans and modern Latinos in the USA. For Miran- da, many insights are gained from the way Jesus and the New Testament treated Samaritans and how North American evangelicals should treat and relate to Hispanics (138). Indeed, Hispanic Americans should find “comfort, instruction and inspiration” (155) for ministry in this chapter.
Sanchez’s “Hellenistic analogy” (chap. 15)—an appealing comparison of the experience of first century Hellenistic Christians with con- temporary Hispanic believers in the USA—leads him to conclude that Hispanics, who have experienced assimilation into the North American society, should consider their bi-culturalism not as a liability but as a “marvelous asset” in the furtherance of the Kingdom of God in this country and around the world (xv).
The third and final section of the book, presents four chapters devoted to practical suggestions and very useful principles for reaching Hispanics with the gospel, planting and growing Hispanic Churches, and involving them in missions. Readers will gain multiple benefits from all the valuable information gathered by the author’s research and experience. Sanchez’s book is readable and instructive. It should be read by all who are involved in Hispanic Ministry in the USA and by those who have yet to enter this growing ministry field.
