Fifiteen North Georgia Laity Begin 3-Year Hispanic Christian Academy Training

A group of 15 laity from eight different Hispanic United Methodist churches in our Conference are taking part in the Hispanic Christian Academy of United Theological Seminary. This online training will last three years with four eight-week courses each year. The first course began on January 21.

The basic curriculum includes Bible, Theology, Church and Mission, and Ministry.  

"For me, this has helped me to better interpret the Bible in a different way with the view of the love of God," said Cristino Argueta, a member Carrolton First UMC, after three weeks of taking the course.

Another student, Ingrid Thomas of McEachern Memorial UMC, stated, "Being part of this Hispanic Christian Academy has helped me to remember and know the origins of different religions and understand the Methodist Doctrine. I eagerly desire to share what I have learned during these weeks, both as lay leader and in my private and professional life."

The program has four goals:

• First, educate church leaders in foundational knowledge and practical training for ministry,
• Second, equip and train leaders in Scriptural preaching, teaching, ministering and counseling,
• Third, encourage personal spiritual growth of leaders to mature in Christ, and
• Finally to train leaders to equip and train others for the service of ministry and encourage leaders to high standards of integrity.