Understanding the Bible's Call to Welcome Immigrants - w/ Matthew Soerens

Jul 15, 2019

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How the biblical command to love the stranger challenges political assumptions, reshapes our view of immigration, and offers a new path forward. Mike, Tim, and Bonnie launch the Immigration Series by welcoming Matthew Soerens, author of “Welcoming the Stranger” and U.S. Director of Church Mobilization with World Relief, for a thoughtful, honest, and compassionate discussion at the intersection of faith, politics, and immigration.

Matthew breaks down decades of policy confusion and popular misconceptions while calling Christians back to foundational biblical truths. Drawing from Scripture and real-life examples, this episode explores what it means to love our neighbors—especially when they come from different places—and why it’s essential for the church to lead in conversations around immigration, justice, and national policy.

Key Takeaways: • Biblical Foundations for Immigration – Scripture is filled with stories of migration and commands to protect and care for the foreigner, which must shape Christian attitudes and responses to modern immigration. • Separating Fact from Fear – Immigration myths debunked: most asylum seekers are not lawbreakers, and refugees undergo the most rigorous vetting process of any group entering the U.S. • Refugees, Asylum Seekers, and Immigrants—What’s the Difference? – Understanding critical distinctions between immigration categories and why it matters legally and compassionately. • A Better Way Forward – Creating immigration policies that are both just and compassionate: secure borders, legal pathways, and restitution-based legalization for undocumented immigrants already here. • The Church’s Unique Role – Why this is not just a political issue, but a discipleship issue rooted in hospitality, justice, and the mission of Jesus.

Guest Highlights: Matthew Soerens – U.S. Director of Church Mobilization at World Relief and co-author of Welcoming the Stranger. Matthew shares how his work with immigrants and refugees shaped his understanding of the Bible’s mandate to love the stranger and encouraged churches to reframe the immigration conversation as a gospel opportunity.

Resources Mentioned: • Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang – [Link] • Evangelical Immigration Table – evangelicalimmigrationtable.com • World Relief – worldrelief.org • Thinking Biblically About Immigrants and Immigration Reform – Free eBook – [Link]

Want to help? Visit worldrelief.org/families to support frontline refugee and migrant care.

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As always, we encourage and would love discussion as we pursue. Feel free to email in questions to hello@voxpodcast.com, and to engage the conversation on Facebook and Instagram.

We're on YouTube (if you're into that kinda thing): VOXOLOGY TV.

Our Merch Store! ETSY

Learn more about the Voxology Podcast

Subscribe on iTunes or Spotify

Support the Voxology Podcast on Patreon

The Voxology Spotify channel can be found here: Voxology Radio

Follow Mike on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mikeerre

Music in this episode by Timothy John Stafford

Instagram & Twitter: @GoneTimothy