LA MIRADA, CALIF. — With a global increase in mental health issues, church leaders are at a crucial point in history to lead and care for others, but to do so, pastors must also be renewed.

“Our Hispanic people and new generations require today more than ever biblical, theological, practical, and scientific answers that the Holy Spirit uses to revitalize the hearts of his sons/daughters,” said Oscar Merlo, director of Biola University’s Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today. “We believe that the church, ministry, education and life are the new wineskins of the God who restores everything.”

Biola University is hosting its 44th Biola Hispanic Conference on September 30, 2023. The one-day event will aim to equip, educate and revitalize Spanish-speaking church leaders and members. The conference titled, “New Wineskins, New Wine: Renewing the Church, the Mind and Hope in the Midst of a Divided and Broken World,” will provide an intensive educational and training opportunity on important issues to enhance Christian witness in contemporary culture.

“The conference will address the polarization and division in the world while also encouraging attendees that God still is in control and reigns in our world,” said Dr. Octavio Esqueda, a professor at Talbot and conference speaker.

Dr. Justo Gonzalez, a notable Hispanic theologian, historian and writer known for his work, History of Christian Thought, is a keynote speaker at the event. Gonzalez has been a leading voice in Hispanic Theology. He was the youngest person to receive a Ph.D. in historical theology from Yale University and went on to teach at the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico and Candler School of Theology at Emory. He also served as a minister for more than 30 years at Iglesia Metodista Unida.

Hosted by the Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit Today, Talbot School of Theology and Talbot en Español, the one-day event will be an opportunity for Hispanic leaders to be equipped with transformational and educational content to bring back to their church communities.

Another keynote speaker is Andrés Spyker, pastor of Más Vida church — a multigenerational Christian church with a strong focus on teaching the Bible in a practical manner. Its dynamic growth has led it to branch out into different cities in Mexico, the United States and Venezuela. Spyker has a large and vibrant audience through his weekly programs on TV and through his podcast. Worship at the conference will be led by Voz Church and member of Bethel Music, Edward Rivera.

Tickets are available for purchase on the conference website or day-of the conference in person. 

For more information about the conference, contact, hispanic.conference@biola.edu.