2025 Spanish Language Intensive for Pastors — Dominican Republic

The United States includes more than 63 million Hispanics. This makes it the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. In the LCMS, more than a dozen district presidents report a lack of Spanish-speaking pastors.

Because of this need, LCMS International Mission has developed an immersive Spanish course, tailor-made for pastors, Expanding the Spanish Footprint. The classes will provide the tools for pastors or seminary students studying to become pastors to reach Spanish speakers with the Gospel.

Students will spend 4-6 weeks immersed in the Spanish language and Latino culture in the Dominican Republic. In addition to formal language instruction (20 hours/week), students will have the opportunity to learn from local Lutheran pastors, seminarians and missionaries.

This course will explore topics relevant to developing relationships with Hispanic Americans, including:

Theological Currents in Latin America – Dig into Roman Catholicism, adoration of saints, the Virgin, Pentecostalism, syncretism, folk religion, and liberation theology.

Evangelistic Visitation and Rites – Accompany seminarians and pastors as they visit their members and neighbors. You will also gain familiarity with common rites, such as house blessings, quinceañera, Holy Baptism, marriage, etc.

Cultural Acquisition – Learn more about what culture (and culture shock) is. Then focus in on the Latin American context and its diversity.

2025 Sessions: 

• Mid-January: 2 seats (closed)
• Mid-June: 0 seats (filled)
• Mid-September: 3 seats

Cost: $700-$850/week

Cost includes: tuition, lodging, meals, local transport, coordination and emergency insurance.

Stories:

The Coffee Hour — Expanding the Spanish Footprint How does the Expanding the Spanish Footprint program equip pastors for ministry? The Rev. Ted Krey (LCMS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean) and Rev. David Mommens (Expanding the Spanish Footprint participant) join Andy and Sarah to discuss the critical need for Spanish-speaking pastors, the importance of cultural training alongside language skills, and the various components of the program designed to equip pastors for effective ministry in Spanish-speaking communities.