Despite tropical weather threats, Hispanic pastors and evangelical leaders from all over Florida gathered Saturday, September 28, for an Evangelism Summit in Miami organized by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA).
The one-day event welcomed over 400 church leaders for a day of Biblical teaching, fellowship, worship, and conversations on the church’s calling to proclaim the Gospel.
This was the second event of its kind this year following an Evangelism Summit in Denver, Colorado, in August. Another will be held in New York City on Oct. 26.
Since its founding, BGEA has sought to work alongside local churches, encouraging and equipping them to keep evangelism at the core of their efforts.
“My hope is that [we] can catalyze a focus on evangelism,” shared Joe Mott, senior director for Hispanic Ministries at BGEA. “People are excited and they clearly know their calling, but oftentimes the church needs resources and training.”
Throughout the summit in Miami, speakers emphasized the importance of preaching the Biblical Gospel and discipling younger generations.
Author and speaker Sixto Porras explained how parents have one of the most important jobs in evangelism: raising disciples at home. He also encouraged parents to invite their children to work alongside them in sharing the Good News.
“One of the greatest blessings I’ve had in my life is to have the opportunity to do ministry with my son,” he said.
Sebastián Franz, a Paraguayan author and ministry leader, challenged the audience to dive deeper into their relationships with younger people.
“Discipleship is more than having coffee with someone,” he said. “It has to be centered in the Scriptures. Jesus said in John 14: ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word.’ Our discipleship has to be focused on intentionally studying and learning the Scriptures.”
Hispanic pastor Franz Mar believes this summit will change the way he approaches ministry.
“Here God has put in my heart that evangelism begins in the local church. The churches need to be challenged and called to be mobilized with their own resources, whether they have a little or a lot,” he said. “The church should not stay within its four walls, but go out into the world.”
Another attendee, Carlos Cabello, shared unity is essential for expanding God’s kingdom.
“In this event God has brought me back to the roots,” said Cabello. “We have to go back out there looking for souls together. Everyone out there needs God.”
“I came in with a lot of expectation,” he continued, “and I left full—full of the Holy Spirit and full of God’s love. We Christians need meetings like this, where you are with other Christians and you are recharged with the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Mott explained that BGEA plans to return to Miami to continue equipping, mobilizing, and collaborating with local pastors in Southern Florida.
“This was just the start of what we are going to do in the region and as we provide training next year, local churches will be mobilized and we will partner together for the Gospel,” Mott said.
All pastors and Hispanic church leaders in the United States are invited to sign up for the Evangelism Summit in New York City. Reserve your spot today.
