AETH and McCormick Theological Seminary sign historic agreement for the benefit of AETH member Bible institutes and the advancement of Hispanic-Latino leadership training programs

CHICAGO, IL & ORLANDO, FL – On March 10, the Association for Hispanic Theological Education ("AETH") and the McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago ("McCormick") signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), designed to allow students from AETH-certified Bible institutes access to master's-level programs at McCormick and to increase cooperation and learning opportunities among teachers, staff, and students at both McCormick and AETH Member Bible Institutes. The signing of this agreement marks a historical event for AETH as it is the first agreement of this kind that AETH establishes with a theological institution accredited by the Association of Theological Schools of North America (ATS). Likewise, McCormick becomes the first ATS member seminary to enter into such an understanding with AETH.

During the signing of the MOU, Dr. Fernando Cascante, Executive Director of AETH and Dr. David Crawford, president of McCormick, said:

“This is an extremely important moment for AETH, students at AETH-certified bible institutes across the country, and for the growing Latinx churches and faith-communities they serve. McCormick has long been a leader in serving and supporting Latinx ministers and congregations and we are both excited and grateful for this opportunity to work more closely with McCormick,” (Dr. Cascante)

“We are blessed to have this opportunity to collaborate with our good friends and colleagues at AETH in expanding accessibility to theological education and building mutually-supportive relationships with AETH-certified bible institutes and the Latinx communities they serve.” (Dr. Crawford)

AETH is the only entity recognized by ATS (Association of Theological Schools) to certify the quality of programs provided by BI and other Hispanic ministerial development programs. The certificate warranties the relevance and top quality of the programs offered by the educational entities and allows graduates of the certified program to apply to master programs in ATS seminaries. With this service AETH is closing the gap between what happens in Bible Institutes and what happens in formal theological education in seminaries. For more details about AETH’s Certfication program see Certification Program.

McCormick Theological Seminary, MTS is a member of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and it is one of twelve theological institutions associated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). McCormick seeks to embody and create a more just and compassionate world through rigorous academic study, practical experience, spiritual formation and an active, engaged learning community. Founded in 1829 and a leader in the Chicago faith community since 1860, it is a seminary with a long history of high academic standards and a commitment to social justice.

For more information about MTS see: www.mccormick.edu.

• Asbury En Clave Latina, Asbury Latino Center (Asbury Theological Seminary), Orlando, FL
• Centro para Estudios Latinos, The Center for Latino Studies (Pentecostal Theological Seminary), Cleveland, TN
• Centro Hispano de Estudios Teológicos, CHET, The Hispanic Center for Theological Studies, Compton, CA
• EMERGE, INC., Rio Grande, PR
• Emmanuel Academies, Naples, FL
• Galilean Theological Center for Hispanic-Americans, Cleveland, OH
• Harbor Genesis Christian College, Signal Hill, CA
• Instituto Discípulos de Cristo de Puerto Rico, Disciples of Christ Institute of Puerto Rico, Bayamón, PR
• Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (Wartburg Seminary), Austin, TX
• Masada Biblical Seminary, Wasco, CA
• Ministry Formation Institute (The Diocese of San Bernardino), San Bernardino, CA
• Mission Talk, Clermont, FL
• ReDET de la Asociación para la Educación Teológica Hispana, ReDET at Association of Hispanic Theological Education, Orlando, FL
• Revelation University, Miami, FL
• Seminario Bíblico Hispano, Hispanic Bible School, Chicago, IL
• Texas International Bible Institute, South Houston, TX
• The Center for the Study of [email protected] Theology and Ministry (McCormick Theological Seminary), Chicago, IL
• Universidad de Liderazgo y Ministerio, University of Ministerial Leadership, Garner, NC
• Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
• Universidad Teológica del Caribe, Caribbean Theological University, Saint Just, PR
• Universidad Teológica ECHAM, ECHAM Theological University, Rio Grande, PR
• World Outspoken, Chicago, IL,

In 2020, Leadership Education partnered with the Asociación para la Educación Teológica Hispana (AETH) to offer 22 Capacity Building Grants to Hispanic Bible Institutes and other similar theological formation programs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Through this partnership, Capacity Building Grants offer funds to Christian institutions that are members of AETH to improve or develop organizational capacities as they serve pastors and congregations. During this year, recipients of this grants will be able to develop current and potential leaders, strengthen infrastructure, assess their principles and practices, expand their networks, and invest in ways to improve their work.

