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.

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

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