September 20, 2022

Joshua Sherif | Immigrants, Refugees, & The Church, 190

44 minutes

Joshua Sherif and Amber discuss his life as a Muslim boy in Egypt, his immigration to the United States, coming to faith in Jesus, and casting a wider net for discipleship in our communities. Josh shares his experience as a US immigrant and as a pastor of a church representing more than 30 nationalities, and speaking 20 languages in his new book, The Stranger At Our Shore: How Immigrants and Refugees Strengthen the Church.

Immigrants, Refugees, and The Church Questions Discussed:

(1:41) To lay a foundation for our conversation today, share a little about your childhood. Where did you grow up? What was family life and faith life like?

(4:25) Your family eventually immigrated to the United States. What brought your family here and what were those first few years as an immigrant like for you and your family?

(12:21) What was it that caused you to leave Isalm for Christianity?

(14:59) fYour book, The Stranger at Our Shore: How Immigrants and Refugees Strengthen the Church, is in large part your story, but it is also a call to Christians to reconsider the strangers at our shore or living next door and our call to discipleship. What are some of the problems you see in the Church today, regarding how we relate to immigrants and refugees?

(28:04) This is not only your personal experience, but you founded and pastored a church in Albany Park, Chicago, IL which is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the U.S. for a decade. What were some of the challenges and successes of leading a diverse church?

(38:50) All too often, as a member of the local church, I forget I am a missionary. I forget that a large portion of Scripture is the story of Israel living as refugees and immigrants. Why is it vital to care for the immigrant and refugee like we see them cared for in Scripture?

SHOW NOTES cont.
Resources Mentioned:

Book: The Stranger At Our Shore: How Immigrants and Refugees Strengthen the Church by Joshua Sherif

8 Books That Were Influential In Ways That Surprised Me

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By Amber Cullum

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