Leaders aim to set “F.I.R.E.” to next generation of church leaders through recent gathering

By Clara Molina
June 9, 2022

FORT WORTH—As part of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention’s Forging Integrated Relationships in Evangelism (F.I.R.E.) Initiative, a group Hispanic pastors from various churches gathered at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary to connect with Hispanic students and promote collaboration in the advancement of the gospel on May 12.

The F.I.R.E. Initiative was established to connect SWBTS, Criswell College, and Jacksonville College with SBTC churches to increase collaboration in missional ministries.

Pastors and wives, such as Humberto Corredera and his wife, Yaniuris, from Prestonwood en Español, and leaders such as Daniel Sánchez, emeritus professor at SWBTS, and Mark McClellan, director of the Hispanic program at SWBTS, invested their time to attend the dinner in order to pray, fellowship, and forge relationships with the Hispanic students, deepen their commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission, and focus on missions in the state of Texas and beyond.

McClellan took a few minutes to share the programs and degrees available in Spanish at SWBTS, ranging from certificates to a doctor of ministry degree. He expressed his love of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry and challenged the pastors in attendance to continue their theological education as well as to encourage others to do the same.

Jesse Contreras, SBTC En Español associate, gave a devotional encouraging students to stay on mission for the sake of the gospel “no matter what comes their way.” Contreras also told the students to “be faithful to the gospel and build partnerships with the pastors from these churches.”

SBTC sponsored the dinner and Bruno Molina, SBTC’s missional ministries associate who coordinates the F.I.R.E. Initiative, shared with students how the convention can partner with them to further kingdom expansion by providing resources, mentoring, and offering field experience in evangelism, missions, and church planting. He thanked the pastors who already give through the Cooperative Program and related how their support makes these ministries possible. He also encouraged the students to follow their example.

Michelle Carranza, the president of Koinonia, the SWBTS Hispanic Fellowship, helped organize and promote the event. Her collaboration and that of the other Koinonia students was integral to the success of the event.