Discover. Immerse. Equip.

Latino culture is beautifully diverse, shaped by language, heritage, family traditions, and faith. The “Looking South: A Cultural-Theological Latino Immersion” program invites pastors from the Florida-Bahamas Synod (ELCA) to experience this rich cultural landscape firsthand—and to return home better equipped to engage with Latino communities.

This two-month immersion in Mexico City combines language learning, cultural exploration, theological reflection, and hands-on ministry insights. Participants will return with sharpened Spanish skills, a deeper understanding of Latin American Lutheran identity, and a contextual strategy for engaging Latino ministries in their home congregations.

Program Overview

Launching Spring 2026
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
For: Non-Latino pastors in the Florida-Bahamas Synod (ELCA)

Focus Areas:

• Spanish language immersion

• Latin American and Caribbean cultural identity

• Liberation theology and theology of migration

• Latin American Lutheran liturgy and perspectives

• Strategic engagement with Latino communities

Partner Institutions in Mexico

Centro de Enseñanza para Extranjeros (CEPE)

Located at the prestigious Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), CEPE provides Spanish instruction and cultural courses tailored for non-native speakers.

• 6-week immersive Spanish and culture courses

• Levels 1–8 (placement test required)

• Topics: language, history, literature, and art

• Format: In-person, online, or hybrid

Seminario Luterano Augsburgo (SEMLA)

A key hub for Latin American Lutheran theology.

• 2-week theological seminar

• Topics: Liberation theology, Lutheran identity, feminist theology, liturgy, and migration

• Includes visits to Lutheran and ecumenical ministry sites in Mexico City

Program Purpose & Goals

Purpose:
To strengthen the Synod’s capacity for multicultural ministry by preparing non-Latino pastors to lead, support, and engage with Spanish-speaking communities more effectively.

Goals:

• Deepen language and cultural competency

• Understand Latin American Lutheran theology and identity

• Develop actionable ministry strategies tailored to local Latino communities

Candidate Requirements

• Intermediate Spanish proficiency (verified by CEPE placement exam)

• Commitment to implementing a Latino ministry initiative for at least 5 years

• Support—spiritual, moral, and financial—from local congregation and Synod

• Approval by local church council and Synod’s candidate evaluation committee

Program Modalities

Choose the format that fits your context:

A. Full In-Person

• CEPE: Jan 12–Feb 26 (6 weeks)

• SEMLA: Feb 28–Mar 14 (2 weeks)

B. Integrated In-Person

• CEPE: Jan 12–Feb 26

• SEMLA: Evening classes and site visits during CEPE weeks

C. Fully Online

• CEPE and SEMLA courses offered virtually (Zoom, WhatsApp)

D. Hybrid

• CEPE: Online (6 weeks)

• SEMLA: In-person (2 weeks)

Program Costs

• CEPE Tuition: $500
• SEMLA Tuition: $500
• SEMLA Room & Board: $3,180
• Local Transportation: $200
• Incidentals: $300
• Airfare: $500
• Congregation Coverage (2 mo.): $3,000

Total: $8,180

Travel & Documentation

• No visa required for U.S. citizens staying under 60 days

• International health insurance required

• Up-to-date immunizations recommended

After the Trip: Implementation & Follow-Up

Each participant will return home with a contextualized ministry plan, developed during the program with guidance from SEMLA. Follow-up steps include:

• Monthly cohort check-ins and peer support

• Mapping tools and demographic studies (e.g., MissionInsite)

• Partnerships with local Latino leaders and ministries

• Worship and cultural events in Spanish

• Four post-program workshops with the Bishop on Latino engagement and theology

Contact

Interested pastors and congregations can contact Pastor Carlos Ham for more information about program details, requirements, and application timelines.

Phone: (813) 876-7660, ext. 212

Email: carlosh@fbsynod.org