Episode Summary:

In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Nathaniel Pérez welcomes Daniel Montañez—theologian, pastor, and advocate for immigration justice—to explore how God’s story has always been one of movement. Together, they discuss what it means to follow a “God of migration,” how scripture frames displacement and belonging, and how the Church can reclaim its voice in conversations too often dominated by fear.

Montañez shares insights from his own bicultural upbringing as a Mexican and Puerto Rican American, his research as a doctoral candidate at Boston University School of Theology, and his work as Executive Director of the Center for Public Theology and Migration and founder of the Migration Christian Conference.

From Genesis to Revelation, from the movement of the Spirit to the modern realities of migration, this episode invites listeners to see that God’s redemptive story is a story of journey—and that our call as followers of Christ is to walk with compassion, courage, and proximity alongside those on the move.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to Coming Home
Dr. Nathaniel Pérez introduces the heart of the podcast: exploring faith, culture, and belonging through meaningful conversation.

01:00 – Introducing Daniel Montañez
A look at Daniel’s background—doctoral student, founder of the Migration Christian Conference, and leader in theology and public engagement.

01:40 – What Does “Coming Home” Mean to You?
Daniel reflects on growing up across multiple states and cultures, and how his concept of home has become both spiritual and relational.

04:30 – Growing Up Mexican and Puerto Rican
Daniel shares stories of his parents’ ministry and the richness—and tension—of living between two cultures.

07:40 – Faith and Culture in the Latino Church
How worship, testimony, and community shape Latino Pentecostal spirituality and identity.

09:50 – The God Who Moves
Daniel explains how scripture reveals a God of movement—from the Spirit in Genesis to Christ’s “cosmic migration” in the gospel.

13:50 – Reading the Bible Through the Lens of Migration
How viewing scripture as a story of displacement and restoration deepens our understanding of the gospel.

17:20 – The Imago Dei and Human Dignity
Exploring how every person—especially the migrant and stranger—reflects the image of God.

20:40 – Reclaiming the Church’s Role in the Immigration Conversation
Daniel challenges the Church to move beyond political soundbites and toward theological reflection and redemptive action.

24:20 – Overcoming Fear with Courageous Faith
How Christians can respond to fear with empathy, proximity, and Christlike hospitality.

29:20 – Proximity and Relationship
Daniel discusses why relationships are central to transformation and how listening can dismantle barriers.

31:50 – A Call to Serve: Daniel’s Personal Story
From struggling to embrace his identity to discovering his calling to serve immigrant communities.

38:30 – Stories of Hope from the Immigrant Church
Daniel shares moving testimonies from undocumented pastors whose faith endures in the face of hardship.

43:00 – Renewing Our Minds and Hearts
Reframing immigration through the ethics of Jesus—loving our neighbor as ourselves.

46:50 – The Migration Christian Conference
A behind-the-scenes look at the conference’s mission to unite pastors, scholars, and activists for redemptive action.

50:20 – Joy, Calling, and Community
Daniel reflects on joy in hospitality, connection, and gathering people together—whether around theology or a backyard grill.

52:10 – Hope for the Next Generation
A closing challenge to students and young leaders: to be humble