Welcoming and Belonging: Voice, Acceptance and Purpose

mmigration in Canada is a fact of history and it will continue to be an integral part of Canada's future. Many churches in rural Canada are uniquely positioned to be on the frontline in welcoming and creating belonging as many rural areas and small towns are seeking growth from the outside, from either migrant or immigrant journeys. 2 My research examined the space or role a church can create for ministry by bringing together the established community and the newcomers (recent immigrants). By measuring voice, acceptance and purpose against the backdrop of Welcoming and Belonging we demonstrated a tool for the local church to use in measuring levels of integration in a local community. The research demonstrated that a church, by example, can come alongside the larger community to help create stronger community between established residents and newcomers.