What the Bible Says About Immigration

Blog /

Jun 8th, 2025

Mark Ashton

Lead Minister

What if Pentecost wasn’t just an event in the past—but a picture of who we are meant to be today?

When the Spirit first moved in Acts 2, it wasn’t quiet. A rushing wind, holy fire, and voices—lots of them—proclaiming the wonders of God in over a dozen languages. That wasn’t just a miracle. It was a message. From the very beginning, the church was multilingual, multicultural, and global.

It was never meant to be exclusive. It was always meant to be beautifully diverse.

Why Talk About Immigration?

This isn’t about politics—it’s about people. And it's personal.

The Bible speaks often and clearly about how we treat those who are new to our land. And most of us—whether recent arrivals or generations deep—know what it’s like to feel like an outsider at some point. This conversation is not about “them.” It’s about us. We are neighbors, classmates, coworkers, and fellow image bearers.

And when we live out the teachings of Jesus, we embody something countercultural: love that crosses borders and friendship that bridges gaps.

What Scripture Says

Genesis 1 reminds us that every person is made in the image of God. That means everyone—regardless of birthplace, background, or status—has profound worth. Not because of what we do, but because of who we are.

And Leviticus 19 puts it simply:

“Do not take advantage of foreigners who live among you… Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself.”

This is a call to empathy, not division. It's a reminder that hospitality isn’t about charity—it's about kinship. We love because we are loved. We welcome because we have been welcomed.

Clarifying Realities Without Dividing

There are real challenges surrounding immigration. Policies are complex. Safety matters. And yes, some individuals, regardless of background, choose harm. Justice requires accountability. But overwhelmingly, immigrants—documented or not—are here to work, contribute, worship, and build a better life alongside the rest of us.

Let’s not let fear define our posture. Let love lead.

Three Ways to Live This Out

Build Relationships
- Most newcomers to the U.S. long for a genuine connection with someone who calls this place home.
- Consider sharing a meal, extending an invitation, or simply starting a conversation.
- You may be surprised how much you have in common—and how much beauty and wisdom someone else brings into your life.
Support English Language Learning
- English often unlocks opportunity, connection, and confidence.
- At CCC, we offer ESL classes for people from all backgrounds—refugees, immigrants, students, parents, workers, and more.
- Volunteers help teach English, drive vans, offer encouragement, and reflect the heart of Jesus in small but life-giving ways.
Create Space at Church
- Through our CaptionKit app, we now offer real-time translation in 20 languages during services.
- Bring your own device and headphones—or invite someone who could benefit from hearing God’s word in their native tongue.
- This tool is just one small way to say: “You belong here.”

Understanding the Terms

Sometimes the language around immigration can feel confusing or even polarizing. So here’s a quick, respectful breakdown:

Immigrant: Someone who moves to a new country to live permanently.
Undocumented Immigrant: Someone living in a country without legal authorization.
Refugee: Someone who flees due to war, persecution, or danger.
Visa: Temporary permission to stay for school, work, or travel.
Green Card: Legal permanent residency.
TPS: Temporary Protected Status for those fleeing unsafe conditions.

And here's a fun Nebraska fact: While we have fewer immigrants overall, we have the highest number of refugees per capita in the U.S. That means our neighborhoods are filled with incredible resilience, courage, and global diversity.

Stories That Inspire

One student in our ESL ministry wants to learn English just to read the Bible—because it’s not yet translated into her heart language.
Another began her faith journey here and recently celebrated it publicly.
And friends like Roosvelt, who joined ESL just a year ago, are now fully integrated into the life of the church—working, worshiping, and growing in community.

These aren’t “immigrant stories.” These are our stories. Our family. Our church. Our neighbors.

A Simple Step

Whether you were born across the street or across an ocean, the invitation is the same: love your neighbor. The Bible repeats it again and again, and Jesus lived it out with every breath.

So here’s the challenge: