Remain Standing
In response to the urgent needs of immigrant neighbors, Transform Minnesota and our coalition partners* are calling churches across the Twin Cities region to “Remain Standing” — committing to a sustained presence in the lives of immigrant families in the weeks and months ahead.
As a coalition, we are launching a three-month coordinated effort (March–May) to provide ongoing Christian presence as families rebuild trust, recover financially, and heal from trauma. This is not just a moment to respond — it is a call to walk alongside neighbors long after the headlines fade.
We are inviting churches not simply to respond, but to commit. Together, we will focus on:
- Resourcing immigrant families — Mobilizing sustained financial and material support as families return to work and recover from income disruption.
- Building church-to-church relationships — Creating lasting partnerships between immigrant and majority-culture congregations, including opportunities to adopt and walk alongside refugee families.
- Providing trauma healing support — Deploying training, pastoral care, and community-based healing resources.
- Gathering for worship and renewal — Hosting coordinated worship events that foster spiritual renewal and collective healing.
- Responding to emerging needs — Staying flexible and united as pastors identify new challenges requiring coordinated action.
February 11: A Strong Showing
On February 11, 260 evangelical pastors and leaders from the Twin Cities, Rochester, and St. Cloud gathered in Minneapolis for the Stand Together: Pastors & Immigrant Leaders Gathering, convened by Transform Minnesota and immigrant church leaders.
In what was described as an urgent and defining moment, pastors committed not merely to respond to crisis headlines, but to remain present in the lives of immigrant neighbors for the months and years ahead.
A Call to Long-Term Presence
Pastor Joel Ramirez of Iglesia Centro Cristiano de Minneapolis delivered a pastoral charge that framed the day:
“Months from now, people won’t remember what churches posted online or said. They will remember who visited their home, who brought groceries, and who stayed long after the headlines disappeared.”
Ramirez outlined eight key principles for this season: trust is rebuilt through presence, not statements; the Church must listen without trying to fix or preach; support must last for months, not days; and real ministry begins after the urgency fades.
Formation for Faithful Witness
Pastor Petey Crowder challenged leaders to reflect on how their churches have already been formed for this moment. Referencing the Good Samaritan, he asked:
“Our discipleship either teaches people to recognize the image of God in every human being, or trains them to rationalize distance and fear. How we respond now will shape the Church’s witness for years to come.”
He reminded pastors that costly, countercultural love—serving even when inconvenient, staying even when unpopular—is what forms disciples who can faithfully love neighbors in a divided world.
Join the Coalition
We invite pastors, church leaders, and congregations across Minnesota to commit to Remain Standing. Show up, listen, provide care, and walk alongside immigrant families during this critical season. Connect here. or email Brie@transformmn.org.
Remain Standing Coalition:
Border Perspective, Iglesia Dios Habla Hoy, Iglesia Centro Cristiano de Minneapolis, Comunidad Cristiana Twin Cities, Confraternidad de Pastores Unidos, MERGE Twin Cities, The One Fund, Arrive Ministries, Transform Minnesota
