Summary of the Mexico-Mequon Workshop

From January 13th thru January 15th, the Mexican pastors and seminary students gathered in the city of Puebla with students from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary for a conference. Following is a brief summary of the workshop, written by vicar Phil Gurgel, who is currently serving in Torreon (learn more about Phil here).

The conference focused on the theme of "using the gifts of the people in God´s church". The first day of the conference began with a worship service lead by Pastor Vasquez from Monterrey and Pastor Dominguez from Puebla. Following the service, Professor Schlomer led us in a study on the various ministries that can be found within a church. Working together in groups, the pastors and seminary students looked at various Bible passages and discovered how the Bible showed Christians using their gifts in a whole spectrum of different ministries. We were then challenged to see how we could apply these same ministries to our congregations. Following a delicious lunch, Pastor Larry M. Schlomer continued with a Bible Study on the priesthood of all believers. He reminded us that one of the most important roles we have as pastors is to delegate responsibility. After a closing devotion by Pastor Sanchez, most of the pastors and seminary students stuck around for a get together that followed. We feasted on tacos of carne asada and played Dominoes late into the night.

The next day began with a devotion by the vicar. Following the devotion, pastor Israel from Monterrey presented a text study on Ephesians chapter 4. Professor Schuetze from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary followed by delivering a paper on the "Requirements of Ministry". This paper discussed the various requirements needed by someone in the pastoral ministry. After another hearty lunch, Pastor Sanchez provided the final presentation of the conference. He discussed what the Mexican synod´s plan was for the seminary in Torreón. He also encouraged the pastors to continue to look for candidates within their own congregations who had the gifts to serve in the public ministry. The conference ended with a devotion by Pastor Cajas from Mexico City.

Overall, the conference was a great experience for all involved as it provided a great amount of fellowship between members of the IELC and WELS. Together we grew in our understanding of the gifts God has given to each and every one of us in his church.