​Nearly 200 Hispanic leaders trained at the 'For the Church' conference in Georgia​

JONESBORO, Ga. — Nearly 200 Spanish-speaking church leaders gathered at First Baptist Church Jonesboro on Saturday, April 5, for a day of worship, encouragement, and leadership training centered on the theme Liderazgo fiel y eficaz — Faithful and Effective Leadership.

Organized under Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s For the Church initiative, the conference drew pastors and ministry teams from across Georgia. Eighteen pastors and leadership groups representing 23 churches came together to seek the Lord’s guidance and strengthen their callings.

“Twenty-three churches represented, eighteen pastors present, and nearly 200 leaders gathered with one purpose: to seek the face of God for our city and to equip ourselves to lead from a posture of service,” said Daniel Santander, Hispanic consultant for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board. “God is doing something beautiful in the midst of His Church!”

Keynote speakers included Dr. Ronald Vides, pastor of Ministerios Betesda in California, and Dr. Tony Miranda, pastor and author. Both men encouraged attendees to pursue leadership marked by biblical conviction, humility, and service. Leaders from Midwestern’s growing Spanish-language program also participated in panel discussions, highlighting resources now available in Spanish, from certificates to doctoral degrees.

Santander, who helped organize the event, shared, “We had the opportunity to promote the growing Spanish program at Midwestern, from certificates to doctorates, while also discussing the book Para la Iglesia (For the Church). It was a blessing to share this time with brothers and sisters from so many Hispanic churches in Georgia.”

In addition to the main sessions, leaders attended specialized breakout workshops aimed at equipping them for specific areas of ministry.

• Josselin Rivas led a session for women titled Superando el lado oscuro del liderazgo femenino ("Overcoming the Dark Side of Female Leadership"), offering biblical encouragement and practical wisdom.
• David Cardoza taught Leadership and the Next Generation, focusing on the importance of discipling emerging leaders.
• Arnaldo Achucarro challenged pastors in his session Relevantes ante los retos culturales ("Relevant Amid Cultural Challenges"), addressing the pressures church leaders face today.
• Dr. Ronald Vides also led a breakout for ministry leaders, Superando el lado oscuro del liderazgo ("Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership"), emphasizing resilience and integrity in gospel service.

Santander thanked Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary for its support, the Georgia Baptist Mission Board for its investment in local leadership, and First Baptist Jonesboro for the warm welcome extended to attendees. “To all the volunteers, thank you for serving tirelessly,” he added.

The conference offered a strong reminder that faithful leadership begins with a heart surrendered to Christ and a willingness to serve others. As Hispanic churches across Georgia grow and multiply, events like For the Church are strengthening leaders who will build healthy congregations, share the gospel boldly, and shine the light of Christ in their communities.

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This article is also available in Spanish.