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Development, who was also in attendance for the launch of
the program. “There is a palpable, growing desire among our
people for theological education and training. Chile is only the
beginning of a growing list of nations and states where the
diploma program is set to bring the accessible, practical training.
I am grateful for our partnership with the PTS and CLS for
making this program available to our constituents.”

A pioneering event concludes today as more than 50 students Sixty-six students have been accepted into the program
and 10 national overseers leave the first meeting of the first in Chile thus far. The program is initially set to offer up to six
international diploma cohort being offering by the Church courses per year for these students.
of God of Prophecy’s Accredited Ministry Development, in “This is an historic moment for the Center for Latino Studies
collaboration with the Center for Latino Studies (CLS) at the and the Pentecostal Theological Seminary, as we embark on a
Pentecostal Theological Seminary (PTS).
project that goes beyond our local mission and partners with
The program offers ministers and church leaders an opportunity institutions that are globally engaged in theological education,”
to study courses that lead to a Diploma in Wesleyan-Pentecostal said Dr. Wilmer Estrada-Carrasquillo.
Ministry. These courses are offered online with opportunities Those wishing to support this program may give to a scholarship
for students to participate in face-to-face intensives with fund established by AMD. All of the gifts given to the South
qualified instructors.
America Education Fund go to sponsor schools and students
The inaugural cohort met November 9–12, 2017, at the participating in this program. To give, visit cogopamd.org.
Church of God of Prophecy’s national complex in Santiago,
Chile. Students participated in two courses, “Roots of Pentecostal The Diploma in Wesleyan-Pentecostal Ministry equips laity
Spirituality,” taught by Dr. Wilfredo Estrada-Adorno, former and ministers who are actively serving or are called to serve
director of the Center for Latino Studies, and “Applied Theology, their local communities. It is a pre-seminary qualifying program
Research, and Writing,” taught by Dr. Wilmer Estrada-Carrasquillo, for those who are seeking to expand their theological education.
acting director of the Center. Upon successful completion, the student will be able to apply
to any master’s degree at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary.
“This is the beginning of great process that will educate This 90-unit program that is certified by the Association for
more than 1,000 pastors in South America” said Gabriel Vidal, Hispanic Theological Education (AETH) and approved by the
general presbyter of South America. “I believe this initiative Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in the United States
will change the course of the Church in South America.” and Canada.

In addition to the students in attendance, national overseers
of the Church of God of Prophecy throughout South America
gathered to observe the courses and dialogue about bringing
the program to their respective areas.
“The response in Chile to the diploma program has been
overwhelming and participation far exceeded our expectations,”
said Shaun McKinley, director of Accredited Ministry

26 WWM FEBRUARY 2018