For more information about the grants and programs offered by Leadership Education visit https://leadership.divinity.duke.edu/what-we-offer/grants/capacity-building-grants/

List of AETH’s 2020 CAPACITY BUILDING GRANTEES

• Asbury En Clave Latina, Asbury Latino Center (Asbury Theological Seminary), Orlando, FL
• Centro para Estudios Latinos, The Center for Latino Studies (Pentecostal Theological Seminary), Cleveland, TN
• Centro Hispano de Estudios Teológicos, CHET, The Hispanic Center for Theological Studies, Compton, CA
• EMERGE, INC., Rio Grande, PR
• Emmanuel Academies, Naples, FL
• Galilean Theological Center for Hispanic-Americans, Cleveland, OH
• Harbor Genesis Christian College, Signal Hill, CA
• Instituto Discípulos de Cristo de Puerto Rico, Disciples of Christ Institute of Puerto Rico, Bayamón, PR
• Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest (Wartburg Seminary), Austin, TX
• Masada Biblical Seminary, Wasco, CA
• Ministry Formation Institute (The Diocese of San Bernardino), San Bernardino, CA
• Mission Talk, Clermont, FL
• ReDET de la Asociación para la Educación Teológica Hispana, ReDET at Association of Hispanic Theological Education, Orlando, FL
• Revelation University, Miami, FL
• Seminario Bíblico Hispano, Hispanic Bible School, Chicago, IL
• Texas International Bible Institute, South Houston, TX
• The Center for the Study of [email protected] Theology and Ministry (McCormick Theological Seminary), Chicago, IL
• Universidad de Liderazgo y Ministerio, University of Ministerial Leadership, Garner, NC
• Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico, Inter American University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
• Universidad Teológica del Caribe, Caribbean Theological University, Saint Just, PR
• Universidad Teológica ECHAM, ECHAM Theological University, Rio Grande, PR
• World Outspoken, Chicago, IL

AETH se complace en compartir una gran oportunidad de empleo que la Universidad Alberto Mottesi ofrece. La misma es una posición a tiempo completo como decano académico.

Los programas de la universidad, tanto las licenciaturas como las maestrías, son de contenido bíblico-teológico. Todos los interesados deben comunicarse directamente con la Universidad Alberto Mottesi enviando su currículo a [email protected].

Aquí compartimos con más detalles la naturaleza de la vacante.

AETH is pleased to share a great employment opportunity that Alberto Mottesi University offers. It is a full-time position as academic dean.

The university's programs, both undergraduate and master's degrees, are biblical-theological in content. All those interested should contact Alberto Mottesi University directly by sending their curriculum to [email protected].

Here we share in more detail the nature of the vacancy.

• Mantuvimos nuestros servicios básicos de atención a nuestros miembros, y terminamos el año con un número mayor de miembros activos que los que tuvimos hace un año.
• La Junta Directiva y los Comités de Trabajo (Certificación, Publicaciones, Tercer Encuentro Latino de Educación Teológica) continuaron con sus tareas y realizaron sus reuniones de trabajo de manera regular.
• Logramos un subsidio que nos permitió iniciar en mayo la implementación del Proyecto de Cambio Primera Oleada que nos convertirá en una organización más relevante y efectiva en los próximos diez años.
• Cientos de pastores y líderes de educación teológica de todas partes del continente participaron en la decena de conversatorios en línea que realizamos a lo largo del año en respuesta a necesidades concretas de las iglesias e instituciones teológicas surgidas por causa de la pandemia.
• Cientos de líderes de educación teológica participaron en los conversatorios en línea realizados como parte de las actividades previas al Tercer Encuentro Latino de Educación Teológica a realizarse en junio 2021.
• Realizamos con éxito, y por primera vez de manera virtual, la 15ª Asamblea Bienal en la que se nombraron cuatro nuevos miembros de la JD, y se reafirmó el papel de AETH como un movimiento de educación teológica hispana cada vez más reconocido y relevante dentro y fuera de los Estados Unidos.
• Igualmente, de manera virtual, se realizó con éxito el segundo encuentro de personas e instituciones miembros de ReDET (Red de Entidades Teológicas), en donde se confirmó el Comité Timón que ayudará a consolidar el trabajo de colaboración en la solución de necesidades comunes de los institutos bíblicos y otros programas de formación ministerial.
• Tres de los primeros programas certificados por AETH fueron recertificados este año (en CA, TN, FL). Además, se realizaron en formato híbrido (presencial y virtual) cinco visitas de verificación a instituciones que se encontraban en su última etapa del proceso de Certificación (en CA, TX, FL, PR). Dos de ellas ya recibieron la Certificación. Así, cerramos el año 2020 con 7 programas debidamente certificado por AETH, y tres en su última etapa de Certificación.
• Dimos seguimiento a relaciones de compañerismo con una variedad de organizaciones teológicas que permitieron la integración de una mayor cantidad de jóvenes adultos al trabajo de AETH, así como la consolidación de proyectos que posibilitarán a corto plazo el desarrollo de la capacidad organizativa y educativa de la mayoría de los institutos bíblicos y programas de formación miembros de AETH.
• Varios líderes de AETH contribuyeron como conferencistas en una decena de eventos virtuales organizados por iglesias e instituciones en varios países de América Latina, lo cual nos ha abierto nuevos espacios de colaboración y servicio en un momento en que las barreras geográficas no son impedimento para ello.
• Realizamos reuniones con presidentes, decanos, profesores y personal administrativo de varios seminarios miembros de la ATS interesados en establecer convenios de colaboración en los que, entre otras cosas, buscamos el reconocimiento oficial de los programas certificados por AETH.

