North American Division

Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Council Empowers Hispanic Ministry Leaders at Annual Gathering

First-ever awards ceremony honors contributions to Hispanic ministry during recent PELC event.

February 24, 2025

United States

Gerson Pancorbo, Adventist Regional Ministries

Gustavo Squarzon presents his seminar, "Jesús en un mundo secular” (Jesus in a Secular World), during the Spanish track of the Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council, held December 8-11, 2024, in Huntsville, Alabama.

Photo: Priscila Pancorbo

The Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Council (PELC) offers spiritual renewal, inspiration, and fellowship and equips pastors, chaplains, and other ministry leaders for their roles.

Established more than 40 years ago by regional conference leaders, PELC is the largest annual gathering of pastors and church leaders in the North American Division (NAD). This year, it took place from December 8 to 11, 2024.

While the main English track was held in the newly renovated Oakwood University Church, PELC in Spanish was hosted at the Office for Regional Conference Ministries in Huntsville, Alabama. Planned by the Hispanic caucus, this specialized program provided resources and training for pastors serving Hispanic communities.

A Christ-Centered Program

PELC in Spanish, with the theme "Jesús, Promuévelo / Practícalo / Predícalo " ("Jesus: Promote Him / Practice Him / Preach Him"), focused on empowering pastors to deepen their Christocentric preaching and ministry. Each day began with worship and a devotional led by Minner Labrador, NAD vice president for Multilingual Ministries.

Participants engaged in an in-depth seminar on Christocentric hermeneutics with Elizabeth Talbot, speaker/director and founder of the Jesus 101 Biblical Institute, an official North American Division media ministry. Talbot’s session emphasized the necessity of presenting Christ as the center of every message, inspiring pastors to preach the gospel with clarity and passion.

Honoring Hispanic Leaders

Roger Hernández, Ministerial and Evangelism director for the Southern Union, poses with the award he received during PELC's Spanish track, surrounded by members of the Hispanic caucus.

For the first time in its history, PELC’s Spanish-language track hosted an awards ceremony recognizing leaders who have significantly contributed to advancing Hispanic ministry within the regional conferences of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The ceremony celebrated their impactful leadership and underscored the Hispanic caucus's commitment to highlighting the contributions of these individuals.

Hispanic Community

The Hispanic program offered a unique space for pastors to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.

Sessions by Armando Miranda Jr., associate director of NAD Youth Ministries, and Elvis Diaz, director of Sales and Marketing for Pacific Press Publishing Association, introduced resources and strategies for engaging younger generations and sharing the gospel through literature.

In his closing remarks, Vanston Archbold, president of the Hispanic caucus, highlighted the importance of unity in ministry, encouraging participants to keep Christ at the forefront of their service.

Moving Forward

PELC’s Spanish track continues to serve as a vital resource for ministry leaders working to share Christ’s message in culturally relevant ways. This year’s focus on Christ-centered ministry provided inspiration and practical tools that attendees are eager to implement in their local communities.

As PELC concluded, leaders expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather, learn, and grow in their shared mission to proclaim Jesus as enough for every need.

The original article was published on the North American Division news site.