Living as a Native Christian

“Aaron Newman is an active member of Christ the Rock Lutheran Church in Farmington, N.M. Join us to hear how his Christian faith motivates him to serve his church, family, and community. From serving in the Marine Corps to advocating for those affected by abuse and violence in his work at the Family Crisis Center, Aaron will share his desire to help others as a compassionate leader, instructor, and mentor.”

That was the invitation I received to a recent presentation and discussion sponsored by the Native Christians Network and Apache Christian Training School. It was another step forward in our goal of equipping Native Americans to lead and to serve in the universal priesthood of all believers.

We asked Aaron to talk about how he combines his Navajo heritage and his Christian faith because he understands both. Aaron is Bitterwater. He grew up mainly in Flagstaff, Ariz., but spent many weekends and summers on the Navajo reservation with his family. He helped his grandparents by herding sheep, hauling water, and many other tasks required to be self-sufficient in the Chuska Mountains. Aaron and his family would herd the flock up or down the mountain depending on the season, much like his ancestors did. He enjoys freshly butchered mutton and steam corn, fry bread, and blue corn with juniper ash pancakes. He learned a good work ethic, appreciation for family and community, and respect for his elders—all hallmarks of Native culture.

Aaron is also a mature Christian and lay leader in his congregation. He was confirmed just before he graduated high school and joined the Marines. After his faithful service in the military, he wasn’t sure what was next. He had some long talks with his pastors and studied God’s Word for guidance. The Lord blessed his path into social work and service on the church council.

Sadly, many Native Americans think that to be Christian is to turn your back on your Native heritage. Christians can be treated as traitors and outcasts. Even mature followers of Christ can feel a constant pressure to conform and participate in traditional practices, some of which are diametrically opposed to Christianity.

The struggle and pressure are real. So was the conversation. As Aaron humbly shared his life experience and Bible verses that have guided him along the way, many of the participants, most of whom were Apache, shared their stories too. It was a time of mutual understanding, building each other up, and encouraging each other in their faith. Aaron himself highlighted this as one of the blessings of this time together: “It was a blessing and a privilege to have that opportunity—to share God’s Word and to really just rejoice with fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.”

When asked what his goal was for the presentation, Aaron answered, “To share my faith about Jesus, and then also to share my walk in faith . . . that experience of having to look where the Lord has taken me, where I’ve been, where I am now, and to have faith in where I’m going next. That’s the biggest thing.”

It is possible to be Native American, proud of the many positive aspects of Native culture, and Christian, proud above all of our Savior, at the same time. May God bless all who live as Native Christians.

Written by Rev. Nathan Wagenknecht, world missionary on the Native American mission team