The broad horizon of Christianity in the USA shows an increase in Hispanic Christians so far out of proportion to every other group that Christian leaders project Hispanics will one day be the heart and soul of the American Church. The nation's largest minority group is not just exploding in numbers, it is influencing culture and, in many ways, creating culture through media behemoths such as Telemundo and Univision, Latin holidays and traditions, and wide distribution of works by Spanish-language authors and music artists. Social scientists agree that we are entering an era some call a ‘Brown Millennium’, when Hispanics will profoundly shape the religious climate, culture, politics and very likely the direction of the entire nation.

Hispanics in the USA number roughly 60 million. Non-Hispanic whites (hereinafter referred to simply as ‘whites’) will shift from being the majority to being a minority by 2045, according to census projections. Yet the younger the demographic, the sooner the tipping point will be reached. In 2020, whites under the age of 18 were already a minority and Hispanics the second-largest minority. By 2026, whites will be in the minority in the 14- to 29-year-old demographic. Hispanics will make up more than 21% of the total US population by 2030 and one-third by 2050. Some experts believe Hispanics will make up the majority of the total US population by 2100.

Hispanics as a group are not only the fastest growing but also have the greatest adherence to Christianity, with 93% self-identifying as Christian. The opportunity for the American Church is evident. Any organisation that is not including Hispanic leaders in its foundation will be poorly positioned for the future. Already, many Christian organisations are seizing this present time to invest in greater evangelism and discipleship in the Hispanic community.

The Hispanic Population's Distinctive Features

To understand the faith of Hispanics in the USA it is necessary to trace the origins of this massive population. Spanish-speaking peoples in the United States pre-date the formation of the nation by more than 250 years. The first Spanish missionaries to North America established a post in Puerto Rico in 1511, roughly 100 years before Jamestown.