Preparing for Ministry in Hispanic-Latino Settings

Living Theology in the Metropolitan Chicago Synod
Volume 12, Number 1
Pentecost 2007
Hispanic-Latino Theology and Ministry

Preparing for Ministry in Hispanic-Latino Settings

by Lydia E. Rivera Kalb

The Multicultural Center at LSTC opened its doors in October of 2006 as a newly funded project of the church for the purpose of strengthening the church’s commitment to multi-cultural ministries. Working jointly with the Vocation and Education unit of the ELCA, ELCA program units and the ELCA cluster of seminaries, the Center serves as a resource for the recruitment of persons of color and/or whose primary language is other than English, and for the preparation and formation of persons seeking to serve in multicultural settings. We invite, welcome and accompany persons who believe that they have a call from God to serve as leaders in the church. Opportunities for studies include our degree programs (Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Doctor of Ministry, and Ph.D.), certificate, and non-degree course of study.

The Center’s responsibilities include overseeing and coordinating the Hispanic ministries program. Students interested in serving in Latino settings are able to take specialized courses that will prepare them to serve in these settings. Some of these courses are offered in Spanish and others in English. This school year, 2006-2007, students enrolled in our program are able to select from the following courses taught at LSTC or through the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS): Psychology of the Oppressed and Liberation Theologies; New Testament Interpretation in Cross-Cultural Context; Latino/Latina Theologies in North America; Grace as the Foundation for Resistance and Liberation; Graduate Mission Seminar; Mission and Violence: The Conquest of America; History of the Hispanic church in the USA; Exploring the Latino Northern Border in Chicago; and Diaspora Theologies, Latino and Asian.

Students in the Hispanic ministries program are also encouraged to complete field work, Clinical Pastoral Education and internship in a Latino setting. They also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of workshops, forums and events related to Hispanic ministry.

In addition to providing the Hispanic ministries program as a resource to the Latino community, we are interested at the Center in developing other resources as needed by the Latino community. Recent conversations have included serving as a resource for the Lay Schools of Theology, developing our website to include theological and ministry resources, providing ethnic-specific continuing education opportunities, and developing workshops for congregations seeking to reach out to the Latino community. Your input is always invited.

At the Center we seek to develop partnerships and networks that will promote the church’s commitment to multicultural ministries and multicultural leadership preparation. A major part of our work includes resource development for student scholarships and programs. We are eager to be in conversation with individuals, groups, congregations and organizations that are passionate about ethnic-racial ministries and are willing to accompany us in this endeavor. Thank you for your prayers and support.