ZACH SZMARA
Zach Szmara is the Founder and Executive Director of Immigrant Connection, an organization that provides access to immigration legal services through a church-based model that is scalable, sustainable, and centered on the needs of immigrants. Under his leadership, Immigrant Connection has trained over 100 legal representatives and launched more than 45 church-based offices in urban, suburban, and rural communities across 25 states.
Zach holds a BA in Intercultural Studies and Biblical Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University, as well as an MA in Intercultural Studies, Anthropology, and Ethics from Asbury Theological Seminary. He is also accredited by the Department of Justice as an immigration legal representative. His cross-cultural experience includes time spent living and serving in Papua New Guinea and Mozambique.
In addition to his work with Immigrant Connection, Zach is an ordained Wesleyan minister and serves as the pastor of The Bridge, a multicultural, multiethnic, and multilingual church located in Logansport, IN. He is married to Lyndy, a special education administrator, and together they have one son, Isaac.
WORKSHOP:
The Welcome Journey: Connecting With and Loving Your Immigrant Neighbors. How is your church responding to God's call to love and welcome immigrants in your community? This workshop invites you into the welcome journey—a transformative process rooted in Scripture and God's heart for immigrants. We'll explore the Biblical foundation for loving immigrants and how this understanding leads us to both kollaō (deeply connect) with immigrants and practice philoxenos (Biblical hospitality). Through powerful stories and practical steps, we will discover how the Church can embody God's love by creating pathways of welcome. Join us to discern how your church can actively reflect the love and justice of Jesus, making space for immigrant newcomers to experience true belonging and connection.
