11:00 AM - 11:10 AM (EST)
Greetings, prayer and words of welcome
11:10 AM - 12:30 PM (EST)
Achievements, Challenges and Opportunities of Hispanic Theological Education in the 21st Century
At this opening shared lecture, Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier and Dr. Luis Rivera help us understand Hispanic Theological Education as part of a broad social movement that has its origins in the 1960s that today, in its many expressions of which AETH is one of them, invites us to a challenging but promising collaboration between seminaries, biblical institutes and other ministerial training organizations.
02:00 PM - 02:45 PM (EST)
Meeting time and informal dialogue, and exploration of the "3ELET site"
03:00 PM - 04:30 PM (EST)
First Round of Conversations
Conversation 1
Post-millennial generations and leadership in the Hispanic-Latino/a church
Post-millennial generations and leadership in the Hispanic-Latino/a church
The Hispanic-Latino/a population in the USA is noticeably a young population. About six out of ten are younger than 35, and around 16 million are younger than 21 years old (from a population of just over 60 million). The average age is 29. Most of them speak only English and grew up in a world dominated by the Internet and digital social media. What does this mean for the ministry of the church and the programs that prepare its leaders? During this conversation, young leaders involved in theological education, the church, and working with Hispanic-Latino youth will share their views, experience, and knowledge and invites to dialogue about the challenges and opportunities that these demographic and cultural changes present to us as pastors and leaders in the church as well as for programs of ministerial formation.
Conversation 2
Genetics, human dignity, and ministerial formation
Genetics, human dignity, and ministerial formation
The church has a significant role to play in shaping the attitudes of Christians with respect to science. Many young people who are interested in scientific careers do not feel supported by their faith communities. Even worse, they believe the church is actively opposed to modern science: studies suggest that anti-science attitudes and lack of openness to questions are among the top reasons why young people leave the church. In this conversation, we will hear the stories of three people who have personally experienced this tension. We will dialogue about how the church can be a place of reconciliation, not war, between science and faith as well as about the important role theological programs should play in the formation of pastoral leaders that can create that space.
Conversation 3
Hispanic students, faculty, and leaders in mostly Anglo-Saxon institutions: achievements, challenges, and opportunities
Hispanic students, faculty, and leaders in mostly Anglo-Saxon institutions: achievements, challenges, and opportunities
In the last decade, there has been an increase in Hispanic-Latino presence in predominantly white theological seminaries and schools. However, we remain the most under-represented racial-ethnic group in these institutions, compared to the percentage we represent in the general population. In addition, the experience of "inclusion" as part of the student body, faculty, and other administrative positions are varied, and in many cases are marked by the inequity and dismissal of the distinctive contribution they provide. Considering what has been achieved so far, what challenges deserve attention in view of the growing interest in diversifying the students and faculty of many seminaries and theological schools? What opportunities exist or must be created for this presence and contribution to bring about the transformation that theological education needs today? These questions are sought to answer in this conversation.
Conversation 4
Theological education in a globalized world
Theological education in a globalized world
In this conversation, we are invited to consider on the one hand the impact it has on theological education, and therefore on the practice and development of Christian spirituality, the fact that we live in an interconnected world in the economic, political, technological, social and cultural spheres. On the other hand, from a Hispanic-Latino/a perspective, it seeks to pose the challenges that it raises to recognize the imposition of certain models of understanding theological education as if they were "global", unique or superior to other models that pose the need and urgency to "decolonize" theology and its teaching. Ultimately, this conversation seeks to provoke reflections and actions that take into account human realities and theological perspectives that have been silenced or marginalized in the Euro-centric models of theological education that have dominated theological institutions.
Conversation 5
Present and future of educational resources for ministerial training
Present and future of educational resources for ministerial training
The reality of the production, publication, and distribution of books and other educational resources has changed more in the last 20 years than in the previous 450 years. These changes have become more evident and necessary as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This conversation highlights some of the most important implications of these changes for theological institutions and ministerial training programs in their efforts to provide educational resources to their students and the church at large. It also discusses the potential of the resurgence of books in audio format and other training programs over the Internet.
05:00 PM - 05:45 PM (EST)
Meeting time and informal dialogue, and exploration of the "3ELET site"
Establish contacts, visit virtual exhibitions, talk about topics of interest, etc.
