North Park Theological Seminary Panel Discussion
North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago partnered with the Santiago Partnership for our Reverse Mission Trip earlier this month by hosting a panel discussion entitled “Community Development: Joining with God for a More Just and Flourishing World.”
The panel featured Esther Moreira from our Ecuadorian team, Paul Hawkinson, founder of Transform Capital, and Glenn Peterson, Senior Director of Church Planting for the Evangelical Covenant Church.
Esther shared her thoughts after the event. “The North Park Panel was meaningful for me. I enjoyed sharing about the ministry, and it was a privilege to represent our organization and share about the ministry in Ecuador. I appreciated the intentional engagement from everyone present and their humility and kindness, even though they were so experienced. It reminded me once again of God’s faithfulness and the importance of walking together as a global church, because it creates space for transformation—not only in Ecuador, but in all of us who participate in the mission.”
What an amazing opportunity it was for our team to share how ministry is done in Ecuador and to bring those same practices here to us while in the States. Discussions on various topics were presented, and the audience had a chance to ask questions during the Q&A at the end. Collaboration is a wonderful tool for any organization, and there is always something to learn from others, especially those in other countries and cultures.
Associate Professor of Ministry, Dr. Bret Windman, commented, “It was so wonderful to hear from our expert panelists about how community development and church planting are rooted in the belief that God is already at work and we get the privilege to join Him in his work!
Leaving us with these words, Esther offered, “We are all seated at the Lord’s table; we have received His bread, and now we are called to share it with others.”
