By Juan Gonzalez
When I reflect on the path that brought me to the Minneapolis Area Synod, I see a winding journey across cultures, languages, and communities—each one shaping my understanding of faith, family, and what it means to belong.
I was born in Mexico and have had the privilege of calling several places home: from different regions of Mexico to the vibrant streets of Venezuela and the rhythms of Brazil. Along the way, I’ve also lived in California on the West Coast, Pennsylvania in the Northeast, and now Minnesota in the Midwest. Though it was often difficult for me, each move brought new lessons, new faces, and a deeper appreciation for the richness of human connection.
Parents and caretakers are a child’s first role models, teachers, and companions on the journey of faith. I am grateful that I was lucky enough to grow up with a mother that deeply values the culture, language, and traditions of others. My mother encouraged my siblings and I to learn about and become a part of the culture every time we moved, and somehow still managed to keep us connected to the cultures we had experienced before. She made an extraordinary effort to always continue different traditions when we would end up somewhere new. Whether it was creating our own Posadas (a celebration that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging before the birth of Jesus), celebrating the coming of the Three Wise Men as we do in Mexico, or cooking a Thanksgiving meal, she would make sure that each tradition was carried on wherever we went.
These diverse experiences have profoundly shaped my faith and ignited a passion for building bridges across differences.
That’s why I’m excited to introduce a project close to my heart: Family Faith: Deepening Roots, Strengthening Families.
This initiative supports the Minneapolis Area Synod’s new, ethnic-centric, and culturally diverse congregations in nurturing the faith of families — especially in a time when traditional faith formation models are shifting. It’s not just about programs or curriculum; it’s about relationships. It’s about creating spaces where families of all shapes and backgrounds can grow together in faith, with the support of their church community.
Through this project, we’re inviting leaders and congregations to listen deeply to families, learn together, and experiment with new ways of being in community. We are excited to bring together diverse groups of parents, faith formation leaders, pastors, and people who are passionate about walking alongside families in this learning community.
I believe that when we come together—bringing our stories, our questions, and our hope—we can create something truly transformative. I hope you’ll follow along as we go on this journey.
Let’s explore what it means to grow faith at home, in community, and across cultures.