Ethnic Partnerships

Faithfulness in obscurity, presence without recognition, and obedience amid confusion are rarely wasted. They are often the soil where lasting fruit grows.

Last week the Nashville Baptist Association was able to host another Diaspora Missions Collective. Lunch was provided by Homerun Burger on Murfeesboro pike, operated by our friend and fellow pastor Saeed. Pastor Matt Gray from Antioch First Baptist, announced their new partnership with Juan Natal, pastor of Renovacion Church. Andrew Phay gave a pitch for […]

I met Wagdi a few months ago. I was presenting a talk to the Concord Baptist Association, which is a sister association of Baptist churches in Murfreesboro. I was invited to speak to a group of pastors on the refugee situation in Nashville. As it turns out Wagdi was part of this gathering and because […]

Before the lamp of God had gone out, young Samuel lay in the temple near the ark. The Lord called to him. “Here I am,” Samuel replied, running to Eli. This happened three times before Eli realized—it was God calling the boy. — 1 Samuel 3:2–5, 8 (CSB) I recently met Pastor Samuel Thawng at […]

Under the leadership of Pastor Sergio, Madison First Baptist Church (FBC) has embraced a vibrant multicultural approach. Recognizing the growing diversity within its community, the church actively fosters unity among members from various ethnic backgrounds. Approximately one-third of the congregation is Spanish-speaking, and the church provides Spanish translations during services and displays both English and […]

Nashville Chinese Baptist Church is one of the city’s oldest regional ethnic churches. Pastor Joshua Zhang has served the church since his calling in 2009. The church’s origins date back to 1982, when Dr. Waldrup, an American missionary, established a Chinese fellowship at Belmont Heights Baptist Church. Prior to Pastor Zhang, David Ho, from Taiwan, […]

From refugee beginnings in 2011 to a thriving, culturally rich congregation today, this church is more than a Sunday service—it’s a lifeline. Through vibrant Swahili worship, English-language youth programs, choir tours (even performing at Nashville’s beloved Ryman Auditorium), and mentorship into homeownership, this community is rewriting refugee narratives—one family at a time.

Pastor Nathan Valesquez of LaVergne Community Church

Pastor Dan Eum, and members of Unity Baptist Church.

During the Chinese Lunar New Year (Spring Festival), a traditional custom involves eating dumplings, symbolizing a happy family. On February 8, 2025, Pastor Joshua Zhang led NCBC in a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration with I-FAM at Vanderbilt BCM.