Will we answer the call?

(Above): Hispanic Network Director Guillermo Flores inspires a crowd. (Below): Hispanic services and leadership training strengthens and broadens the FMC's ministry everywhere.

Connecting, inspiring, resourcing and supporting. These are the four main goals of the National FM Hispanic Network — a vibrant, growing organization.

“The future growth of the Free Methodist Church depends on how we reach Latino communities” says Network Director Guillermo Flores (elected during General Conference 2007 to succeed Gonzalo Cruz). “The denomination must be intentional and proactive when reaching this segment of the population.”

To that end, the Network offers Wesleyan Theology, FM History and Polity, and other courses required for ordination — in Spanish — through regional Bible institutes. In 2007, partnering with Larry McKain of New Church Specialties, the Network offered a seminar on planting and revitalization for pastors and lay leaders.

Regional Hispanic training centers have been established in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and cities in Florida, New York and Texas. Flores and regional directors advise Anglo superintendents on establishing Hispanic ministries in their conferences and identifying Latino pastors to serve in them. Regional network leaders host gatherings for Latino pastors that provide fellowship, inspiration and
training. Plans are underway to translate more denominational materials into Spanish and increase the Hispanic presence on the Web.

“The biblical account of the transition from a Jewish-focused ministry to one that reached out to Gentiles offers principles that can be applied in our Network,” says Flores. He and Hispanic leaders nationwide are communicating, encouraging, and acting together to empower Hispanic leaders to reach out. The Network is asking the Free Methodist Church to provide cross-cultural vision, training, structures and resources to energize its ethnic ministries. Are we heeding the call?