Tim’s ministry in Baja California is one that centers around the equipping of leaders. He teaches classes in the Mexicali Seminary’s residential, night and extension programs. In addition he facilitates a continuing education program for current pastors and leaders. Here’s a glimpse into one other facet of his ministry that of planning special conferences and workshops for the Seminary and the community of churches it serves.
It was a great gathering of church leaders from this Mexican peninsula we call Baja California. They came from the very southern tip -- from Cabo San Lucas and Cabo San Jose -- and they came from just across the US border in Calexico, as well as from many places in between. Those from the farthest points south traveled over 1,200 miles, one way; those from the north, Calexico, had but a two mile trip to the Mexicali Seminary.
Consequently, for one week in February the Seminary was filled to overflowing both day and night as over sixty leaders met for a series of workshops and to hear preaching led by leaders from churches in the United States. It was one of those weeks that the participants did not want to see end. Over 50 received certificates for perfect attendance. Different than most of our continuing education workshops in which Hispanic or Latin American facilitators lead us in sessions, this was a week that required translation. Pastor Tom Lipsey, Montgomery Community Church of Cincinnati, and Pastor Vic Gordon, First Baptist of Huntington Beach/Fountain Valley, CA joined us as this semester’s conference speakers.
Biblical studies on the Kingdom of God in the New Testament and conferences on the Christian family highlighted our time together. It was also good to hear sermons and talks from the perspective of pastors who are leading their churches into becoming more missional in nature, where reaching out both at home and around the world becomes the identity of the church. Through the input of our invited speakers we were able to get a better look at some issues facing churches north of the border, more specifically, how they are seeking to be faithful to the Gospel of Christ in a world that is far different than just a generation ago, while at the same time making needed changes so that the unchurched will hear and respond to the Good News and so that those who are believers will mature in our discipleship to Christ.
Such special conferences have become a regular part of the program offered by the Seminary. The content of that offered is always important, yet perhaps that which truly imbues significance to the time together is a strong sense of spirit, fellowship and worship that makes it exhilarating and just plain fun to join together with colleagues for an intense week of studies.