South Asian Ministry

Grace Community

The South Asian Ministry is an united effort of the Decatur First United Methodist Church and the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church to serve the growing South Asian population in Metro Atlanta and provide a witness for Jesus Christ among them.  This ministry effort seeks to affirm the cultural heritage and identity of South Asians and relate the Gospel of Jesus Christ to their socio-cultural context.

South Asia is made up of countries such as Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri-Lanka.   People who have their origins in these countries are one of the largest and fastest growing minority groups of the state of Georgia, coming in fourth after Blacks,  Hispanics and Orientals.  Atlanta has been identified as one of the most popular metros for South Asian immigration. A significant percentage of students in the colleges and universities of Atlanta and the rest of Georgia are South Asians.   These countries have a unique blend of cultures though there are many diversities.

Vision Statement

This ministry envisions building a congregation of South Asians who are receptive to the grace of God manifested in Jesus Christ and are responsive in worshipping God and serving people.  The congregation that is being formed is called Grace Community.

• Facilitate sacred and inspiring worship that is culturally relevant

• Impart Biblically based instruction and nurture for all age groups

• Provide pastoral care and counsel as the need arises

• Encourage and develop gifts and abilities for caring and serving one another

• Be a witness in word and deed for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the larger society

Since the South Asian population is spread out in three major counties (Dekalb, Gwinnett and Fulton) the formation of cell groups in these locations will be the key method. The ministry will move through various phases, beginning with formation of Bible study/cell groups, moving on to the establishing of one or more preaching points, followed by the formation of a pastorate and finally establishing an independent United Methodist congregation.

For Further Details Contact:

Rev. Nora Martinez
Associate Director
The Office of Church Development
P.O. Box 922997
Norcross, GA 30010
Phone: 678-533-1388;678-533-1449
Fax: 678-533-1389