Key Takeaways
- The Hispanic and Latino leaders in Mennonite Church USA (MC USA) are seeking accessible and Anabaptist-rooted theological formation to transform individual leaders and entire congregations.
- The Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) provides a starting point for leaders to receive theological education without having to choose between serving their congregations and pursuing further education.
- The Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH) offers certificate-level theological education in Spanish, combining academic depth with pastoral wisdom and community-shaped learning.
- Collaboration with Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) and continuing education opportunities provide pathways for advanced theological reflection and long-term ministry sustainability.
- Formation is understood as a communal and spiritual practice, integrating Scripture, prayer, theological reflection, and lived experience.
Introduction to the Journey
Across Mennonite Church USA, many Hispanic and Latino leaders are asking a question that is rooted not in ambition, but in faithfulness. As the director of Hispanic Ministries, it has become clear that accessible, Anabaptist-rooted theological formation can have a transformative impact on individual leaders and entire congregations. This journey often begins with a simple yet powerful conviction: leaders should not have to choose between serving their congregations and receiving theological education. The Instituto Bíblico Anabautista (IBA) was created with this conviction in mind, providing a starting point for leaders to embark on a journey of theological formation.
The Starting Point: IBA
The IBA has become a crucial part of this journey, offering leaders the opportunity to open Scripture together and discover that theology is not distant or abstract, but rather speaks directly to preaching, pastoral care, conflict, and community life. Many students who attend IBA classes, often virtually and after long workdays, gain confidence as they begin to articulate their faith through an Anabaptist lens shaped by discipleship, peace, and communal discernment. The IBA provides a unique space for leaders to engage with Scripture and theology in a way that is both accessible and relevant to their congregational contexts.
Deepening the Calling: SeBAH
As leaders progress on their journey, many sense a desire for further formation. This is where the Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH) becomes a natural next step. SeBAH offers certificate-level theological education in Spanish, combining academic depth with pastoral wisdom. What makes SeBAH distinctive is not only what is taught, but how learning is shaped by community. Students wrestle with Scripture, theology, and ethics while remaining rooted in their congregational realities. This approach to learning provides a unique opportunity for leaders to integrate their academic studies with their practical ministry experience.
Expanding Vision through AMBS and Continuing Education
Through collaboration with Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS), the Postgraduate Certificate in Theology provides an opportunity for advanced theological reflection while remaining grounded in Anabaptist tradition. This program allows leaders to engage in deeper theological study and reflection, while also providing a space for them to apply their learning in practical ways. Alongside this, continuing education plays a vital role in sustaining long-term ministry. Short courses, workshops, and cohort-based learning environments create spaces for renewal, learning, and peer support. These opportunities allow leaders to continue growing and developing in their ministry, even after completing formal education programs.
Formation as a Practice of Hope
The biblical vision guiding this work is found in Ephesians 4:12: "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Formation is understood as a communal and spiritual practice, integrating Scripture, prayer, theological reflection, and lived experience. This approach to formation recognizes that leaders are not isolated individuals, but rather part of a larger community of faith. By integrating these various elements, leaders are able to develop a rich and nuanced understanding of their faith, and are equipped to lead with wisdom in a complex world.
An Ongoing Invitation
The pathways of IBA, SeBAH, AMBS certification, and continuing education are more than just programs – they are invitations to grow, to reflect, and to lead with wisdom. These opportunities provide a chance for leaders to deepen their understanding of their faith, and to develop the skills and knowledge needed to serve their congregations effectively. By embracing these invitations, leaders can embark on a journey of transformation, one that will impact not only their own lives, but also the lives of those they serve. For those interested in learning more, there are several resources available, including the Spanish-language digital magazine MenoTicias, the Hispanic Ministries website, and opportunities to support the ongoing work of MC USA’s Hispanic Ministries through donations.