03/18/2026
LYNN 2026
CELEBRATING THE GLOBAL CHURCH
On Saturday, March 7th over 70 pastors and faith leaders came together at Washington Street Baptist Church to gain a better understanding of the global church in Lynn, MA, a gateway city of 70 nations north of Boston with an estimated 150 churches. It was a day of learning from Lynn pastors about what God is doing in reaching people for Jesus Christ. It was also a day to build better relationships as leaders among ethnic groups.
The day started and began with worship in English and Spanish and then Pastor Pete Balentine gave an overview of the global church in Lynn. He also spoke about ways the greater church in New England can build bridges of mutuality with the global church in its midst. The surprise for many from Pete’s talk was this: a city of immigrants equals a city of churches.
Four pastors in Lynn followed Pete, sharing about their work in the city. Pastor Victor Howard, from Liberia, emphasized the role of prayer. Pastor Tito Morales, from the Dominican Republic, spoke about leading a “soul-winning church”. Pastor Pao Thang, from Myanmar, described the challenges pastoring two generations in one church. Finally Pastor Kurt Lange shared his church’s journey in ministering to those battling addiction in the city as well as homelessness.
Overall, Lynn 2026 proved to be a huge blessing to all who participated. Pastors and church leaders loved the ability to connect across ethnic groups as well connecting city to suburbs (and vice versa). A large window of awareness was opened regarding the presence of the immigrant church in a city like Lynn, where over 90 percent of the churches are led by first or second generation immigrants. Many attenders gained a vision for the sharing of church buildings as well the role that the diaspora church can play in mission work back in their home countries.
