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On June 24 at Primera Iglesia Bautista de Odessa and, on June 25 in Templo La Hermosa in Midland, leaders gathered at a conference to receive training on how to reach the next generation of hispanics, minister to pastoral families, and learn more about the theology of outreach.
The conference was sponsored by the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention’s en Español Ministry, led by Chuy Ávila and his associate, Jesse Contreras. The Capacitarte regional conferences are focused on reaching the lost, equipping church leaders and members, and sending missionaries all over the state of Texas and abroad.
Mario Bernal, the pastor at Iglesia Bautista Emaús in New Caney, Hispanic ambassador of Fresh-Hope Español for Mental Health, and who is also part of the Red de Apoyo Pastoral (RAP—Pastoral Support Network) ministry sponsored by the SBTC, shared about “How to Minister to Pastoral Families.”
“As pastors, the first ministry that we have and the first church that God gives us is our family,” Bernal said. “If we are not well spiritually, physically, emotionally, and psychologically, we are not going to effectively take care of our families correctly.”
Bernal shared that the three most frequent mental health issues are bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety, and he encouraged participants to get help when they need it. That effort also includes delegating tasks when possible, setting priorities, getting rest, not trying to impress others, and focusing on pleasing God and not men (Colossians 3:23-24). He specifically encouraged pastors to take care of their wives, whom he called a treasure. Bernal suffered the loss of his wife after she had five strokes last January.
Bruno Molina, SBTC’s language and interfaith evangelism associate, shared about the theology of outreach ministries.
“Our God is unique and exists of Himself and for Himself and He does everything in His time like it is written in Ecclesiastics 3:1,” Molina said. “The all-knowing, all-powerful God of love and justice who has called us and given us the ministry of reconciliation has promised us that He will be with us. This should be a great encouragement to us as we seek to be His faithful ambassadors and have the joy of sharing the good news of salvation in Christ.”
Molina also spoke about the attributes of God, the importance of waiting on God to direct us in ministry, and the uniqueness of God. Additionally, he shared about the Bless Every Home ministry (blesseveryhome.com), which focuses on praying for your neighbors by name, caring for them, and sharing the gospel with them so they can be discipled. Every individual and church can get connected to pray and reach others for Christ, he said.
Daniel Moreno, pastor at Iglesia Bautista Jezreel in El Paso, led a workshop about how to reach the next generation of Hispanics. Moreno gave an overview of the different generational groups of Hispanics that exist today and that are represented in our churches, from the silent generation to Generation Z. He has been serving as a pastor for the last 30 years.
“Do not hinder the growth of your church. If you do not know how to do something, allow others to do it,” he said.
Moreno said believes that sometimes pastors focus on the way people dress, their tattoos, the way they talk, the technology that they use, or the Christian music they listen to instead of looking at their capabilities and willingness to serve God. He also encouraged conference participants to focus on the eternal, figure out what changes they need to make personally, and figure out how to connect with the different generations represented at their church.
Terry Coy, author and adjunct professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminar and a former SBTC director of missions, shared the importance of getting properly equipped at a Baptist seminary. Coy travels the state of Texas to encourage Hispanics to take advantage of SWBTS’ online, Spanish-language theological education.
“It is important to advance your theological education and biblical knowledge,” he said. “Getting a formal education is key.”
Praise and worship for the two events was led by Aaron and Melissa Mireles, along with the praise team from Iglesia Bautista Jezreel. They were also a part of the concert of prayer at each event, led by Molina and his wife, Clara.
The conference also included a pastors and wives dinner on Friday night, at which Chuy Ávila—who leads SBTC’s en Español department—reminded the pastors to take care of themselves and trust God as they serve.
