Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning loomed large as a theme at the late January gathering. Gerardo mentioned in a small group how much he had learned from all the visits during his time in Kentuckiana. Gerardo and Pablo pushed hard for the next phase of the theological education program, even pitching at a plenary and at the same time challenging the permanent secretary of the Guatemalan national Presbyterian church (IENPG) about the development of an alternative Q’eqchi’-language theological education program linked with both the national church and the Presbyterian seminary and based in Coban. (Nevertheless, Pablo and a few other Estoreño pastors will participate in the Coban program in addition to getting their El Estor-based program underway again, ostensibly both in February.)

Gerardo also talked about the Estoreño Presbytery’s incorporation of some Pentecostalist congregations and how important it is to try to teach and promote among these congregations Reformed/Presbyterian theology so that they can become Presbyterian congregations in more than name only. I know we are also interested in theological education – for ourselves and for our Guatemalan friends – and – whether or not we contribute all of the $3,000 or so requested – we will no doubt be involved somehow in theological education on their end in the future.

- Perry