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 seminarians studying to be 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, for 4-6 weeks
• Mid-September, for 4-6 weeks
• June, for 4-6 weeks

Cost: $600-$800/week.

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

Note: Beginning Spanish students should plan for six weeks. For those with some Spanish, a baseline Spanish test is required to determine how much time is needed.