The Numbers Behind the Neighbors

12.7M

Christian immigrants admitted to the United States in the past two decades

Source: FullSpectrum Immigrants Position Paper, citing research by Dr. Todd Johnson, Gordon-Conwell Seminary

The reframe

This isn't an immigration story. It's a story about where God has been moving His church.

Principle 5 — FullSpectrum Immigrants Paper

God has always been a God of migration.

"From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands." Acts 17:26

Abraham migrated. Joseph was trafficked. Ruth crossed borders. Jesus was a refugee as an infant. The word ger — sojourner, immigrant — appears 92 times in the Old Testament. And God gave His covenant people specific, repeated instructions: treat the immigrant as one of your own native-born.

"The same law applies to both the native-born and to the foreigner residing among you." Exodus 12:49

Of immigrants who received permanent residence in 2012, 61% were Christian.

More than half of the people arriving through our legal immigration system that year were brothers and sisters in the faith — people whose faith has survived persecution, displacement, and loss, while ours has mostly been comfortable.

Each dot = 1% of permanent residents (2012)

● Christian (61%) ● Other / unknown

"Jesus calls us to oneness because we belong to those who belong to Jesus." John 17 — Principle 4, FullSpectrum Immigrants Paper

Immigrant congregations are the fastest-growing segment of evangelical churches in North America.

While the overall North American Church flatlines, immigrant-led churches are multiplying. And many denominations now report their only net growth is coming from immigrant communities.

Church Growth — What the Research Shows

Immigrant congregations Growing fastest ↑

Majority-culture evangelical churches Declining

North America vs. global Christianity Only non-growing region

Bars show relative trajectory, not specific percentages. Source: Dr. Todd Johnson, Gordon-Conwell Seminary, via FullSpectrum Immigrants Paper.

The reframe

"The future health and growth of the North American Church may well depend on our receiving the blessing of those immigrants."

Principle 5 — FullSpectrum Immigrants Paper

40K

The annual cap on non-skilled worker visas in the U.S. — in industries that need hundreds of thousands

Agriculture, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing regularly employ far more workers than the legal cap allows. Because lawful migration is so limited, unlawful migration has become the default path for people trying to feed their families.

Legal Pathways — The Gap

Non-skilled worker visas available (per year) 40,000

Estimated actual demand 500,000+

Wait for family-based visa (Global South) 12–23 years

Behind every policy number is a family. A spouse waiting abroad for 15 years. Children who have never met their parent. FullSpectrum's position is not partisan — it's pastoral: Christians should advocate for just and compassionate laws rooted in biblical values.

Jesus mapped four mission zones. We've been skipping one.

In Acts 1:8, Jesus told his disciples they'd be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth. The North American Church has invested heavily in "ends of the earth" missions — while Samaria, the immigrant family on the next block, has been invisible to most churches.

Jerusalem

Our own neighborhood and culture — people like us, close by.

Judea

Our region — similar culture, a bit further out.

⚡ Samaria

Geographically near, but culturally different. The most overlooked mission zone. Immigrants are our Samaria.

Ends of the Earth

International missions — where most of the North American Church's attention and dollars go.

The reframe

"Our commitment to missions must be proactive, inclusive, and comprehensive — a simultaneous opportunity to be witnesses of Christ in all four zones."

Principle 3 — FullSpectrum Immigrants Paper

So what do we do with this?

Here's what FullSpectrum asks North American churches to do.

1

Be intentional in welcoming all new neighbors — and including immigrant believers as vital parts of the Body of Christ.

2

Receive immigrant believers as a blessing to revitalize our churches — not a project to manage.

3

View migrants as a mission opportunity, a ministry obligation, a collaborative partnership, and a mission force to be unleashed.

4

Stay informed on immigration policy, how it's administered, and advocate for laws that reflect God's heart.

5

Humbly learn to understand, appreciate, respect, and engage with other cultures — without cultural dominance.

The Numbers Behind the Neighbors

Church Growth — What the Research Shows

Legal Pathways — The Gap

Now: Take 3 Minutes to See Where Your Church Stands