What is an international church?
An international church is typically a fellowship of christians that are primarily from multiple cultures. In fact, the majority of the church members do not fit represent the majority culture of the city. For Reno Nevada, according to Census bureau data, the majority ethnic heritage is white caucasian derived heritage, which fits in line with the US population as a whole. A significant portion of our city is hispanic. All other groups from Asian, middle-east, and African countries are in the minority.
Typically services, groups, discussions and programming are still in English, but can sometimes be in other languages.
How does an international church differ from other churches?
If you search on the internet, you will find many large churches in the Reno-area. Many of these tend to serve and focus on outlying suburban areas of Spanish Springs, Northwest Reno and South Reno. Some smaller churches in the McCarran ring road loop have a more diverse ethnic focus.
Serving Immigrants and international students
Yesu House is uniquely different from not only other Reno churches, but also other international churches globally. Rather than trying to start a church for every ethnic group, or trying to assemble everyone together, Yesu House helps promote other area churches that have specific ethnic groups, in addition to gathering and groups on its own as well. For example, there is a fellowship of Nigerian Christians and other Africans in our community. Yesu house seeks to integrate and connect these churches and groups, just like a spider web. A strong network holds well. While many of our involved friends are part of multiple churches, we have some discipleship groups and bible studies, especially that are missions-minded, gospel-focused, rather than denominationally driven.
Are Americans welcome in an International Church?
Yes! Of course. Some of our friends are missionaries on furlough, or people that have traveled extensively for business overseas. Missing their international and global lifestyle, Yesu House has Americans, many of whom love Jesus, and love the nations. God is on the move across the globe, and he calls all of us to make disciples of all nations, whether we give, pray, go, mobilize or welcome. (more on that in another blog post)
What churches in Reno are welcoming to internationals?
Our friends are interconnected and sometimes serving or participating with multiple churches. We believe there is only one church. All who call upon the name of the Lord, who have been born again, who have repented of their sins and turned to Jesus for their peace with God, will be saved. This is the church. In his true kingdom, church turf wars do not exist. Competition is replaced with collaboration and friendship.
Here is a list of churches we have friends and connections with:
Summit Christian Church
Living Stones
Resonate church
Testify Church
Immanuel Chinese Alliance Church
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Grace Presbyterian Church
And, there are many others. Just ask us and one of us can introduce you.