Turning A Corner
“Turning a corner” often describes a positive change after difficulty. In recent months, that phrase has taken on a deeper meaning as local pastors and denominational leaders across Latin America have stepped into greater ownership of Pastoring of Pastors and discipleship initiatives. What was once introduced and encouraged from the outside is now being led, shaped, and sustained from within.
Guatemala: Local Ownership Takes Root
In Guatemala, a significant shift became clear during meetings with leaders from the Convention of Baptist Churches of Guatemala (CIBG). Rather than asking whether Pastoring of Pastors should happen, leaders were focused on how to implement it. One member of a weekly mutual mentorship group was officially commissioned by the CIBG President to lead Pastoring of Pastors for pastors and spouses in the Guatemala City Metropolitan area.
On September 20, pastors from across the city gathered, many noting it was the first time they could remember all pastors meeting in one place. Sixteen were expected, but twenty-five pastors attended, with forty people present, including spouses and helpers. Before the gathering ended, the group set the next meeting date for October 27 and began planning monthly meetings with relevant topics. Their vision is to see this model spread across all 839 churches in their denomination.
During the same visit, pastors were also organizing a National Summit on Discipleship and Pastoring of Pastors. In both settings, the leadership and initiative were clearly local. Outside support was welcomed but not needed to drive the work. The movement had taken root.
El Salvador: Strengthened Unity
In El Salvador, Pastoring of Pastors has grown into a strong mutual support network. Pastors who had previously met virtually were able to gather in person, strengthening relationships marked by trust and unity. Alongside this ongoing group, a promotional event sponsored by the Association of Baptist Ministers of El Salvador (AMBES) led to the formation of an additional denominationally supported group, now meeting weekly.
Here too, the change is evident. What began as voluntary gatherings is becoming an intentional part of how denominations care for and support their pastors.
Bolivia: Leadership Fully Entrusted
In Bolivia, the Union of Baptist Churches of Bolivia (UBB) transferred responsibility for Discipleship and Pastoring of Pastors to the President of the National Pastors Union. This marked a further step toward full denominational leadership. On October 10 and 11, a retreat brought together seventy pastors and spouses. The event was fully organized and led locally, a moment of celebration and prayerful gratitude for the growth of the movement.
CBM Latin America Team: Shared Leadership
The Guatemala visit also included CBM Latin America Team meetings with partners from the five countries where CBM serves in the region. A significant shift is taking place as leadership increasingly emerges from within the countries themselves. Team members are becoming more connected across contexts, working collaboratively, and embracing a polycentric model of leadership rooted in local knowledge and experience.
Emmanuel Foundation: Signs of Growth
While in Guatemala, encouraging news also came from Bolivia. Goretty, who leads the Emmanuel Foundation in Cochabamba, shared progress on a new building that will allow the ministry to serve more children and mothers. Funding is coming together, construction is moving forward, and a volunteer music teacher is now working regularly with the children. Plans are underway for a visit next year, with the anticipation of seeing the children share what they have learned.
Across Guatemala, El Salvador, and Bolivia, a clear pattern is emerging. Leadership is being embraced locally. Vision is being sustained from within. And communities are finding new strength as they walk together. In many places, the corner has truly been turned.
