About Us

What is the Hispanic Ministries Mission Network?

The Hispanic Ministries Mission Network of the Synod of the Sun (HMMN) is a network of Hispanic Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations and leaders who wish to support and grow the Kingdom of God within the Synod (Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas) and beyond. Austin Seminary has partnered with and supported HMMN since its inception in 2014. HMMN provides a center point for Hispanic pastors and church leaders to come together for mutual support, to share and receive ongoing learning and professional development, and to strengthen Hispanic congregations and leaders. HMMN’s core purpose is to build up and equip leaders for healthy churches throughout the Synod of the Sun.

Why Join the Hispanic Ministries Mission Network?

Hispanic Presbyterian pastors and congregations throughout the Synod of the Sun face unique opportunities for growth and renewal. Beyond the common challenges affecting most congregations, Hispanic pastors and church leaders must navigate complex issues such as:

Generational differences

Language conflicts

Growing or dying pains related to preservation of a cultural heritage

Also, often emerging leaders in Hispanic congregations are both new members and new to the Reformed tradition; they show gifts and capacities for leadership, but they need to learn theology, polity, and leadership basics. Hispanic Presbyterian churches require and deserve well-prepared leaders to reach out in mission to the communities around them.

HMMN helps fill the needs of Hispanic Presbyterian pastors and church leaders and allows them to:

Gather with other Presbyterians who share their cultural heritage and language

Find mutual support

Continue to learn and grow

Develop leadership among Hispanics in the Presbyterian Church

Mission

HMMN, as part of the Presbyterian Church (USA), affirms the statements in the Book of Order on The Mission of the Church. Within this context, HMMN seeks to promote this mission through its advocacy and development activities focused on:

Being a resource to Representation and Nominating committees of various governing bodies.

Develop leadership within our constituency by identifying potential leaders and by providing appropriate learning experiences.

Cultivate a strong community among Hispanic/Latino/Latina churches and people interested in Hispanic/Latino/Latina ministries in the Synod of the Sun.

Coordinate the development of strategies, programs, and proposals for Hispanic/Latino/Latina ministries.

Advocate for the well-being of the Hispanic/Latino/Latina community in church and society.

Consult with the Synod of the Sun and its presbyteries, General Assembly Agencies, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (APTS), other PC(USA)-affiliated seminaries, and other church entities to strengthen Hispanic and Latino/Latina ministries.

Promote full participation, representation, and access to decision-making in matters that affect Hispanic/Latino/Latina ministry within the Synod of the Sun.