Cultural Language Groups

                                                                                           Canada's cultural diversity grows ever apparent.

Visible minorities in the last census comprised 11.2% of the population (3.2 million people).

The visible minorities of Toronto and Vancouver comprised over 31% of their populations.

Over 145 languages are translated through the Toronto City office.

The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada is responding to this opportunity primarily in two ways:

1. Our districts and churches have supported the rapid development of uni-lingual, uni-cultural (ethnic) churches. Close to 20% of our 1,100 churches are of cultural language groups other than English, French or Aboriginal. This has been a practical response to a missiological reality; these church leaders have aggressively led their people to reach out to others of similar language or culture, and many newcomers to Canada have found a place of worship and belonging in these churches. The Cultural Ministries Committee assists the PAOC to serve this constituency.

2. As many (if not more) members of cultural language groups are being reached and discipled in the PAOC through the ministries of "blended" multicultural churches. The vast majority of these churches are English speaking churches, which are attempting to include the diverse people groups God is bringing to Canada in their leadership groups and ministries.

In order to strengthen and multiply these initiatives, a national team of cultural language leaders is forming to help articulate what we can do better – together. Expect to hear more in 2008.


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