Under the theme, El Evangelico Poder (The Gospel is Power) Romans 1:16, the Hispanic Evangelism Conference recently drew more than 900 people representing 39 churches from across the Southeast. Though most attendees were Hispanic, several church groups interested in reaching the Spanish-speaking culture also participated.
Keynote speaker Luis Gabriel Cesar is pastor of one of the most successful Baptist churches in Mexico, which is known for its creative ministry approach and leadership development. Cesar is also an accomplished writer and contributes to Apuntes Pastorales, a leading magazine for Hispanic pastors.
Breakout sessions included topics ranging from explosive evangelism to disaster relief. Comprehensive youth and children’s programs were also available for families of participants.
Dino Senesi, director of the South Carolina Baptist Convention’s church multiplication group called the conference a “truly regional event.”
Over the past few years, South Carolina has seen an increasing number of Hispanics living in the state. Senesi points to church partnerships such as Iglesia la Roca, a Hispanic church in the Upstate, as evidence of the existing church awaking to the multi-culturalism of their communities. Three churches – Siloam Baptist, Mt. Moriah Baptist and Mt. Airy Baptist – have partnered to plant Iglesia la Roca.
In fact, two new employees specifically assigned to assist the growing Hispanic culture, will begin work in the church multiplication group over the next few months. Marcos Elizondo and Samuel Rodriguez will be supporting existing Hispanic churches and working to plant more Spanish-speaking churches.