Texas Baptists en Español celebrates Compañerismos in third annual Hispanic Heritage chapel service

Texas Baptists en Español hosted its third annual Hispanic Heritage Month chapel service at the Texas Baptists offices in Dallas, TX, on Monday, Oct. 7. The theme for the event, as introduced by TXB en Español director Rolando Rodriguez, focused on the vital ministry of Compañerismos across the state.

Victor Rodriguez, evangelism associate and discipleship specialist with Hispanic Evangelism, spoke on the history of Hispanic Baptists in Texas. 

“I believe that it is very important for us to continue to remember where we came from as Hispanics and as Texas Baptists,” he said. 

Citing Psalm 78, he noted the story should be told to the next generation because Hispanics will be involved in the future of Texas, and Hispanic young people must be prepared.

“Many, many churches—Hispanic churches—must be started,” he said.

Vidal Muñiz, Texas Baptists en Español specialist, introduced five Compañerismo presidents from around the state who reported on how God is moving in their respective areas. 

Referring to the pastors as “practitioners” who are “making things happen” in their ministry contexts, Muñiz asked each about the value they received from attending the annual Hispanic Evangelism Conference, an event produced by Texas Baptists Evangelism.

Center directors, including Mark Jones, Dowell Loftis and Noe Treviño, shared ways their ministry centers may bolster partnerships with Compañerismos. Responses included the Center for Collegiate Ministry’s growing effort to reach college students on San Antonio area campuses, the Center for Ministerial Health’s desire to expand its Counseling Services resources to Hispanic pastors under the leadership of Olga Harris, that ministry’s new director, and efforts to partner with Hispanic churches and Compañerismos to encourage them to engage in missions through the Center for Missional Engagement.

Rodriguez closed by reminding staff and visitors of the rapid growth of Hispanics in the U.S.—a figure projected to increase from 65 to 102.6 million by the year 2050. This increase represents an opportunity for Texas Baptists to do more church planting, evangelism and missions.

“For Texas Baptists, this is an excellent opportunity for us to do ministry,” Rolando said. “That’s what I want for us to see, not just the numbers but the ministries that are out there waiting for us.”

Sergio A. Ramos, GC2 Network director, closed the service in prayer, expressing gratitude for the “beautiful celebration of Hispanic heritage” and the “faith that unites us.” 

Staff and visitors enjoyed tamales before and after the special service. Many visitors attended the PAVE en Español training, which took place immediately following the chapel service. About 40 individuals or groups joined the service online via a live stream.