Like most Middle Eastern first-generation immigrants, Community's members were unfamiliar with the Lutheran church. Batarseh suggested an alignment with the ELCA after a relative who is an ELCA pastor said Community could thrive with support. Two years ago Community became a mission. Both the church and Batarseh, who is taking classes to become an ELCA pastor, hope to officially join the denomination next year. Out in the community Since few Arabs know of the Lutheran church, Community offers an active outreach program.
Members visit local Arab markets, passing out Bibles.
There also is Bible study in both Arabic and English. Community is one of six churches that make up the Association of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage. Ryan LaHurd, president of Lenoir-Rhyne College, Hickory, N.C., who serves as the association's president, said the ELCA is beginning to pay more attention to a group that had been overlooked. There's a negative feeling that all Arabs are fanatical Muslims. The association is working to make churches welcoming to Arab Americans and to urge them to be part of the church.