Deacon training to be offered in Spanish.

In order to be a truly intercultural denomination, it is critical that we have continuity throughout the work we do, that we consider the whole of our life together as an intercultural community. One effort toward such continuity will come to fruition on Aug. 14 when deacon training will be offered with full Spanish translation at the Nuevo Amanecer Fellowship in Bethlehem, Pa.

To date, bilingual training has been provided by multiple individuals on multiple topics. We are grateful for and are building on that foundation, with a goal of developing core competencies among all denominational deacons, regardless of language or culture.

In his work with Nuevo Amanecer and pastor Fausto Carrasco, intercultural ministries director Ruben Deoleo learned that the congregation’s deacons were interested in the same types of training workshops now being offered in English around the country. How could they take advantage of these presentations and materials in the primary language of their own faith community, Spanish? Within a matter of weeks a day of training had been scheduled, and all printed workshop materials were quickly translated into Spanish.

Phase I of providing this training in Spanish is simultaneous translation; one of the members of the fellowship will translate as the presenter offers the training in English. This is not an ideal situation, however, so future plans will be to offer a "train the trainer" program so that Spanish-speaking trainers are fully equipped to offer all of the same workshops now available in English.

Congregational Life Ministries is very excited to be able to offer this deacon training session in August and, along with the Nuevo Amanecer Fellowship, encourage other congregations with deacons whose primary language is Spanish to take advantage of this day of worship, fellowship, and learning.

For more information and to register, visit www.brethren.org/deacontraining. For questions, or if you are interested in becoming a trainer, contact Donna Kline, director of deacon ministry, dkline@brethren.org or 800-323-8039.

-- Donna Kline is director of the Church of the Brethren’s Deacon Ministry.

Source: 7/7/2010 Newsline