Here for a Purpose: Mobilization Among Believers in Diaspora Communities of Metro Atlanta

The purpose of this project is to provide insights for mission agencies and churches in the United States to encourage mobilization among believers in diaspora communities. Before developing strategies around diaspora mobilization, the author argues it is first important to listen to voices within diaspora communities from those who are already mobilized. The project involved discussions with fifteen individuals who represent unique diaspora populations and are engaged in various ministries. All individuals live in the metro Atlanta area.
Prior to engaging in the conversations, the author performed an extensive literature survey around the area of diaspora and mission. He also surveyed biblical texts to develop theological insights around the areas of diaspora and migration.
Based on the literature and the author’s own cross-cultural experience, he employed a relational approach to developing the sample of individuals he interviewed. He applied tools from the field of ethnography to engage the individuals in conversations, with the purpose of gaining insights into their contexts, challenges, and motivations.
Out of the conversations, the author presented implications to be considered by mission agencies and churches as they consider engagement with members of diaspora populations in mission.