LITHONIA, Ga. — Sprinkled among the black faces at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Hispanic worshippers listen intently to the congregation's leader, Bishop Eddie Long.

It's an unusual scene for a predominantly African-American church, but the area's Hispanic population has grown from just 1 percent in 2000 to nearly 9 percent today. And New Birth is acknowledging its new neighbors in a way most historically black churches haven't.

Long is trying to attract Latino members by hiring a Hispanic band, adding Spanish-language Sunday services, hiring a Hispanic pastor, even by learning Spanish.

"My message has been geared to challenging African-Americans, but I have to be culturally sensitive," said Long, whose services draw more than 25,000 worshippers. "Now, I focus on using biblical principles that are relevant to everyone."

Long's services are already translated into Spanish, among other languages, but Long wanted to do more for Hispanics at home.

It's a challenging plan. Most Latinos in the United States attend churches that started in their own neighborhoods, or they worship at predominantly white churches with large missions to Spanish-speaking immigrants.

But Long says black churches have a special lesson for Hispanics. Like African-Americans before them, new Latino arrivals are struggling with poverty, finding work, getting a good education and getting a say in public policy.

"We were there," Long said. "Because we're beginning to turn the corner, we can reach back to our brother. This is about people working together and using faith to improve themselves."

New Birth's message of personal growth and prosperity can also appeal to Hispanic immigrants who came here to improve the lives of their families. The Atlanta suburb where New Birth is located has one of the country's highest affluency rates for blacks.