Hispanic Ministry Leaders Gather for LCMS Convention to Share Ideas and Encouragement

Hispanic ministry leaders gathered in Houston for the Sixth National LCMS Hispanic Convention, held July 24–27. The event, organized by elected representatives of LCMS Hispanic congregations, brought together a majority of pastors, deaconesses, and lay leaders from LCMS Hispanic congregations, along with several district presidents, LCMS missionaries from Latin America and the Caribbean, and Rev. Isaac Guadalupe Garcia Castillo, president of the Lutheran Synod of Mexico.

Participants sought to exchange ideas, encourage one another, and be nourished by God’s Word. Plenary and interest sessions were led by pastors, lay leaders, Synod ministry directors, and heads of LCMS Recognized Service Organizations. These sessions included exhibits and discussions on LCMS Hispanic ministry in the United States. The triennial event exists primarily to benefit LCMS Hispanic congregations and their leaders.

The convention’s theme, “Discipleship 4K,” focused on four key areas: Koinonia (fellowship), Kairos (opportune time), Kerygma (proclamation), and Kyrios (Jesus as Lord). The opening service was preached by outgoing President Rev. Adolfo Borges, pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Orlando, Fla. He introduced the four plenary topics and emphasized the importance of fellowship and shared challenges among Hispanic ministry leaders.

The Center for Hispanic Studies at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, provided two pre-convention education opportunities. These included a continuing-education course on marriage and family and a seminary-level course on pastoral care and counseling. Rev. Sam Gomez, who serves with Christ Latino Ministry in Escondido, Calif., highlighted the value of the gathering in connecting and supporting one another, noting that challenges faced by Hispanic ministry leaders are common across the country.

Rev. Stephen Heimer, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in El Paso, Tex., emphasized the importance of relationships built at the convention. He noted that attending previous years allowed him to connect with other pastors and build vital partnerships. Heimer also stressed the need for both Hispanic and non-Hispanic people to hear God’s Law and Gospel and to receive the Sacraments. He pointed to the language divide among first-, second-, and third-generation Hispanics as a significant challenge.

Rev. Robert Zagore, executive director of the LCMS Office of the Synod, continued to provide leadership and support for Hispanic ministry efforts within the LCMS. The newly elected and installed board members will support the community and organize the next convention, ensuring continued focus on the needs of LCMS Hispanic congregations and their leaders.

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