Celebrating Hispanic Leaders in the CRC: Jose Rayas

I came to the CRC in 2002 when Sunshine Community Church extended a call as an Evangelist. The first three years were spent getting to know the community, working at Sunshine as an intern, and preparing for the planting of a church. Also during this time, the ministry of El Paso TX was working with CRWRC (presently World Renew) doing Asset-Based Community Development. With these community development efforts as a springboard, Valley Ridge Community Church started its first worship service on Easter Sunday of 2006 in Socorro, Texas, and I am still pastoring there now. 

When I think about things I appreciate about the CRC, I think about the theology. Reformed theology is informative, challenging, and edifying. As a result of many years of study and debate, the CRC has volumes of materials that are, have been, and will continue to be used in the churches. However, as much of a gift that these materials are, they should be translated within the proper context for use in missional efforts within the different ethnic groups that are part of the CRC family.

The CRC will have to discern how the cultural realities of the diverse ethnic groups can build each other up and edify the denomination as a whole.

Another thing I appreciate about the CRC is the vision to be a multiethnic/diverse church. And I think this is where there is a great challenge, because for the vision to be a part of the DNA of the church, the CRC will have to discern how the cultural realities of the diverse ethnic groups can build each other up and edify the denomination as a whole. The Council of Delegates is only one step in that direction. Other steps may include working with existing ethnic regional ministries to build leadership momentum, rather than trying to provide leadership. I love the way Paul talks about the church as one Body. We are all different, and yet we have the same maker. We have different cultural traits, and yet we share one Savior. We minister in different contexts, yet it is one Gospel of salvation that rules our lives.

Just remember that whatever we do, we do it to the glory of our Lord.

I honestly believe that there is much to look forward to, and there is much more that we need to accomplish. Just remember that whatever we do, we do it to the glory of our Lord.

We're marking Hispanic Heritage Month with a series about Hispanic leaders from diverse Hispanic nations in the CRC. Follow along on the Office of Race Relations' Facebook page all month! This is the third post in the series — here's the first, celebrating Rev. Edwin Olguin, and here's the second, celebrating  Rev. Harold Caicido.