Training Latin Leaders for the Global Church
SALAS Is Making Disciple-Makers
One critical component of the SALAS effort is through a growing online theological education network. Online classes allow each school to reach many more students. They help meet the needs of those who desire to pursue formal training but cannot leave their jobs or their families to do so. They also benefit those currently serving as pastors who want to improve their ability to lead. Moreover, these institutions can be strengthened by the development of a shared online core curriculum. This resource reduces the need for each seminary to recruit faculty to develop and teach basic seminary courses. It allows the school to focus more on courses specific to the needs in its context.
This online network emphasizes interaction among professors and students—not just delivery of content and tests. There is constant concern for the spiritual formation of the students to help them become the leaders the church needs. Cielo Roa, the coordinator of online learning at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia, says, “Our experience with the students from the SALAS schools in Ecuador, Mexico, and Venezuela has been gratifying. These students have shown themselves to be faithful, committed, and hardworking, even in the midst of some major obstacles.”
The online network launched with 16 students in August 2019 and is gradually expanding. The number of students now exceeds 45, despite economic and technological obstacles in Venezuela. This is laying the foundation for a high-quality virtual educational system that can be significantly expanded in the future. The goal is for the cost of the online theological education network to be covered through students’ tuition costs by 2025.
The schools meet regularly for strategic planning and discussion of common issues. There is a growing spirit of mutual concern, community, and collaboration among them. In addition to the formal shared curriculum, the partner schools are beginning to distribute the strongest aspects of their programs to each other. The largest school (Colombia) is not the only seminary sharing resources with others. Smaller schools are also encouraged to offer materials. For example, the Mexico seminary is collaborating with Dynamic Women in Missions and the OMS Theological Education team to create a course for lay women. The course will be offered to the other member schools. Partnership will multiply the effect of every investment made in each member seminary.
SALAS will significantly empower the development of the Latin American church and its impact on society. Pastors will become more effective as servant leaders and preachers, leading to an increase in church health and greater ability to interact with and affect society. The rate of church growth through evangelism and church planting will increase. More Latin American believers will be equipped to engage the one to reach the many.
Your investment in this important initiative (SALAS, project #305521) impacts the church around the world. The Latin American church is well positioned to provide effective missionaries and often better able than westerners to reach many limited-access countries.