We are about to end an unprecedented year. The Covid-19 pandemic altered everything and everyone. No one was excused from its impact.

As families and as a church we have had to learn, and we continue to learn, to rethink from our faith in Jesus Christ what it means to be a healing and consoling community in the face of the loss of loved ones, in the face of anxieties that arise from the increase in unemployment, the little or limited access to health services, and in view of the social distancing that has affected so many fundamental activities of our human coexistence (education, communion, recreation).

We have also had to learn, and we continue to learn, what it means to be a solidary and prophetic community of faith in the face of the political, social, and religious conflicts that have re-emerged, and which are suffered most by those who have the least resources and those who remain on the margins of society (because of their race, immigration status, and other forms of discrimination).

At AETH, as an organization that promotes the theological formation of people who serve the church and the Hispanic-Latino community, this year we have had to learn, and continue to learn, to adapt to new ways and places to do our work. In addition, in response to the various crises that affect us, trusting in the presence of the God of history who accompanies, sustains, and guides his people, we decided to rethink our work priorities and look for ways to solve the financial and operational challenges to maintain and even to increase the services most needed by the people and institutions we serve.

Therefore, the work of AETH did not stop. Proof of this is that:

• We maintained our core member care services and ended the year with a greater number of active members than we had a year ago.
• The Board of Directors and the Working Committees (Certification, Publications, Third Encuentro on Latino/a Theological Education) continued their tasks and held their working meetings on a regular basis.
• We obtained a subsidy that allowed us to start in May the implementation of the Project of Change First Wave, which will make us a more relevant and effective organization in the next ten years.
• Hundreds of pastors and theological education leaders from all over the continent participated in the ten online conversations that we held throughout the year in response to the specific needs of the churches and theological institutions arising from the pandemic.
• Hundreds of theological education leaders participated in the online conversations held as part of the activities prior to the Third Encuentro on Latino/a Theological Education to be held in June 2021.
• We carried out successfully, and for the first time in a virtual way, the 15th Biennial Assembly in which four new members of the BD were appointed, and the role of AETH as an increasingly recognized and relevant Hispanic theological education movement within and outside the United States was reaffirmed.
• Likewise, in a virtual way, the Second Encounter of individual and member institutions of ReDET (Network of Theological Entities) was successfully held, and its Steering Committee was confirmed to help consolidate the collaborative work in solving common needs of Bible institutes and other ministerial training programs.
• Three of the first AETH certified programs were recertified this year (in CA, TN, FL). In addition, five verification visits were made in a hybrid format (face-to-face and virtual) to institutions that were in their last stage of the Certification process (in CA, TX, FL, PR). Two of them have already received the Certification. Thus, we close the year 2020 with 7 programs duly certified by AETH, and three in their last stage of Certification.
• We maintained collaborations with a variety of theological organizations that allowed the integration of a greater number of young adults to the work of AETH, as well as the consolidation of projects that, in the short term, will make possible the development of the organizational and educational capacity of the AETH member Bible institutes and training programs.
• Several AETH leaders contributed as lecturers in a dozen virtual events organized by churches and institutions in various Latin American countries, which has opened up new spaces for collaboration and service at a time when geographic barriers are not an impediment to this.
• We held meetings with presidents, deans, professors, and administrative staff of various ATS member seminars interested in establishing collaboration agreements through which, among other things, we seek official recognition of AETH-certified programs.

