Eagle Brook Church Blog

Life in the Ethnoburbs

This week I heard a term that was new to me: ethnoburb. It describes the choice new immigrants are making to settle in metropolitan outer areas shortly after they arrive in the United States. Accordingly, suburban neighborhoods are transforming into ethno-racially diverse communities. Ethnoburbs serve social needs as well as provide a place where immigrants may work and do business within their own networks.

The implications of this cultural shift are unprecedented for Christ-followers who are “empowered by God to reach others for Christ” (the Eagle Brook mission statement).

Dr. John Mayer is the Executive Director of the non-profit Christian ministry, City Vision. He’s a recognized expert on the religious, urban, and ethnic climates of the Twin Cities and reports his findings in the annual CityView Report.

On Tuesday, a number of Eagle Brook staff experienced John’s South Minneapolis Discover Your City tour. It opened our eyes to new realities. Here’s some of what we learned:

• The Phillips Neighborhood is the most diverse neighborhood in America. It’s also home to the largest population of Native Americans of any urban area in the U.S.

• The Twin Cities is home to the largest Somali population in the U.S.

• The Twin Cities is home to the largest Hmong population outside of Asia.

• The Twin Cities is home to the second largest Tibetan Buddhist population in the U.S.

• Other immigrant ethnic groups in the area include Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Laotian, Egyptian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Liberian, Sudanese, and Cambodian.

As you might imagine, one doesn’t need to go beyond the Twin Cities to make a global impact. Most of the world’s major religions exist in the Cities as well as in our own neighborhoods here in the suburbs. Today we can influence the world by talking to a next-door neighbor or becoming friends with a family down the street.

I’m reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul when he spoke before the council in Athens, “I notice that you are very religious in every way.” Paul reminded them, “From one man God created all the nations throughout the whole earth.” And after he presented the hope available in Christ, the Bible says, “some joined him and became believers.” Acts 17:16-34

What a great time to be living in the Twin Cities suburbs. What an amazing opportunity we have to present Christ to those who’ve never known Him.