USA Portuguese-Speaking Ministries Aligns with Hispanic Ministries
The Church of God International Executive Committee recently recommended that the office of USA Portuguese-speaking ministries be repositioned to the office of Hispanic Ministries. The Church of God Portuguese USA ministry is led by Bishop Euler and Sara Cecilio.
Mission North America divisional director, Dr. J. David Stephens, affirmed Bishop Cecilio’s commitment to lead the USA Portuguese-speaking congregations of the Church of God into greater efficiency in church growth, church planting and revitalization of churches that have plateaued.
According to Mission North America, the Church of God has a thriving presence among the Portuguese-speaking countries. There are more than 280 million who speak Portuguese throughout the world. The most populous country is Brazil, with a population of over 207 million. It is estimated that over 730,000 people in the United States speak Portuguese in the home, making it the seventh most natively spoken language in the world and the second most spoken Romance language in the world, after Spanish.
“The Office of Hispanic Ministries is honored to assist in leading the USA Portuguese-speaking ministries of the Church of God,” stated Director of Hispanic Ministries Carlos Moran. According to Moran, as the transition is being implemented, a renewed commitment to church growth and church planting is being emphasized. Bishop Cecilio has identified the critical needs of the ministers, pastors and congregations and will diligently work to meet them. The recruitment and training of new ministers and pastors is significantly important to the development of USA Portuguese-speaking ministries. Moreover, the translation, publication and distribution of resources from English to Portuguese is critical to the fulfillment of the vision and mission of USA Portuguese-speaking ministries.
Moran stated, “As the consolidation of the Portuguese-speaking ministries of the Church of God in the USA continues, there will be a great need for interdependence with other ministries, including the Brazilian Church of God. As churches are planted and added to the Church of God family, Hispanic Ministries will share the good news. In the meantime, connect with us in praying for this endeavor and help us look for Portuguese-speaking brothers and sisters that want to join the Church of God.”
(Source: Church of God Hispanic Ministries)