08:00 PM - 09:30 PM (EST)
3ELET: Historical background, theological context and pastoral reality
In his lecture, Dr. Justo González offers us a quick glance at the background of the Third Encuentro and present and future opportunities for Hispanic-Latino/a theological education. A group of panelists will respond to his presentation
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (EST)
Theological education in times of change
Theological education is between one era and another. And so it’s more important than ever to think about what theological education is for. In this panel, a varied group of theological educators, members of the Theological Education Between the Times Project, share their reflections and invites to think about the meanings and purpose of theological education.
02:00 PM - 02:45 PM (EST)
Meeting time and informal dialogue, and exploration of the "3ELET site
03:00 PM - 04:30 PM (EST)
Second Round of Conversations
Conversation 6
Online adoration and preaching: theological implications, technological Challenges
Online adoration and preaching: theological implications, technological Challenges
Before the COVID-19 pandemic happened there were already debates about the implications of attending "online worship" or attending “worship in person”, about the use of technology and the Internet in worship, and about its implications for what it means to be a community of faith. The pandemic came not only to give more relevance to these debates but also greater urgency, given the uncertainty that it produces not knowing exactly how long we will have to wait before we meet in person in the temples again. In this conversation, with the guidance of pastors with diverse experiences of "online church", teachers in the field of worship and preaching, and people who have studied the use of new technologies in the church, some of these debates are discussed, and practices are sought to guide the work of church leaders in the following years.
Conversation 7
Organizational foundations for Hispanic-Latino/a Theological Programs in times of change
Organizational foundations for Hispanic-Latino/a Theological Programs in times of change
The functioning, development, and consolidation of educational programs depend to a large extent on the organizational structure that supports them. Therefore, this conversation will address principles and practices necessary to lead sound, relevant, and sustainable theological training programs amid the economic and socio-cultural challenges we face today. This will be done with the help of a group of people who are experts in leadership, administration, and organizational development, who have a lot of experience in conducting educational programs in a variety of theological education institutions. In addition, in this conversation, there will be an opportunity to share experiences and to propose issues that require collaboration for better performance of the training programs we offer.
Conversation 8
Collaborative models for solving common problems in theological education
Collaborative models for solving common problems in theological education
How do we create solutions to common problems when we do not have many resources as separate institutions? How can we respond quickly to a needed change without needing to invent everything all by ourselves? Collaborations! Learn how different theological entities are finding ways to design solutions with existing resources and skills among the network of AETH/ReDET that are sustainable solutions for each organization thus creating a positive, long-lasting impact for each of the collaborating partners.
Conversation 9
Social realities and ministerial training: migration, racism, and poverty as case studies.
Social realities and ministerial training: migration, racism, and poverty as case studies.
Following the model of Jesus' ministry, God's people, in their role of being light and salt in the world, must integrate preaching, teaching, and healing of “every kind of diseases and afflictions among the people”. With the pandemic, in particular, within our Hispanic-Latino community, many afflictions have been exacerbated, impacting us at all levels: spiritual, emotional, social, and physical. In light of the experience of pastors, leaders of educational programs, and Christian service organizations, in this conversation, we are invited to dialogue, share resources, and collaborate to respond to some of the realities that most afflict members of our churches and communities.
Conversation 10
Forming the Church for the service of children
Forming the Church for the service of children
"To train up a child in his way" is more than just "providing biblical instruction", more than telling biblical stories, often presented and applied from the perspective of adults. From a biblical point of view, it involves conditions, relationships, and values that are not always present in the church's work with children. This conversation will share pastoral and theological principles for effective service to our sons and daughters at home and in the church, practices, and resources for "parenting with tenderness," and experiences that touch on little-treated topics in churches (e.g. care and service to families with children with different types of disability). In times of pandemics, the urgency of dialogue on what all this means for the formation of leaders for child service work in the church and in the community is increased.
05:00 PM - 05:45 PM (EST)
Meeting time and informal dialogue, and exploration of the "3ELET site": establish contacts, visit virtual exhibitions, talk about topics of interest, etc.
07:30 PM - 09:30 PM (EST)
ReDET’s 3rd Virtual Encuentro
All 3ELET participants are invited to attend the ReDET’s 3rd Encuentro 2021, at 7:30, EST. This is a gathering where network members and partners are invited to celebrate and affirm the many results and the impact of our collaboration and contributions with each other as theological educators. There have been many lessons learned that have shaped us for the journey ahead. Together, with our diverse cultures, context, gifts, and talents, we move forward as co-creators empowered by the spirit of collaboration and "acompañamiento.
