New Home in a New Land: Opportunities for Ministry Amongst New Landed Immigrants

The goal of the research was to learn how the immigrant churches can serve new immigrants more effectively in finding a new home in a new land. Seven focus groups were conducted in four Ethnic Hungarian congregations across Canada in which forty research participants were interviewed. The findings were examined and analyzed by using the questionnaire focus group method, to clarify their identity, cultural changes, and needs. Grounded theory was used to guide the data collection, paying attention to personal experiences, memories, and feelings, as well as similarities and differences. A qualitative research method was selected in which some of the data discovery processes were taken from the grounded theory approach. This study identifies the personal needs of new Hungarian immigrants to help Christian communities develop an appropriate mission to minister to newcomers. The research was developed through several stages to test and verify it about Hungarian immigrants and their ethnic churches in Canada, with special focuses on the identification, problems, and needs of new immigrants. The welcoming ministry is discussed based on theological, biblical and cultural reflection to develop a new model of receiving and embracing immigrants who are marginalized newcomers in society. Key results are, first that the welcoming congregations need to be aware of their role as community in ethnic’s socialization process. Secondly congregations have to have a clear understanding about the new immigrants’ background, history and their trauma. Thirdly the communities and their support groups have has to be more aware of how to embrace diversities, how to communicate, and collaborate with the newcomers as well as including and educating them. The thesis contains recommendations and useful conclusions not only for Hungarian Churches in Canada, but also for all communities who are embracing new immigrants.Doctor of Ministry (DMin