Rev. Aaron Robinson
Tuesday, Jan 24
3:15 – 4:30 pm
Readiness for Cultural Diversity in the Church
The mission field isn’t just overseas anymore—it’s in your own neighborhood. Many WELS congregations—urban, suburban, and rural—are discovering that their communities are far more diverse than they were a generation ago. Yet leaders often don’t know where to begin. This breakout explores how congregations can thoughtfully assess when and how cross-cultural ministry makes sense in their setting.
We’ll look at practical ways to welcome and disciple people from different cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds while staying firmly grounded in God’s unchanging Word. Participants will explore the unique opportunities that cross-cultural friendships can open, as well as the barriers—such as language, assumptions, or past experiences—that can hinder outreach. We’ll also consider how congregations can adapt to serve neighbors without compromising the gospel message. Above all, we’ll see how “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” truly unites people from every tribe and language. Whether your congregation is already multicultural or preparing for change, you’ll leave encouraged and equipped to reflect Christ’s love to all the peoples he brings to your door.
Rev. Aaron Robinson is a 2000 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He was one of two missionaries assigned to New York City, settling in Woodside, Queens—one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the nation—and helped start Sure Foundation Lutheran Church. In 2003, Aaron accepted a call to St. Croix Lutheran School as a religion teacher and coach, where he also led a Bible class for incoming international students. Seven years later, he began teaching religion and an evangelism elective at Wisconsin Lutheran High School, serving an ethnically diverse student body and coaching girls’ basketball. In 2015, Aaron became pastor at Fairview Lutheran Church. Since 2020, he has served at Martin Luther College as the cultural diversity coordinator and an English professor, while also coaching in the MLC football program. Aaron’s ministry has consistently bridged cultural and ethnic lines, reflecting his passion for sharing the gospel with people from every background.
