Mission of Amigos en Cristo

Amigos en Cristo (Friends in Christ) is a ministry of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. We provide immigrants to Southwest Florida with the tools to be successful and contributing members of our community and the Kingdom of God.

Vision Statement

We are known as the “Church of the Americas” because of our embrace of all generations of people from across the Americas; whether of American, Hispanic or Haitian ancestry.  Whether born abroad or here in the United States we are one body united by grace through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

 People find joy in volunteering their time, talent and treasure to support the various ministries of Amigos Center as well as our Word and Sacrament ministries.  With joyful hearts people come to both serve others through our social services and to be served through Word and Sacrament.  Weighty personal problems become easier to bear because of the mutual support, prayers and fellowship of others. There is a pervasive sense of family in all that we do.

Amigos en Cristo embraces the coming promise that, “They shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God”. (Luke 13:29). In Christ we are many nations yet one family, we have multiple gifts yet one purpose, countless tongues yet one voice, diverse cultures yet one people. We are Amigos en Cristo, we are Friends in Christ.

Core Values

Outreach

We believe that God wants everyone to be saved from the coming judgment by his grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  The best way to reach the lost is by establishing new churches organized around the concept of small groups.  (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:46-47; 8:1, 4-5)

Leadership Development

Growth is impossible without capable leadership.  By God’s grace, every believer has the potential to become a ministry leader. (Matthew 9:35-38; I Peter 2:9-10; II Timothy 2:2; Ephesians 4:11-16)

The Means of Grace

God transforms our hearts and lives through Word and Sacrament.  (Romans 10:17)
We value good stewardship.  Mission churches must follow stewardship principles leading to sustainable and dynamic growth. (II Corinthians 9:6-11; Proverbs 11:24-29)

Cultural Relevancy

The presentation of the Gospel through outreach, teaching and worship must be tailored to reach the hearts and minds of the target community. (Matthew 1:23; I Corinthians 9:19-23)

Service

Through the love of Christ both Anglo and Hispanic believers can and must grow in love and service to all in need. (Ephesians 2:11-20; John 13:1-20)

Prayer

God calls all Christians to respond to his Gospel with steadfast prayer, praise and thanksgiving.  He can overcome all obstacles to accomplish His gracious will in our lives. (Philippians 4:7; I Timothy 2:1-4; Ephesians 3:20-21)