Jose Briones – Denver, Colorado … The Hispanic Ministries of the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) led a three‑month preaching school from October through December of last year designed to equip lay church members with practical tools for sharing the Gospel with clarity, confidence, and spiritual depth.
The program brought together participants from multiple congregations who committed to monthly learning, practice, and reflection. Sessions were hosted at several Hispanic Adventist churches across the Conference, including Palisade, Denver Pecos, Denver South, Denver Central, and Grand Junction, allowing members from different regions to participate more easily. Now, as January begins, the department is celebrating the growth, dedication, and renewed sense of calling that emerged from the experience.
The school featured a rotation of presenters, including Hugo Guillen, RMC Ministerial associate director and lead for Multicultural Ministries, and fellow RMC pastors Julio Diaz, Kenneth Martinez, Jose Briones, Leonardo Jimenez, and Eliezer Roque. Each pastor offered a unique perspective on the art and responsibility of preaching.
Sessions covered biblical interpretation, sermon structure, technology use, storytelling, contextual preaching, pastoral presence, and the spiritual preparation required to preach with authenticity. Participants were encouraged not only to study but to practice. They crafted short messages, received feedback, and learned how to communicate the hope of Scripture in ways that connect with real people.
Throughout the three months, the emphasis remained consistent: preaching is our mission. Presenters reminded students that God has entrusted every believer with gifts, experiences, and a voice meant to bless others.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Santo Valdez, pastor of the Glenwood Springs Hispanic District, shared his gratitude for what it meant to the congregations outside the metro area. “It was a blessing to have this program available for the people in the mountain region,” he said, noting how valuable it was for members who often have fewer opportunities for in‑person training. He also remarked that now he has more preachers available for the district.
As the program concluded in December, leaders encouraged graduates to continue developing their skills and to look for opportunities within their local churches to put their training into practice. The hope is that this year, Hispanic congregations across the conference will benefit from a growing group of prepared, Spirit‑led lay preachers ready to share God’s Word with clarity, compassion, and conviction.
—Jose Briones is the RMC Stewardship Promotion and Content creator. Photos supplied.
