In a building on Howe Avenue, Iglesia Cristiana Principe de Paz has been proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in Passaic for more than four decades. The Spanish-speaking congregation describes its heartbeat with a single phrase: Hasta que todos hayan oido.
Welcome With Open Arms
From the moment visitors step through the doors, the church wants them to feel at home. The greeting reads, Seas nuevo a la Iglesia, o has sido Cristiano por muchos anos o aun recien comenzando, te damos la mas cordial bienvenida con nuestros brazos abiertos. Whether someone is new to church, has been a Christian for years, or is just beginning, the message is the same: open arms.
The church describes its identity plainly: Somos una Iglesia Biblica que busca glorificar a Dios, viviendo centrados en Cristo y Su Evangelio, proclamando fieles Su palabra, y dependiendo en todo del poder de Su Espiritu Santo. A multicultural community of all ages and backgrounds gathers each week to encounter God and love people.
Sunday Worship in Spanish
The weekly worship service takes place Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and runs about 90 minutes. Messages from Pastor Jonathan Soto are designed to provoke and draw people deeper into the Bible. Services are conducted in Spanish.
Dress is come-as-you-are. The church is explicit about it: No encontraras restriccion en tu vestimenta. Ven como eres. Algunos visten con chaquetas mientras otros visten pantalones de mezclilla. Sientate comodo.
A Pastoral Family's Long History
The Soto family has shaped Principe de Paz for more than 43 years. The Reverend Arturo Soto founded the work and pastored it for many years before passing the mantle to his son. Pastor Jonathan Soto has been married to Carmen for 24 years, and together they are raising Joseph (21) and Grace (11). In 2020, Jonathan completed a Master's in Ministerial Leadership at Pillar College.
The Reverends Arturo and Yolanda Soto continue to serve in general ministry. Co-pastor Noemi Soto Cintron is a co-founder of the church and has ministered since she was seven years old, modeling a life of prayer, leading women, and teaching the Word.
Ministries Across Generations
A team of leaders oversees ministry for every age group. Pastor Omar Montanez leads worship. Joseph Soto, described as a "watchman on the wall," oversees youth. Karo Alcivar directs the children's ministry. The Reverends Arturo and Yolanda Soto serve in general ministry.
Prayer, Giving, and a Podcast
Anyone who needs prayer is invited to reach out by email. The church highlights a beloved verse from John 3:16 in the Mensaje translation: Asi es como Dios amo al mundo: dio a su Hijo para que nadie sea destruido; creyendo en El, cualquiera puede tener una vida completa y duradera.
Tithes, offerings, and donations support both the spiritual and social work of the ministry, and giving is available online. A podcast of recent messages extends the sermon beyond the walls of the building on Howe Avenue.
Principe de Paz meets at 70 Howe Avenue, Passaic, NJ 07055, and welcomes anyone seeking a Spanish-speaking, Christ-centered, multigenerational church home.