The work of AETH did not stop in 2020 because, in the midst of the crises generated by Covid-19, “old” and new members decided to support the ministry of AETH with their time, enthusiasm, resources, and prayer.

And it is for all this that we know that the work of AETH will not stop in 2021 either. In the words of one of our members of the Board of Directors:

"Our cause remains alive, valid, and viable in times of change and in changing times ... This movement of community and alliances will continue its mission because the Spirit of Life, who intercedes for creation, humanity, the church, and the poor of the earth, and the Spirit of Pentecost who has anointed and commissioned us, continues to do new things and announce new tomorrows."

It is our wish and prayer that in the New Year our faith will increase, our hope will be enlivened, and will move us in all love, for the glory of God and his kingdom here on earth.

Peace,

Fernando

Executive Director, AETH

You can contribute to advance AETH's mission by making your End of the Year Donation.

As part of its mission to promote quality Hispanic theological education, this year AETH recertified three Bible institutes programs and certified two new programs (see names below).

The Certification that AETH grants is recognized by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS, by its name in English). This Certification indicates compliance with minimum educational and institutional standards and recognizes that such programs meet the expectations of equivalence of studies at the university baccalaureate level. The AETH Certification not only contributes to the improvement of the quality of the programs offered to Hispanic leadership but also opens doors for graduates of those programs to continue master's level studies in ATS member seminars that do so. have.

AETH celebrates and congratulates all the staff, faculty, and students of these programs for this important achievement amid the unprecedented challenges faced this year.

For information on this Certification service, see https://www.aeth.org/certificacion?language=english

• nuestra fe en medio del sufrimiento por la pérdida, el aislamiento y la incertidumbre que hemos vivido,
• nuestra esperanza en medio de las disrupciones e injusticias sociales que han resurgido
• nuestra capacidad de actuar en amor en favor de las personas más vulnerables a nuestro alrededor

• confió en su Padre aún en medio de momentos de sombra y de muerte,
• compartió un mensaje de esperanza en medio del desencanto y desesperación de su pueblo,
• se dio por amor en servicio a toda la humanidad.,

Dear members, friends of AETH,

We greet you in the faith, hope, and love that Jesus, “God with us,” brought us, whose entrance into the world we celebrate this Christmas season.

We salute you at the end of a year in which the Covid-19 pandemic and the crises it generated have put to the test

• our faith in the midst of suffering from loss, isolation and uncertainty that we have experienced,
• our hope in the midst of social disruptions and injustices that have resurfaced
• our ability to act in love on behalf of the most vulnerable people around us

We salute you in the name of Him Who

• trusted his Father even in the midst of moments of shadow and death,
• shared a message of hope in the midst of the disappointment and despair of his people,
• was given out of love in service to all humanity.

That is why we invite you to continue being part of the efforts that AETH carries out so that in the church and the Hispanic community there are always leaders who, in the spirit of Christmas, know how to enliven the faith, hope and love that this world so much needs to.

Merry Christmas, and a year 2021 full of hope and many blessings!

Recently AETH certified our Bachelor of Ministry and Biblical Studies degree, at the Texas International Bible Institute. We are content and excited; content because this marks the successful end of the certification process, and excited for the advantages and opportunities this affords us.

With our official announcement of this two weeks ago, we have seen an immediate and striking increase in the number of people who are asking about this program, and how and when they may begin to study with us. This fall we have had the highest enrollment of our 17-year history, and it continues to increase. We have students from 10 Latin American countries in our live Zoom classes, and students from a total of 76 countries studying with us online. We believe this will only increase.

Also, because of our association with AETH, the Duke Leadership Education has invited us to apply for a grant, to increase our capacity to train leaders, and build the capacity of the leaders themselves. This, combined with the growing network of contacts with leaders of institutes, programs, and churches through ReDET, provides us with more resources to face the challenges of Hispanic theological education.

We are grateful to the leadership of AETH for these blessings, and we hope God continues to guide and bless this relationship.

