ARTICLE – JOURNEY TO AMERICA SERIES. (1/4) INTRODUCTION.

Series – Journey to America

Introduction – A brief synopsis of America and the visit

Over the course of approximately eleven days[1], I traveled through America, visiting four metropolitan regions: Miami, Austin, Houston, and Dallas. In these cities, I attended and participated in worship services at around nine local churches, representing various ministries and stages of development—including two church plants—and one synagogue. I engaged with the Brazilian and Latino communities, as well as other foreigners living within the multicultural American environment, in addition to the broader American society. I connected with institutions, Christian ministries, and visited large-scale social organizations that are part of the North American evangelical landscape.

It was also a time for mentorship and integration with young ministry leaders—individuals who were once under my pastoral care during my time as a youth pastor in Cuiabá about fifteen years ago, and who now serve in the U.S., developing impactful initiatives, launching commercial and missionary ventures, or engaging in church planting.

This was an intense yet highly productive experience, allowing me to deepen my reflections on Christianity as a global phenomenon, the multicultural American context, and emerging ministry trends in America that may influence the Brazilian evangelical scene.

Perhaps it may even inspire the Brazilian church toward more effective local Christian ministry. For this series, I chose to explore three key aspects observed during this brief season in America.

In the first article, I discuss American society, highlighting the U.S. as the country of civil society. I explore the concept of moral capital and reflect on how the organizational culture of American society is rooted in individual initiative and mutual care.

In the second reflection, I analyze the current state of American churches in Texas, where I spent the most time—a region that reflects the so-called Bible Belt, yet also bears strong multicultural and urban influences. I delve into the concepts of multiculturalism and post-denominational ministries. I examine the impressive church infrastructure, the organization of worship services, the interdenominational vision and support culture, short-term missions, and missionary strategies.

In the third article, I reflect on quality of life, entrepreneurial culture, and financial education, and explore the concept of radical generosity that permeates the lives of many Americans—echoes of a missionary culture.

I hope this series provides readers with valuable insights for reflecting on a more assertive church in its mission and a better country, strengthened by civil society through the gospel, following its own path without victimhood or external and state dependency.

I thank the CFNEWS team for making this material available to a broader audience.

Manoel Gonçalves Delgado Jr.[2]

Cover art for the article “Journey to America,” combining a mosaic map of the continent with travel photos and a compass.

[1] The trip took place from August 2 to 13, 2025, at the invitation of Brazilian leaders residing in the U.S., in the Houston and Dallas regions. My hosts were Allan Velasques and Bruno Zechin.

[2] Manoel Gonçalves Delgado Júnior is a theologian, religious minister, and Christian leader. He holds a doctorate in Theology from the Servo de Cristo Seminary and serves as director of the Rev. Augusto Araújo Presbyterian Bible Institute (IBAA). He is the author of books on practical theology and spirituality, and works as a professor in theological institutions and a speaker at national and international events.