In a significant move to bolster Hispanic pastoral leadership and congregational vitality, the Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas (Convención) has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The funding is designated for the “Adelante: Developing Capacity in Service of Hispanic Congregations and Leaders” initiative, a collaborative project with the National Hispanic Baptist Network (NHBN).
“This investment by Lilly Endowment will significantly increase Convención’s capacity in the areas of leadership, finance and administration,” said Convención Executive Director Jesse Rincones. “We’re especially excited about being able to invest in the next generation of leaders.”
The initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of organizations that support Hispanic ministries across the nation. The grant will facilitate the establishment of key leadership roles within both Convención and NHBN. Specifically, NHBN has appointed a full-time executive director and will appoint a communications/development director, while Convención will bring on board a director of development focused on fundraising and fostering strategic partnerships.
A cornerstone of this endeavor is the launch of Convención’s Young Latino Leaders Development Initiative (YLL). This year-long program aims to equip emerging Latino Baptist leaders through personal development and hands-on ministry projects within their communities. Participants will receive training and certification from the Hispanic Leadership Academy, in collaboration with the Center for Hispanic Leadership. The program will culminate in a retreat in Washington, D.C., providing these young leaders with exposure to organizations and individuals addressing issues pertinent to Hispanic communities.
The partnership development funds will also enable NHBN to collaborate with state and regional leaders, enhancing training opportunities, pastoral health and church revitalization efforts. To ensure sustainable growth, NHBN plans to engage Generis Solutions, a generosity strategy organization, for a comprehensive development assessment.
“The National Hispanic Baptist Network is very grateful to Lilly Endowment,” said NHBN Executive Director Bruno Molina. “This grant will help us to work with Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas to develop our capacity for long-term sustainability as we connect on mission, contribute resources and celebrate what God is doing among us. In particular, we look forward to strengthening our pastors and their families through the establishment of a pastoral support initiative and the development of our emerging leaders. To God be the glory.”
Convención Bautista Hispana de Texas is among 23 organizations nationwide receiving grants through Lilly Endowment’s National Initiative to Strengthen Hispanic Pastoral Leaders and Congregations. This initiative underscores Lilly Endowment’s commitment to supporting and empowering Hispanic faith communities across the United States.
(EDITOR’S NOTE — Keila Diaz is a digital communications assistant with the Florida Baptist Convention.)
