Three factors make a difference.
Vision– the pastors and other leaders promote the values of diversity and inclusiveness.
Structure – adaptations and changes in structure are continual and encouraged.
Processes that promote integration – responding to needs for settlement and relief; personal development programs such as English as a second language; community development; coping with unjust systems; diverse liturgy and preaching and diversity in leaders; and providing settings to form diverse friendships.
See “Integrating Immigrants into the Life of Canadian Congregations: Findings from a National Survey,” Review of Religious Research, January 2012, pp. 441-470; for all questions, write william_swatos@baylor.edu.
