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.

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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.

S1E7 - Y Que Con Las Hermanas?

On this episode, we discuss the changing ethnic church from the perspective of our sisters. Elizabeth and I are joined by Angelica Barahona, a recent graduate of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and case worker for World Relief. She also serves with her husband as pastoral leaders of a vibrant multi-ethnic church in Chicago called The Brook.  

We are also joined by Sara Gautier, lead pastor of Living Stones, a growing church in Boston.  Sara is the author of Color Me Yellow – Finding Your Voice in the Tension Between God’s Promises and Their Fullfiment, and the host of Alive Living, a podcast where she discusses the abundant life found in God.

These are the ladies, but I join in the conversation with another brother. My best friend and colleague at Moody Bible Institute, Kerwin Rodriguez joins us to help think through how women and men together create the new normal. Kerwin is Assistant professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody and the program head for the Bachelors degree in Ministry Leadership.

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.

S1E5 - Justicia (Why It Matters)

On this episode, we discuss the connection between the gospel and social justice, addressing specific issues like immigration and community development. Elizabeth helps us understand Mision Integral as a unique contribution of the Hispanic church and the value of this movement for the wider Iglesia. We end the episode by sharing stories about how the Hispanic church is changing, so join us now on a conversation about justice.

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

Justo Gonzalez, Manana: Christian Theology from a Hispanic Perspective

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