Renovación focuses on discipleship, evangelism basics

The annual whirlwind Renovación Tour spanned three days and more than 300 miles. A total of 283 Spanish-speaking leaders and lay people from 21 churches attended Renovación, which was held in three locations Aug. 10-12.

Pastors and leaders of Hispanic churches in the Arizona Mission Network of Southern Baptists were encouraged to take steps forward in the essential work of evangelism. Just like the conference last year, people were challenged, changed and motivated.

“Our Renovación 2023 Tour was fantastic,” said Josue Castro, AZMN Hispanic ministries facilitator.

“Hispanic ministries partnered with Lifeway to bring two Spanish-language presentations to Arizona to equip our churches and provide practical tools and information so they can carry out their work in an efficient manner,” Castro said.

Castro and his team are dedicated to helping Hispanic churches reach the unchurched Spanish-speaking population throughout the state by focusing on Christ and teaching others to do the same.

Two empowering presentations were given at each location.

“The Centrality of Christ in Discipleship” was presented by Ramon Osorio, national church mobilizer with the North American Mission Board. “Agents of Transformation” was presented by Armando Allen from Champion Forest Baptist Church, Houston, Texas.

On August 10, Renovación was held at Tierra Fertil, Yuma, with 114 people from six churches attending. The following day, 67 people from five churches joined together at Iglesia Bautista Kairos, Tucson. On August 12, Renovación was held at Iglesia Bautista Central in Phoenix, with 102 people from 10 churches present.

“Hispanic ministries of the Arizona Mission Network exists to support the churches of the state of Arizona in fulfilling the Great Commission,” Castro said. “We believe that by working together, we will be stronger and more effective in the work that God has entrusted to us. It is important that we communicate our vision and mission effectively to impact our state.”

Castro and his team are already preparing for Renovación 2024.

Irene A. Harkleroad, a freelance writer living in Carefree, is a member of Black Mountain Baptist Church, Cave Creek.