NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES

Long before the Europeans reached the Eastern shores, or the Hispanics swept up from the Southwest, or the Asians broached the Western coast, the Native Americans lived in special unity with the land called America. The "invaders"-the newcomers to this continent -fought to settle a wilderness with which the early Americans existed in harmony, and, in the process, the second Americans shoved, pushed, and corralled the first Americans into reservations that became breeding grounds for poverty, alcoholism, isolation, defeat. For 200 years, Native Americans accepted their fate. But in the middle 1900s, centuries of injustice erupted in angry dissatisfaction, painful rebellion, proud recovery of a traditional pattern of viewing the world: a reverence for all creation and an individual's right to determine his or her own future. For more than a million Native Americans, it was the beginning. 

Today, more than two and a half million Native Americans, representing 511 tribes, live in the United States. Today, about one-third of them live on reservations in 33 states; the Indian population of metropolitan areas is growing. For example, there are more Sioux living in Los Angeles than on their North Dakota reservation. Many problems beset Native Americans, including inadequate housing, lack of education, poverty, and alcoholism. Alcohol related deaths occur six times more frequently among Native Americans than among the rest of the U.S. population. Native Americans are the nation's most impoverished minority.

The struggle for acceptance and for a share of the American dream has eluded many; but in recent years, Native Americans have begun to create a "compromise" outlook that chooses from Anglo culture and Native American heritage. Among value systems being rediscovered is the native religion, a blend of pantheism and a monotheistic view of a creator. Southern Baptists have long been concerned about the spiritual welfare of Native Americans. The first home missionaries were sent "to savage Indians" of the West. Baptist churches among the Creek and Cherokees date to the 1700s. Work with Navajos-and 98 other tribes-that stresses indigenous leadership, has grown rapidly in the past decade.

To reach Native Americans with the good news of Jesus Christ, however, requires greater effort. Native American leaders must be trained; new churches started. More Southern Baptists must also be sensitive to opportunities, as one missionary says, "not tear down the Indian culture, but build upon it, showing how Christ fulfills and completes." You can help: with your prayers, with your support and involvement in missions to Native Americans. 

Bible Studies for Native American Ministry

Native American Ministry Profile