Evangelist- March ‘06 US Spotlight
Most movements begin with a step. For STS Florida, our Florida Hispanic Seminary, this step was the beginning of a faith walk which has proven most fruitful. Before the opening of this unique institution, there was no biblical training of its kind on Florida’s West Coast, a hub for Hispanic activity not easily ignored. The first 24 students came from such diverse locations as Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and Puerto Rico. Their backgrounds were unique, including several high fliers with The Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, as well as professionals already holding degrees in business, education, and law in their countries of heritage.
The Florida Hispanic Seminary is affiliated with the Seminario Teologico Sudamericano of Colon, Argentina, and Ashland Theological Seminary in Ashland, Ohio. Although the seminary was founded to train the Brethren for global service, it is designed for the entire body of Christ and can be used by most church groups to train for full time Christian ministry, both here and abroad. Students currently attend from four congregations in three cities.
Well into its fifth trimester, this movement has taken its baby steps with pride, and is looking toward its first graduation with delight. Upon completion of 48 trimester hours, each graduate of the Seminario Teologico Sudamericano/Florida will receive a two-year Diploma of Theology. To graduate with the Advanced Diploma of Theology, 12 more trimester hours are required. The first 6 are awarded upon completion of a thesis in the student’s specific major. The other half are earned through practical internship in the same field of study.
How You Can Help
This cost effective and practical training enables us to prepare more leaders for global service from the growing Latino communities of Southwest Florida. Students receive high quality training without the need to relocate, taught by professors who hold a Masters level degree or higher in their areas of expertise.
This educational vision has become a reality due to a matching grant from an interdenominational foundation. This seed money has done much to launch a true global training ground in Florida’s West Coast, but can only be granted as we are able to match it among the Brethren. As the seminary is not a budgeted item, we are with faith trusting God for the balance. Your gift will help make the growth of this excellent educational movement a reality for years to come.
