That CHM is an equipping organization means that
CHM is not designed to be an end in itself but to provide the training
and information that allows individuals and other organizations to
achieve their potential in Hispanic ministries.
CHM is an organization that promotes ministry in others
rather than carrying it out on it's own. Obviously, in order to accomplish
that, CHM provides ministries for ministers in order to help prepare them
for more effective service. The promotion of Hispanic Ministry takes
place both in the "Anglo"church context as well as among the Hispanic peoples
and churches. Top of Page
CHM strives to reach out to Hispanic communities and
focuses on the needs of those communities. This is not an attempt
to ignore or exclude other groups on the basis of race or ethnicity.
It is an attempt to compensate for past neglect of this important area
of ministry especially among Friends. Top of Page
It is through the research and analysis of Hispanic ministry
organizations that CHM will begin to make it's contribution to Hispanic
ministry. Groups from many different denominations have initiated
ministries among Hispanics. CHM is needed to bring together the insights
gleaned from those successes and failures in order to maximize future ministries.
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The research and analysis allows CHM to act as a bridge of resources
between the "Anglo" churches that are concerned about Hispanic ministries
and the Hispanic communities and churches that are initiating those ministries.
The "Anglo" churches bring leaders, training programs, personnel, finances
and facilities to the effort. The Hispanic community brings leaders
and potential leaders, finances, and the unlimited potential of communities
that will be transformed by the power of Christ. When these resources
are brought together there can be an explosion of ministry.
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CHM acts as a bridge of resources and information that can be
communicated motivationally. This is where the information
gleaned from the research and analysis gains relevance. How can an
"Anglo" church reach across the cultural barrier and work in the Hispanic
community? What ministries should it attempt? How should a
Hispanic church look different from an "Anglo" church? The answers
are out there and need to be shared in an inspirational way to motivate
Christians to effective action.
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CHM is in place in order to coordinate the Hispanic ministries
that are newly born. Whether those be educational, motivational,
or ecclesiastical. Why should CHM play this almost parachurch role
in coordinating ministries? Because CHM has the expertise to understand
and mediate between the special needs of the Hispanic church or ministry
and the participating "Anglo" partners in ministry. Until the specific
Hispanic ministries have developed their own infrastructure of interchurch
/ interministry support within their denomination, they will need CHM's
partnership to "walk with them" in their ministry endeavor. Likewise,
until the predominantly "Anglo" church leaders come to grips with the unique
needs of the Hispanic communities, they will need CHM's partnership and
leadership in coordinating Hispanic ministries. Top
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The dream that is being realized is that CHM will bring about a comprehensive
and effective Hispanic ministry effort. Friends and other denominations
have begun Hispanic ministries in the past. CHM knows that we can
be more effective. CHM stands as a catalyst for a far reaching ministry
that will bring about solutions that are far greater than the sum of the
constituent resources. Ministries that participating organizations
could not have imagined will be created. We find ourselves at the
forefront of God's work as servants of the Hispanic peoples.
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CHM will work in leadership training so that men and
women will be prepared to serve God in the Hispanic, and especially the
Spanish language, context. There are few seminary level programs
geared to serve Spanish speaking Christian leaders. CHM
wants to find ways to meet those leaders in their own context. Spanish
language education by extension through TEE, Bible seminars and "boot
camps," and accredited Bible institutes will begin to fill the leadership
"gap" and help current leaders reach their potential in serving Christ.
Without adequately trained Hispanic leaders any new Hispanic ministries
are destined to fail. CHM's sponsorship of the leadership training
institute, "Instituto ALMA: ALcanzando al Mundo Alrededor" is our
response to this key need. Top of Page
And church planting is at the heart of CHM's ministries.
The church is the body of Christ. It is the chosen instrument for
God's work of salvation in the world. Church planting effort may
spring out of "mother church" relationships being formed cross-culturally
as "Anglo" churches are motivated to become involved in Hispanic ministry
with CHM acting as a facilitator and coordinator. Other churches
are formed as "urban flight" causes previously prosperous "Anglo" ministries
to be left with an empty shell that can be made available to Hispanic congregations.
There may be many different patterns employed in establishing the new churches
but it is essential that those ministry and discipleship centers are instituted.
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CHM's purpose is not to create it's own denomination, but to develop
ministries that will be integrated into existing church structures.
This does not mean that new churches and ministries will immediately be
knit into the fabric of "Anglo" denominations. That would not be
advisable or constructive, but neither would setting up a CHM denomination
or mission. CHM seeks to serve a transitional role as Hispanic churches
and ministries form their support structures in their particular denominational
context. Top of Page; CHM
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