The Hispanic Center for Theological Studies (CHET)
By Ana E. Gan
Christmas Time is Fiesta Time for the Hispanic/Latino community!!!
As part of our tradition we are always ready to celebrate special events!
CHET
faculty proudly announced the graduation of 78 students on December
6, 2003, and we hosted a Fiesta Celebration to honor students, their
families, and friends at CHET. During the graduation celebration we
were reminded by CHET President Jorge Maldonado about the importance
of training and equipping Latino Christians passionate about learning
how to effectively reach out to the communities where we live.
After the graduation ceremony I spoke to several of the students who
told me their exciting stories and reasons for studying at this theological
institution. Many of these students are lay people with a desire to
continue their spiritual growth; others have studied in response to
a call to full time ministry.
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| Students
graduate December 6 during ceremonies at CHET, Centro
Hispano de Estudios Teológicos at Bell Gardens
Covenant Church. |
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One of our recent
graduates from the Basic Program, Marco Antonio Quezada, has been
incarcerated for the last 19 years. Marco became a believer though
his mother’s prayers and a chaplain in the jail. After his
conversion he asked his mother to send him Bible study materials
and she sent him the material from CHET.  Through
correspondence, he completed the Basic Program and, according to
his family, he is eager to continue onto the Ministerial Program.
Marco's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Quezada came to the graduation
and received the certificate of graduation in behalf of their son.
Mr. Quezada stated that he was very proud of his son and it was
an honor to receive the certificate and to see how the Lord has
changed his son’s life. During the reception Mr. and Mrs.
Quezada told me that their son will be released in a year and hopes
to come to CHET to receive his Diploma in person. We look forward
to seeing Marco next year!
These 78 graduates are part of nearly 36 million individuals of
Latino heritage who make up more than 12% of the nation's population.
In the last decade the number of Hispanics increased by 35% and
is estimated to increase by an additional 18% by 2005. With a wide
range of cultural backgrounds, Latinos represent a variety of needs
but also have become an economic and political force. CHET has designed
its educational programs with the unique needs of U.S. Latino Christians
in mind.
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CHET's PROGRAMS
Starting with the BASIC PROGRAM (30 credits) the
student is equipped to develop his/her spiritual life and spiritual
gifts, to use the Gospels with greater proficiency for evangelism
and discipleship, to lead participatory Bible studies and worship,
and to have improved study skills and personal performance. This program
is open to all who desire to deepen their study of Scripture and to
prepare to better serve the Lord.
Built on the Basic Program, CHET offers a MINISTERIAL PROGRAM
in which students can take about 20 courses on the areas of Bible,
Theology, Church History, Context and Ministry to gain an additional
60 credits (to earn a total of 90 credits). The Ministerial Program
becomes the bridge to the LICENCIATURA EN MINISTERIO CRISTIANO,
endorsed by La Asociacion Hispana de Educacion Teologica, AETH (The
Hispanic Association for Theological Education). This program requires
an additional 36 credits and is composed of six modules. With the
Licenciatura degree, students can pursue graduate theological studies
at several Fuller Theological Seminary, Vanguard University, Azusa
Pacific University and North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago,
with which CHET is affiliated.
In addition to these programs CHET, in agreement with the Latin-American
Association for Pastoral Care and Family Counseling (EIRENE), offers
Training in Family Counseling to community workers,
pastors, church leaders, future ministers, and persons interested
in working with families in education prevention and intervention.
The program is composed of three levels: cognitive (7 courses), experiential
(4 workshops), and clinical (100 hours of supervision).
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Onofre
Fernandez is a graduate of CHET's Licenciatura en Ministerio
Program. He teaches at the Basic Program on a voluntary basis. He
feels that CHET courses have taught him a lot about both theology
and life. Of Mexican origin, Onofre is actively implementing newly
learned CHET skills at El Encino Covenant Church in Downey, Calif.
Fernandez hopes his training will improve his ability to reach out
to other Spanish speakers.
Wondering if God's hand might lie behind the exodus of so many Hispanic
immigrants to the United States, Fernandez said, "during the
last three and a half years at CHET, I have learned to understand
the Lord’s will for my life. My CHET experience without a doubt
has marked a new beginning for my life.” |
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| CHET
Dean Edward Delgado congratulates Mr. Onofre Fernandez
as Board Chairman Oscar Pierola looks on. |
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For more
information, call (562) 806-8325 |
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