 By
Rod and Sherry Boyd
Thirty men and women—both missionaries and
nationals—from 14 different Latin American and Caribbean countries and the
United States came together for Dialogue 2003, sponsored by the
Resource and Advisory Center. The Center is headquartered in Panama
City. The Resource Center exists to assist Bible school leaders throughout
Latin America and the Caribbean in their task of
preparing Pentecostal ministers. The national church in virtually all Latin
American countries recognize the importance of Bible and ministerial
training for pastors, evangelists and missionaries, requiring Bible school
education before ministerial credentials are issued.
We are privileged to serve as
co-directors with missionaries Larry and Dorothy Cederblom. We have three
excellent part-time staff who help serve national educational leaders in
more than 20 Spanish-speaking countries in the western hemisphere. The
Center serves as a clearinghouse, providing a variety of resources,
including many available virtually on our website (www.Boyds.org/Centro).
The Center provides training through national training conferences and the
International Educators’ Conference held every other year in the even
years. The Center provides leadership and coordinates Bible school ministry
by promoting the interchange of ideas through the dialogue that is held
every other year in the odd years.
This year’s dialogue was
divided into four parts. First, representatives of the various countries
shared brief reports. In addition to providing statistical information
about Bible school ministry, each representative shared difficulties,
concerns and trends.
Second, the group
selected which issues would be studied further in the dialogue… much easier
said than done! We emphasized with the group that process is as
important as product. The process of selecting these themes helped
each member understand the principle challenges that our Bible schools face
today. These four challenges are presented in the sidebar.
Third, participants were
divided into four groups and a topic was assigned to each. Each group
defined the issue and identified its causes. They developed a preliminary
plan of action, outlining specific steps, a timetable, and suggestions for
who should implement the steps. Each group then shared the results of their
work. The large group was then able to ask questions and provide additional
insights.
 The
fourth and final part of the dialogue was the preliminary planning for the
“5o Encuentro” (Fifth International Educators’ Conference)—also sponsored by
the Resource and Advisory Center—that will be held in the Dominican Republic
in February 2004. Participants, many of whom attended the 4th
International Conference in El Salvador, provided insights into theme,
schedule and sessions.
God has called us to
raise up Christian leaders. We are privileged to be a part of this
strategic ministry that impacts Bible schools throughout Latin America.
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