LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Biola University and the Talbot School of Theology, will host the 39th Annual Hispanic Conference on April 7, 2018 to address important issues concerning the church in hopes of enhancing its witness in our contemporary culture.

As the largest ethnic minority group in the U.S., Hispanic and Latino Americans increasingly impact the current society as they grow in number, according to the World Population Review. The purpose of the conference is to provide an intensive educational and training opportunity within the scope of a one-day event. Participants can expect to sharpen their skills and knowledge for more effective ministry to serve this growing ethnic minority group.

The conference is designed for Spanish-speaking pastors, church leaders, and workers from the greater southern California area. The one-day conference themed, “Do Not Live Without Him!”: The Importance of the Holy Spirit in Your Life,” will include corporate worship, two plenary addresses by a keynote speaker and seven repeated workshops. Additionally, there will be a children’s educational program with Bible lessons and structured recreation (ages 4 – 12).

The keynote speaker will be Oscar Merlo, founding director of the Biola Center for the Study of the Work and Ministry of the Holy Spirit. He is passionate about evangelism, formation and impacting the new generations for Christ. His focus will be, "How is the Holy Spirit Working in the World?"

“The Holy Spirit has always been and continues to be at work among us,” said Merlo. “It is He whose very breath holds all things together and who has empowered the work and ministries of believers across time and still today. It is He who hovers over our world now, still bringing form from chaos, light out of darkness, and life from death.”

Participants will learn from top Christian leaders in the field of higher education and receive tools to sharpens their skills and knowledge for more effective ministry in light of today’s current climate. Breakout session topics will include “Spiritual Warfare and the Holy Spirit ” and “The Holy Spirit: Essential for Ministry,” among other topics.

For more information or to register, please click here. General early registration for $25 ends on March 13. Late registration between March 13 and March 31 will be $35. There will be no registration on the day of the event.

Contact Media Relations for more information or press passes at media.relations@biola.edu.