S1E9 - The Future is Mestizo

On this episode we discuss ways mestizo theology can bring us forward in the race discussion. In particular, we look at the dynamics of the changing world and ask, “How can a theology of mestizaje clarify life in these times?”

Want to join us in advocating for black lives? Follow the AND Campaign for active ways you can get involved. You can also read these resources from us to learn more about justice, racism, and the church’s response.

Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Leave us a message at 312-725-2995. Leave us a 30 second voicemail with your name, city, y pregunta and we’ll discuss it on the last episode of the season. You can also submit a question using the form on this page.

S1E8 - Hearing from Justo Gonzalez

On this episode, we examine the way Latinos use the local church as an organic seminary. We explore the importance of “el instituto,” asking what makes them unique and invaluable for ethnic churches. We are joined by celebrated Church Historian and Theologian Dr. Justo Gonzalez, author of the highly praised three-volume History of Christian Thought and books like Manana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective and Santa Biblia: The Bible Through Hispanic Eyes. Dr. Gonzalez shares with us the challenges facing traditional theological education and the way the Institute presents a new way forward. Join us as we listen to Dr. Gonzalez.

Want to join us in advocating for black lives? Follow the AND Campaign for active ways you can get involved.

Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Leave us a message at 312-725-2995. Leave us a 30 second voicemail with your name, city, y pregunta and we’ll discuss it on the last episode of the season. You can also submit a question using the form on this page.

S1E6 - Celebrating The Brown Church

On this episode, we sit down with Dr. Robert Chao Romero to discuss his upcoming book Brown Church: Five Centuries of Latina/o Social Justice, Theology, and Identity. We explore the cultural and theological riches of the Brown Church, discuss heroes of the Latina/o community, and the future the Brown Church envisions. Join us as we listen to Dr. Chao Romero.

Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Leave us a message at 312-725-2995. Leave us a 30 second voicemail with your name, city, y pregunta and we’ll discuss it on the last episode of the season. You can also submit a question using the form on this page.

Interested in purchasing Brown Church? Visit https://www.ivpress.com/brown-church and use promo code “MESTIZO” for 30% off and free shipping. This expires 6/30/20.

Thank you to InterVarsity Press for sponsoring this episode!

InterVarsity Press serves those in the university, the church, and the world by publishing resources that equip and encourage people to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord in all of Life. IVP books educate, refresh, and empower those who are seeking reconciliation and justice in our communities and around the world. Since they began publishing books in 1947, IVP has been committed to elevating the voices of women and authors of color. For more information, visit www.ivpress.com/readwomen and www.ivpress.com/diversitymatters

About Dr. Robert Chao Romero

Rev. Dr. Robert Chao Romero is "Asian-Latino," and has been a professor of Chicana/o Studies and Asian American Studies at UCLA since 2005.  He received his Ph.D. from UCLA in Latin American History and his Juris Doctor from U.C. Berkeley.  Romero is award winning writer, publishing 15 academic books and articles on issues of race, immigration, history, education, and religion.  

In addition to being an attorney and professor, Robert is an ordained pastor.  Together with his wife Erica, he is the co-founder of Jesus 4 Revolutionaries, a Christian ministry to activists, as well as board member of the Matthew 25 Movement in Southern California.

S1E3 - Poder: Keep it or Share it?

On today’s episode, we sit down with bishop/obispo Jose Garcia de Jesus formerly of the Church of God of Prophecy to discuss the transition of power and leadership and what it looks like to healthily transition to a new leadership for a new age.

We had some connection issues with Obispo Garcia so there will be moments where the sound will change. Be patient with us on this one, and we are sure his insights will be rewarding. Now, let’s hear from Obispo Garcia about leadership training in the church.

Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Leave us a message at 312-725-2995. Leave us a 30 second voicemail with your name, city, y pregunta and we’ll discuss it on the last episode of the season. You can also submit a question using the form on this page.

Books referenced in episode:

Daniel Rodriguez, A Future For the Latino Church: Models for Multilingual, Multigenerational Hispanic Congregations

S1E2 - Lingua Franca

On this episode we ask the question, “Which language should take priority? How do we minister to English-Dominant Hispanics?” We raise the tension about language changes between American-born Hispanics and their native parents, and we go beyond language to worship and culture changes as well. English-dominant Hispanics simply don’t worship or live in the same ways as their parents. What do we make of that cultural shift? 

Our guest on this episode is Karen Figueroa. Karen is from El Salvador. She is currently Dean of el Centro Hispano de Estudios Teologicos (better known as Chet) located in Compton, California. CHET has been training the Latino/a community for 30 years, recently graduating over 100 new students. Karen is committed to serving the underserved, those who don’t have access to affordable theological education. She is a mother of three teenagers, and we’ll hear about her struggles to shape their identity. Here’s Karen talking about language, culture, and motherhood.

Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Leave us a message at 312-725-2995. Leave us a 30 second voicemail with your name, city, y pregunta and we’ll discuss it on the last episode of the season. You can also submit a question using the form on this page.

Books referenced in episode:

Daniel Rodriguez, A Future For the Latino Church: Models for Multilingual, Multigenerational Hispanic Congregations

Jeanette Yep, Peter Cha, Paul Tokunaga, Greg Jao, et. al, Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents

S1E1 - La Nueva Realidad

On today’s episode, we introduce you to the very real and complicated challenges facing ethnic churches. You’ll get to know us, your hosts, and our connection to these churches, and we get real about how hard this mixed-church stuff really is. So, sientase en casa, make yourself at home, and let’s get started.

Have a question you want answered on the podcast? Leave us a voicemail at 312-329-8916. Keep the voicemail to 30 seconds and include your name and city. We’ll answer fan questions on the last episode of the season.

Introducing The Mestizo Podcast

Hola hermanos y hermanas, my name is Elizabeth Conde-Frazier and I’m here with a familiar voice, Emanuel Padilla, to introduce you to the Mestizo podcast, the show for the mixed people of the mixed church. World Outspoken partnered with the Association for Hispanic Theological Education to produce a show where we explore the complicated challenges of being part of, serving in, and growing an ethnic church en el ciglo 21. As first-generation immigrants age out of their leadership and the mestizo church transitions to the 2nd and 3rd generation, how does the ethnic church continue to thrive? What should an ethnic church look like today? These questions and more are what we explore together with your hosts, Emanuel Padilla y la Dra. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier. Your hosts are Puerto Rican, so you are going to hear some Spanglish de ves en cuando on The Mestizo Podcast; it’s part of who we are.

We will have guests like Karen Figueroa and Agustin Quiles join us to discuss issues of language, culture, and identity and how they affect the changing church. Espera el primer episodio on March 30th. Expect the first episode March 30th! Follow World Outspoken on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram so you don’t miss the release of this sabroso new show.