December 9, 2002

Hispanic church grows with English switch
___By John Hall
___Texas Baptist Communications
___SAN ANGELO--To reach more young Hispanics, a West Texas church has transitioned from Spanish-language services to contemporary worship in English.
___"When the Holy Spirit grabs a hold of you, it doesn't matter what language it's in," said Sergio Fernandez, a member of Primera Iglesia Bautista San Angelo.
___In addition to the language switch, the congregation has moved from a traditional worship style to a more contemporary style that includes a praise band and praise choruses.
___Church leaders determined to change in 1995, when the church averaged about 60 people in worship and did not have a youth program.
___Pastor Robert Cuellar remembers church members telling him, "We just want to see this place grow again."
___To reach second- and third-generation Hispanics, the church reworked its entire program. The changes initially were met with resistance from some older members, Cuellar explained. Some felt the church was trying to force them out with a new worship style and a language they did not understand.
___Complaints subsided, however, as quickly as pews were filled. Attendance steadily increased to almost 300 people.
___Also, "people started getting saved," Cuellar said. "People just kept coming. The Lord was just filling the place."
___Among those who came was Eddie Chavarria and his wife. He said he was attracted by the style of worship.
___"We didn't grow up doing praise and worship," he said. "We grew up singing hymns. That's boring to me. The praise and worship is more upbeat."
___Now, he said, the caring congregation has become an extended family for him and his wife, who have no relatives in San Angelo. "They've been the family we don't have."
___The church has come full circle as it offers a Spanish-language worship service in addition to its English service. The congregation will also occasionally sing a chorus in Spanish.

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