08:00 PM - 09:30 PM (EST)
Meeting time and informal dialogue, and exploration of the "3ELET site"
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM (EST)
Theological education in times of pandemic: challenges and promises
At home and around the world, the pandemic has affected how theological education institutions carry out their mission. In this panel, leaders from a variety of theological institutions and organizations from across the continent share the challenges they have faced during these difficult times. More importantly, they invite us to enter a conversation that calls us to see continuity, innovation, and solidary collaboration in the post-Covid future.
02:00 PM - 02:45 PM (EST)
Meeting time and informal dialogue, and exploration of the "3ELET site"
03:00 PM - 04:30 PM (EST)
3rd conversations round
Conversation 11
Opportunities for interinstitutional educational collaboration at national and global levels
Opportunities for interinstitutional educational collaboration at national and global levels
Collaboration between theological education institutions is a model of work that has boomed in recent years: between seminaries from different parts of the country and the world, between seminaries and denominational programs, between seminaries and biblical institutes, and more. Although in some cases it is done in response to the crises typical of the same institutions, the search for opportunities for collaboration is done more and more in recognition that our educational task can be better promoted and accomplished if we share perspectives, resources, and efforts. From the experience of seminary leaders, bible institutes, and organizations that bring together theological institutions at the regional and global level, in this conversation we are invited to dialogue on the achievements, challenges, and opportunities that different types of collaboration offer us.
Conversation 12
Certification of the quality and relevance of theological programs: achievements, challenges, opportunities
Certification of the quality and relevance of theological programs: achievements, challenges, opportunities
AETH is the only Hispanic organization recognized by the Association of Theological Schools (“ATS”) to certify the quality of programs provided by Bible institutes and other Hispanic ministerial training programs. The Certification warranties the relevance and quality of the programs offered by the educational entities and allows graduates of the certified program to apply to master programs in ATS member schools. Why is Certification of the quality of our educational programs important? What is it about? What benefits does it offer to students, institutions, and to the church? What challenges does it raise? What opportunities does it open? In this conversation members of the Certification Committee of AETH offer a space to discuss these and other questions, as well as to identify areas of collaboration for improving the quality of the ministerial programs Bible Institutes and similar institutions offer.
Conversation 13
Self-care and pastoral care in a pandemic context
Self-care and pastoral care in a pandemic context
The pandemic suddenly changed the nature and way we address the needs of individuals and families who are part of our faith communities, without distinction of their size, religious tradition, or socioeconomic status. How do you "cry with those who cry" when you cannot give them a hug? How can we maintain a sense of community when we cannot gather? How can we solve the economic challenges that the pandemic has generated in congregations? Responding to these and other realities have in turn produced an alarming increase in the stress and tiredness levels of pastors and leaders. With the guidance of experts in the field of pastoral psychology and mental health, in this conversation, we are invited to recognize our human vulnerability and to address holistically the needs for self-care and the care of the people we have been called to serve.
Conversation 14
Improvement and development of the theological curriculum from a Hispanic-Latin perspective
Improvement and development of the theological curriculum from a Hispanic-Latin perspective
Most of the Hispanic theological training programs have structured the curriculum of their programs following the system of theological disciplines that has dominated traditional academic theological education for more than two centuries. This system is not only in crisis today but has never responded intentionally to the needs of the Hispanic church and of the communities they serve. From their experience, in this conversation, directors of a variety of theological training programs invite us to reconsider the purpose, content, and structure of our programs, so that they are relevant in the formation of pastors and church leaders for effective service in the world.
Conversation 15
Theology, Ecology and Climate Change
Theology, Ecology and Climate Change
The biblical accounts of creation remind us that from the beginning God's command was to care for the earth and all that is in it. However, we are experiencing an unprecedented ecological crisis, we are suffering the effects of climate change that are the result of indiscriminate exploitation and the abuse to which we have subjected creation with motives incompatible with the values of the kingdom of God. How can our Christian theology and spirituality help us faithfully fulfill this original mandate? What concrete actions can leaders of faith communities and of theological training programs take in response to these crises that we ourselves have generated? Answering these questions and proposing collaborative initiatives are central objectives of this conversation.
05:00 PM - 06:30 PM (EST)
The next 10 years: what we can dream and do together
This will be a time to share, collectively and in groups, images and dreams about what Latino/a theological education should be in the next ten years, and to establish lines of collaboration in our common effort to form leaders capable of serving the church and society within a framework of a holistic mission according to the values of the reign of God.
