The Presbytery of San Fernando is committed to developing effective pastoral leaders who convey the message of Christ in our communities while being “instructed and led by our Confessions and governed by our polity” (W-4.0404, Book of Order). Among those leaders are eleven students who enrolled in the Presbyterian Theology and Polity course—a innovative summer graduate-level course taught online and entirely in Spanish. This course represents a milestone for the Presbytery’s efforts to equip new leaders with robust theological education, especially those from Spanish-speaking contexts. By partnering in this class, which the Association of Theological Schools accredits, the Presbytery removes barriers and welcomes new voices in leadership. Leaders and members across the Presbytery are heralding this development as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s work and the Presbytery’s recent growth in ministry vitality.
Pathway to Accredited Ministry Training
Out of the eleven students, eight are taking their studies a step further by entering the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program through Western Theological Seminary (WTS). Western Theological Seminary – an institution founded on the Reformed Church in America (RCA) principles – offers this graduate certificate as part of its Hispanic Ministry Program. By enrolling in the certificate track, these eight students will continue with additional courses (also in Spanish) that deepen their biblical, theological, and practical ministry knowledge. This partnership with WTS means the students’ work in the summer course will carry academic credit and momentum toward an accredited credential. It is a unique collaboration – a PC(USA) presbytery coordinating with an RCA-affiliated seminary – demonstrating how different Reformed bodies can work together to equip church leaders. The fact that so many of the course participants are committing to a rigorous certificate program speaks to their dedication and the Presbytery’s success in identifying emerging leaders. “We’re thrilled to see eight of our students continue on this path – it’s a sign of their calling and perseverance,” said one organizer. Upon completion, these leaders will be better equipped to serve as commissioned lay pastors, ruling elders, or in other ministry capacities within Presbyterian congregations.
Vision Behind the Initiative
Rev. Jaime Lázaro, the Presbytery’s Hispanic Strategy Coordinator, is guiding this effort with his dedicated leadership. His work exemplifies how thoughtful leadership can open doors for those who might otherwise feel marginalized by traditional Presbyterian forms of theological education.
Being Equipped to Serve Among Us
The focus on education isn’t limited to these eleven students. In recent months, four other New Worshiping Community (NWC) leaders in the Presbytery have recently completed Presbyterian Polity classes offered through the Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE). APCE, in partnership with the PC(USA) Office of Christian Formation, offers online courses on Presbyterian Program & Mission and on Presbyterian Polity for church leaders and educators. The four NWC leaders – each involved in pioneering new worshiping communities – took on the challenge and successfully finished the polity class. Their participation highlights the enthusiasm among our new worshiping community leaders to learn about Presbyterian governance and connect more deeply with our denominational practices. By gaining this knowledge, they are better prepared to organize their faith communities in line with Presbyterian polity and to interface with the Presbytery as their ministries grow. The Presbytery celebrates these four individuals for their initiative and hard work. The combination of the APCE training and the Western Seminary course means that at least 15 emerging leaders in our Presbytery have recently engaged in formal Presbyterian polity education – a remarkable sign of a maturing leadership pipeline.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of the congregations around our Presbytery. The Presbytery’s Growing Together in Mission (GTM) Campaign – an initiative launched to strengthen our shared mission – helped cover the costs of these leadership development opportunities. The Presbytery extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the campaign. The Property and Finance Committee also approved the use of $4,500.00 from our Designated Funds to assist these 11 students so they can pursue their calling without financial burden so that our new worshiping community leaders can access training that was once out of reach. The results of this investment are already evident in the enthusiasm and commitment of the students and leaders being trained.
In summary, the Presbytery of San Fernando is witnessing a season of growth and hope as it welcomes a cohort of leaders seeking to serve in partnership with us. This initiative – bolstered by visionary leadership, collaborative partnerships, and generous supporters – embodies the Presbytery’s mission of “developing innovative leaders and ministries for the next generation.” It is a joyful reminder that when we grow together in mission, we empower God’s people to serve. As these students prepare to delve into Presbyterian theology and polity this summer, the entire Presbytery celebrates with them, praying for their success and giving thanks for the privilege to partner with them in God’s work.