Central Texas Hispanic work networks

November 11, 2002

Central Texas Hispanic work networks
___By John Hall
___Texas Baptist Communications
___Central Texas Hispanic leaders have formed a coordinating team to work with associational missions directors in reaching a region predicted to surge in Hispanic population.
___The action was one of several ideas from the Central Texas Hispanic Summit Oct. 5 at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
___Demographic studies predict the Hispanic population will swell in the region as migration continues northward. Area leaders hope to start at least 15 churches to reach this incoming population in the Gatesville area.
___Hispanic leaders aimed to double the number of Hispanic pastors in the coming year by encouraging those called to ministry and helping others understand they may be called.
___"There is a desire on the part of the directors of missions in the area to address Hispanic church needs," said Jimmy Garcia, coordinator of Hispanic work for the Baptist General Convention of Texas. "Now there is a chance to get ahead of the curve."
___Participants also called for improved leadership and discipleship training for Spanish-speaking, bilingual and English-speaking churches.
___Other goals from the summit include hiring a Hispanic work coordinator for Central Texas, establishing a training center for training pastors, providing financial assistance to train new pastors and using the Companerismos when implementing strategies.
___Garcia is optimistic the event will lead to increased cooperation between churches and greater outreach to the Hispanic population.
___"My hope is there will be a greater number of churches, we will have strong viable churches and we will begin to penetrate the Hispanic community by expanding the kingdom," Garcia said.

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