Forging one congregation from two diverse cultures is nothing new for the EFCA, which began with the merger of Norwegian/Danish and Swedish American denominations. More recent diversity efforts involve African, Hispanic and Chinese Americans. But an EFCA congregation in suburban St. Louis, MO has given that model a Russian accent as it endeavors to join hands with a former Russian immigrant church.
The Beginning of Change
In early 2007, Cornerstone EFC in Webster Groves, MO was searching for an interim pastor. The search team was made aware of a recent Moldovan immigrant, Ion (ē-wôn) Cheptene (Kĕp-tĩ-nē), who had an eye-popping resumé of ministries across Eastern Europe.
During the interview process, Cornerstone leaders learned that Ion had recently begun preaching for a Russian-speaking congregation in the area, Word of Life Church, that was about to lose their meeting place. Cornerstone offered Word of Life the use of its facility and allowed Ion to continue his preaching role with them in a separate Russian-language Sunday service. With Cornerstone’s encouragement, many of the Russians began participating in Cornerstone’s regular English worship service and Sunday School.
In the Midst of Change
Change doesn’t always come easily, and not everyone was happy with the new direction at Cornerstone. Some struggled with Ion’s style and English language skills; others with the unease of communicating with those of a different culture. Sunday School teachers had to deal with an influx of new children, some with limited English skills and some with behavioral issues.
In November, 2007, Cornerstone called Terry Schoenfeld as its new Senior Pastor. Providentially, Terry had made seven teaching trips to Russia, and was very supportive of Ion and the relationship with the Word of Life congregation. In early 2008, Ion was called to become a permanent ministry staff member at Cornerstone, and about this time, the Word of Life leaders began to consider merging with Cornerstone. At a congregational retreat in January 2008 they voted to do just that. Again, change didn’t come easily and some decided to find another ethnic fellowship rather than follow the majority into Cornerstone. Hearing the testimonies of those seeking membership was a real joy. All had come to Christ while living in the former USSR under Communist rule.
The people and culture of Word of Life have greatly enriched Cornerstone, but the integration process continues. Most former Word of Life members now attend both English and Russian services. Periodic Sunday potluck luncheons help everyone get better acquainted, and the church worship team is beginning to take on an ethnic flavor. Russian members have begun serving on Cornerstone committees and teaching Sunday School.
Church in a Church
At the June 2008 EFCA National Leadership Conference, we learned about the Church in a Church (CIC) model developed by ReachNational to help reach all peoples within our borders. (Contact Dr. Alejandro Mandes at alex.mandes@efca.org for more information about CIC.) Unwittingly, Cornerstone had used that model in bringing Word of Life into a combined congregation.
Beyond Cornerstone
Ion has a heart for the Russian-speaking congregations around the country and feels strongly that they need to rapidly integrate into the American culture with English-speaking services. Those that don’t risk losing their younger generation, who are being “Americanized” much more rapidly than their parents.
With that in mind, Cornerstone has designated that 30% of Ion’s 2009 salary come from the mission budget, allowing him to begin training Russian-speaking leaders across the country. Six training seminars are being planned for 2009. Leaders will be encouraged to use the CIC model if they can identify a nearby EFCA church willing to be a host church. Cornerstone’s experience has shown that doing so can bring cultural enrichment, encouragement and excitement to your church…all for the glory of God.