Welcoming Strangers in Our Midst

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” --Hebrews 13:2

As a Refugee and Immigration Ministry Coordinator (RIMcor),you have the opportunity to be involved in important and rewarding work guided by the Christian values of neighborliness and showing hospitality to the stranger.  Your work builds on and contributes to a long United Methodist history of commitment to refugees and immigrants.  This tool kit will help you become familiar with your role, assess your current situation and answer some questions you might have about being a RIM Coordinator.

As a Refugee and Immigration Ministry Coordinator (RIMcor), your primary role is to encourage and support local churches in ministering to refugees and immigrants.  You are a critical liaison between the UMCOR national offices and refugee and immigration ministries of the annual conference and its congregations, as well as local community-based programs addressing immigrant and refugee issues. 

Getting Started - Assessing the Current Situation

One of the best ways to get started in your role as the Refugee/Immigration Ministry coordinator is to get to know the current situation in your Annual Conference.  What’s been done before?  What’s going on now?  What activities are in the planning stages?  What needs to happen?  What resources are available in this work?  Getting answers to questions like these will help you to get grounded in your work, decide what to do, and start building a network of support.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did UMCOR become involved with Refugees and Immigrants? What does the Bible say about Refugees and Immigrants?   Why is Refugee and Immigration Ministry needed?  Find  answers to these questions and more.