Blessings,

Stephen Austin

• en la reflexión de la Palabra y en la oración por las personas que han sido afectadas por la pandemia el Covid-1, por el racismo y muchas otras formas de discriminación,
• en la valoración y aprobación de los informes del trabajo de AETH de los últimos 30 meses, que animan por lo logrado y desafían para hacer más y mejor nuestra misión en estos tiempos de crisis que afectan de manera particular a nuestra iglesia y comunidad hispana, 
• en la aprobación a una enmienda a los estatutos que señala una nueva comprensión del compromiso que asume el cuerpo directivo de la organización, 
• en la elección de cuatro nuevas personas como miembros de la Junta Directiva para el período 2020-2022, 
• en el reconocimiento al Dr. Eldin Villafañe, miembro fundador de AETH, por sus múltiples aportes al desarrollo de la educación teológica hispana y más allá de ella, 
• en la afirmación de la presencia y el liderazgo de una nueva generación de jóvenes que han venido a aportar sus fuerzas y visión al trabajo de AETH, 
• en el recordatorio y desafío que nos presentó del Dr. Luis Rivera, conferencista de la Asamblea, de lo que significa para AETH ser parte especial de un movimiento de educación teológica hispana, y de porqué su misión “permanece viva, vigente y viable en tiempo de cambios y en el cambio de los tiempos.”

On October 3rd, the 15th AETH Biennial Assembly was held with great success, with more than a hundred people among members, people interested in the work of AETH and representatives of partner organizations.

The virtual format did not prevent us from feeling, even on the screen, the warmth and affection that binds us in the common cause that we all share: the promotion of excellent and relevant theological education for our Hispanic leadership in their service to the church and the world.

Pastors of local churches, denominational leaders, directors and students of bible institutes, presidents, deans and seminary students, all of us feel like one body 

• reflecting on the Word and in prayer for people who have been affected by the Covid-1 pandemic, racism and many other forms of discrimination, 
• approving the reports about AETH’s work over the last 30 months, which encouraged us for what has been achieved and challenged us to do more and better our mission in these times of crisis that affect our churches and Hispanic communities in a particular ways, 
• approving the amendment to the bylaws that signals a new understanding of the commitment made by the governing body of the organization, now called the Board of Directors, 
• electing four new persons as members of the Board of Directors for the period 2020-2022, 
• recognizing of Dr. Eldin Villafañe, founding member of AETH, for his multiple contributions to the development of Hispanic theological education, 
• affirming the presence and leadership of a new generation of young men and women who have come to bring their strength and vision to AETH's work, 
• remembering and discussing with Dr. Luis Rivera, speaker of the Assembly, of what it means for AETH to be a special part of a Hispanic theological education movement, and why its mission "remains alive, current and viable in times of change and in the change of times."

With the conviction that AETH is "a community movement and of alliances that will continue its mission, anointed and commissioned by the Spirit of Life", and with great gratitude to the Lord, to the sponsoring organizations of the Assembly, and to all persons and institutions members of AETH,

Peace

Fernando Cascante

El Encuentro Virtual ReDET 2020 se llevará a cabo el 6 de Noviembre de 2020. En este evento las comunidades de Práctica ReDET compartirán experiencias, crearán soluciones a limitaciones, crecerán en conocimiento, y celebrarán la culminación del Proyecto Colectivo. Para esta ocasión especial, el Equipo ReDET ha unido esfuerzos con varios colaboradores que compartirán la sabiduría de sus experiencias profesionales con los asistentes.

Estamos muy contentos en presentar a los invitados especiales del Encuentro ReDET 2020:

• Dr. Marty Harris - Presidente, CEO Universidad Bíblica Latinoamericana y Seminario Teológico (La Puente, CA)
• Dr. Jeffry Caballero - Co-Fundador, Presidente y Director Académico de Harbor Genesis Christian College
• Rosa María Torres-Medina - Directora de la Biblioteca Digital Teológica (UTDL) de la Universidad de Liderazgo y Ministerio (UNILIMI)

The ReDET Virtual Encounter 2020 will be held on November 6, 2020. In this event, the ReDET Communities of Practice will share experiences, create solutions to limitations, grow in knowledge, and celebrate the culmination of the Collective Project. For this special occasion, the ReDET Team has joined forces with several collaborators who will share the wisdom of their professional experiences with the attendees.

We are very happy to present the special guests of the ReDET 2020 Meeting:

• Dr. Marty Harris - President, CEO Latin American Biblical University and Theological Seminary (La Puente, CA)
• Dr. Jeffry Caballero - Co-Founder, President and Chief Academic Director of Harbor Genesis Christian College
• Rosa María Torres-Medina - Library Director of the Theological Digital Library (UTDL) at the University of Leadership and Ministry (UNILIMI)