About us
The Hispanic American community is represented by a variety of different cultures and nationalities and represents a mixed culture composed of people from South America, Central America, the Caribbean, Mexico, Spain and other places. Hispanics are the largest racial ethnic group in the United States and the third largest racial ethnic group in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
They are represented by 330 congregations and missions in the United States, with more than 40,000 members. Ten percent of our pastors are women and 10 percent are commissioned lay pastors. Hispanics are involved in evangelism, church growth, worship renovation and also provide a new vision for the mission in this century. We are equal partners in ministry, work and mission within the denomination. As pilgrims in a foreign land we have a divine mission to accomplish. We identify and affirm the Great Ends of the Church (G-1.0200 The Book of Order) as part of our mission and vision.
Hispanic/Latino-a Congregational Support is a Racial Ethnic Congregational Enhancement program. We are participants in the spiritual journey and formation for the Hispanic constituency by doing theology, incarnating our ministries inside the Presbyterian, Reformed and Hispanic context.
What We Do
Hispanic/Latino-a Congregational Support promotes evangelism and the growth of Hispanic churches by providing information and assistance to local congregations and governing bodies.
We support national, regional and local programs of evangelism, development of new churches, redevelopment of churches, leadership training, stewardship, seminarians, lay pastors, women, men, youth and young adults.
We identify and articulate the unique cultural heritage and traditions of Hispanic Americans and recommend ways in which the church can benefit from and use these qualities to the glory of God and the ministry of the Reformed church.
We implement the National Church Growth Presbyterian strategy as part of the Racial Ethnic/Immigrant and Church Growth strategy of Racial Ethnic Ministries.
We work in partnership with other program areas in the creation, planning and development of resources and materials for Hispanic churches.
We promote cross-cultural and ecumenical events.
Historical Context
The roots of Hispanic Presbyterians in the United States and Latin America are deeply planted in the soil of nineteenth century missionary work carried out by foreign or national boards. The first roots are grounded in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Puerto Rico. Presbyterians have more than a century-long history of involvement with Hispanics. There are third and even fourth generations of faithful Presbyterians among Hispanics of the Southwest.
Theological Context
Doing theology means to incarnate the gospel in the ecclesiastical, social and cultural context. It is impossible to do theology in a vacuum; it must be existential. We do theology every Sunday and every day in our churches and in our lives. The theological task of the church consists in discerning what God expects from us in the place were He has placed us, so that we may contribute relevant and transforming solutions to our people. If we are going to accomplish God’s mission it is necessary that our theology is harmonious with our existential realities in light of the Scriptures applicable to our people.
Our culture and history are gifts from God. As Hispanic Presbyterians we serve and worship with a Hispanic flavor and identity. How Hispanics incarnate, realize and live their faith is going to be reflected in their ecclesiastical and social life. The liturgical work of the church must be reflected in its theological task. Our Hispanic churches serve and worship according to their experience and theological convictions. Worship, Koinonia, Kerigma, Eucharist and Spirituality are intrinsic part of this. In order to be authentic, transcendent and enriching, liturgy must be true to the cultural reality.
God uses ones cultural, social and racial identity as legitimate gifts, and as means of revealing God’s love and justice to the world.
Strategy
The strategy is for ministry with Hispanic/Latino constituency to address the development and ministry issues related to and with Hispanics in the United States and Puerto Rico. This document is intended to be an instrument for mission.