When Pastor Marcial Muñoz of Iglesia Orchard in Denver, Colorado, says he’ll do whatever it takes to reach people for Jesus, he means it. Whether it’s belting out songs at a karaoke bar, preaching in jeans, or launching a parenting series called La Chancla (yes, named after the legendary flying sandal of Latinx childhoods), Muñoz is redefining what effective, culturally connected ministry looks like.
The Call to the Front Lines
“If you go to Colorado, it’s like putting your head in the mouth of a wolf,” a friend warned him when he was considering planting a church in Denver. But the challenge only confirmed Muñoz’s call. Colorado is one of the most unchurched states in the U.S., and that’s exactly why he felt compelled to go. “I don’t want to move people from church to church. I want to reach people who don’t know Jesus,” says Pastor Munoz.
Muñoz planted Iglesia Orchard with the support of Orchard Church and a clear vision: reach the unchurched Hispanic community of Denver by meeting them where they are and doing ministry in a way that feels familiar, accessible, and real.
Ministry That Feels Like Family
Muñoz’s congregation is predominantly made up of young families and teens. Many of these teens are English-first, culturally hybrid kids who feel like outsiders in both American and traditional Hispanic spaces. Muñoz recognizes this tension and uses it as an opportunity to create belonging. “They don’t feel American enough for Americans or Mexican enough for Mexicans. But they belong here.”
Iglesia Orchard hosts culturally relevant events like El Día del Niño (Children’s Day), the Día de los Reyes Magos (Wise Men’s Day), and a September celebration of Mexican Independence to connect with this community. These gatherings aren’t just nostalgic—they’re strategic. They serve as low-barrier entry points for families who may be hesitant about church but are drawn in by tradition, food, and fun.
La Chancla and the Gospel
Muñoz’s sense of humor is a powerful tool in his ministry toolbox. Case in point: when launching a parenting series, instead of a dry title like “Biblical Principles for Parenting,” he named it La Chancla. The iconic sandal isn’t just a meme—it’s a cultural symbol with serious relatability.
“When they saw the series graphic of a mom holding a sandal, everyone laughed. But they also showed up. The name opened the door. The gospel did the rest.”
Muñoz understands that for outreach to be effective, it has to be contextual. That doesn’t mean watering down the gospel. It means packaging timeless truth in a form people can actually receive.
Authenticity Over Perfection
Muñoz doesn’t put on a pastor persona. He lives life with his congregation, invites people to his home, shares meals, joins them at karaoke, and spends time with them out in the community. His openness and vulnerability are what make him approachable.
“You can impress people with your strengths, but you connect with them through your weaknesses.”
In a culture where pastors often feel pressure to appear perfect, Muñoz chooses honesty. He asks his church to pray for his family. He talks about parenting struggles and shares pieces of his story.
Equipping Pastors for Creative, Contextual Outreach
Whether you’re ministering in a multicultural urban center or a region where church attendance is low, Pastor Marcial Muñoz’s approach to outreach offers practical lessons for anyone trying to bridge cultural divides and bring the gospel to life in real-world settings. Here are some actionable strategies you can apply in your own ministry:
Actionable Tips for Pastors Serving Multicultural or Unchurched Communities
- Use familiar language and imagery. Avoid insider Christian jargon. Use stories, symbols, and humor that resonate culturally.
- Design outreach around cultural holidays. Tap into cultural rhythms to create events that feel like home and invite curiosity.
- Keep it short and sweet. Muñoz keeps Sunday services to about an hour. It shows respect for guests’ time and lowers the intimidation factor.
- Speak to the unchurched. Plan every part of your service with first-time guests in mind. Make the welcome, worship, and message accessible.
- Be real, not religious. Share your real life. Let people see the person behind the pulpit. It builds trust and relatability.
- Think of series titles like a marketer. A good title grabs attention. Don’t be afraid to be funny or clever if it helps people engage with the truth.
Reaching the Lost in Hispanic Culture
One of Muñoz’s deepest passions is reaching those who feel far from God—especially those coming from a Catholic background. Many of the people who walk into Iglesia Orchard have been shaped by Catholic traditions but are no longer actively practicing or have never fully understood the gospel.
“When I talk about baptism, I always affirm the love behind it. I tell them, ‘Your baptism as a baby was special—for your parents. Now you have a chance to make it personal—for you.'”
This kind of grace-filled approach creates trust. Instead of attacking other traditions or correcting people harshly, Muñoz leads with empathy. He acknowledges the heart behind religious practices and offers a new way to understand them through the lens of a personal relationship with Jesus.
For pastors wanting to reach people with a Catholic or mixed-faith background, here are a few guiding principles:
- Start with Honor: Don’t critique. Affirm the spiritual heritage and intention behind their upbringing.
- Ask Questions: Discover what they actually believe or have experienced—it may differ from what you assume..
- Connect Through Shared Values: Topics like family, sacrifice, and reverence often resonate deeply.
- Lead with Love, Not Correction: The goal isn’t to “fix” someone’s theology in one conversation—it’s to point them to Jesus.
Muñoz said his heart beats for the spiritually disconnected. And he’s willing to get creative to help them see Jesus clearly.
“I want to reach the people who feel overlooked. People who never thought church could be for them.”
Final Thoughts
At Iglesia Orchard, salvations happen weekly. Why? Because unchurched people walk through the doors weekly. That’s no accident. That’s the fruit of intentional outreach, cultural fluency, and gospel-centered creativity.
Marcial Muñoz isn’t just building a church. He’s building bridges—with humor, humility, and a whole lot of heart.
