Latino Ministries
Contact
Rev. Abner Cotto-Bonilla
National Coordinator, Latino Ministries & Program Director, Creciendo Juntos
Phone
Strengthening Latino leadership, congregations, and communities
Latino Ministries supports and empowers Latino American Baptist congregations and leaders across the United States and Puerto Rico. Through leadership development, scholarships, church resources, and collaborative ministry initiatives, it helps prepare communities for faithful witness, discipleship, and prophetic justice in a quickly changing cultural environment.
Latino communities are among the fastest-growing populations in the United States. As congregations adapt to new opportunities and challenges, Latino Ministries collaborates with churches, pastors, and emerging leaders to develop ministries that are vibrant, culturally rooted, and missionally engaged.
Rooted in over a century of American Baptist outreach within Latino communities, the program demonstrates ABHMS’s lasting dedication to empowering congregations and nurturing Christ-centered leadership.
A legacy of ministry and partnership
Mission work among Latino communities has been part of ABHMS’ story for generations, tracing back to mission efforts in Puerto Rico in 1899 and the founding of the first Hispanic Baptist mission church in Santa Barbara, California, in 1901.
Today, Latino Ministries continues that legacy by partnering with churches, regions, and community leaders to expand opportunities for leadership development, congregational vitality, and ministry collaboration.
Congregations across the American Baptist family rely on this support network to strengthen local ministry and faithfully respond to the needs of their communities.
How Latino Ministries serves churches and leaders
Latino Ministries provides a range of resources and opportunities designed to strengthen ministry and expand leadership capacity.
Denominational resources in Spanish
Accessible materials that support worship, discipleship, and church life.Workshops and leadership training
Training opportunities that equip pastors and lay leaders for effective ministry in Latino contexts.Scholarships for students and seminarians
Financial support for Latino students pursuing higher education and theological formation in the United States and Puerto Rico.Mission experiences and partnerships
Opportunities for churches to participate in local mission initiatives and host visiting mission groups.Leadership recruitment and placement
Support in identifying and connecting gifted leaders with ministry opportunities across the American Baptist family.
Growing together in ministry
Latino Ministries also supports initiatives that nurture the next generation of leaders and strengthen family and congregational life. One of these initiatives is Creciendo Juntos, a ministry that supports churches as they cultivate faith formation within Latino families and communities.
Grow in community.
Lead with purpose.
Latino Ministries brings together pastors, leaders, and congregations to strengthen faith, cultivate leadership, and respond to the needs of a changing world. Whether you’re seeking connection, resources, or new opportunities for ministry, you are invited into a community shaped by shared mission and mutual support.
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Connect with Latino Ministries
Begin a conversation with ABHMS to explore how your ministry can grow, lead, and serve with strength and cultural wisdom.
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Join the Community
Engage with Latino Baptist leaders and congregations to build relationships, strengthen leadership, and grow in shared mission.
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Explore Leadership Opportunities
Discover trainings, gatherings, and pathways that equip emerging and established leaders across diverse cultural contexts.
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Discover Creciendo Juntos
See how ABHMS is expanding its capacity to work with Latino Baptist leaders and congregations to better address the needs of this vibrant community.
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Support this Work
Invest in leadership development and intercultural ministry that nurtures vibrant Latino Baptist faith communities.