The Affinity Group Grant supported the project Empowering Latino Young Adult Leaders Through Ministerial Leadership Formation at El Dios Viviente United Methodist Church. Pastor Gerardo and his wife, Adriana, are deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of church leaders. They believe that with intentional guidance, spiritual formation, and encouragement, that young adults can confidently assume greater leadership roles within the congregation and the broader community. This work is especially significant in the current context, as many Latino young adults and their families are experiencing heightened fear, uncertainty, and anxiety related to immigration. These realities have made community-building efforts more challenging to organize, yet also more urgently needed.
In late August, El Dios Viviente United Methodist Church hosted a retreat designed to provide young leaders from this Hispanic church with a space away from daily distractions. The retreat created an environment where leaders could experience spiritual and personal growth within a supportive Christian community. The retreat included activities like: Bible studies and leadership-focused workshops, times of praise and worship, guided prayer and meditation sessions, and team-building exercises and recreational activities. Organizing this retreat required intentional effort and pastoral sensitivity, as fears around immigration enforcement and family separation have made many young adults hesitant to travel, gather, or participate in overnight events. Despite these challenges, the retreat became a powerful testimony of the faith, trust, and resilience of the leaders at El Dios Viviente UMC.