Migrant experiences help Norwegian Baptist churches better align daily practice with their theological ideals, theologian Gabriel Stephen shows. While churches emphasise equality and belonging, migrants do not always experience these values in practice. At the same time, migrants contribute to church renewal through new perspectives and resilience.
The research, examines how migrant experiences function as theological resources within Norwegian Baptist congregations. Through interviews with migrants, Stephen explores tensions between Baptist teachings and lived realities in church communities.
‘The most important conclusion is that migrants are not simply visitors within the church,’ Stephen says. ‘Their stories reveal both where churches fall short and how they can grow into a more faithful embodiment of their own values.’
Baptist theology and church participation
Stephen’s research focuses on Baptist principles such as covenantal community, equality and the priesthood of all believers. ‘While many migrants described experiences of hospitality, friendship and spiritual connection, others also encountered exclusion or barriers to participation,’ Stephen states.
He continues: ‘By listening carefully to migrant voices, churches can become more honest about the gap between belief and practice. These narratives also show constructive ways churches can strengthen shared faith and community.’
Qualitative research on migration and church life
Stephen used a qualitative narrative inquiry approach. Nine in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with migrants in Norwegian Baptist congregations. Participants were invited to reflect on their experiences of migration, belonging and church life. The interviews were complemented by analysis of church documents and observations of congregational practices.
Migrant narratives as resources for church renewal
According to Stephen, the findings highlight recurring themes including exclusion, hospitality, participation and spiritual kinship. He concludes: ‘Migrant narratives not only diagnose challenges within church life but also offer important resources for ecclesial renewal.’