The aim of this thesis is to show the importance of providing well constructed programs of theological education for pastors in the South
American nation of Colombia. The establishment of the Protestant Church in
that land provides the background. The Roman Catholic opposition, the
political violence, the missionary/national conflicts, the cultish Pentecostalism
and the national pastors' lack of education supply the study's framework.
Underlying the research is the attempt to show the importance of providing
solid biblical training for Colombia's national pastors by showing the success
of the FLET (Spanish acronym for Latin American Faculty of Theological
Education) educational programs in transforming 300 churches of the
Asociaci6n de Iglesias Evangelicas def Caribe (The Association of
Evangelical Churches of the Caribbean).
Chapter 1 presents the highly diverse nation of Colombia, describing
how the uncertain political climate has prevailed throughout its history, from
the pre-Colonial era through modern times. The effect of the Inquisition is
analyzed, including the persecution that ensued and how it delayed the arrival
of Protestants in that country. A description of the post-Colonial era during the
nineteenth century shows Spain's loss of power in Latin America, followed by
the fight for independence by Colombia and Venezuela. As the political
climate began to change, Protestants were identified with the new political
liberal movement and thus welcomed into the country.
Chapter 2 presents a look into the Colombian nation today. A
description of its geography, people, resources, transportation systems and
economy is provided. The rise of the guerrilla movement is explained,
including an introduction of the main characters, including "Tirofijo", creator of
the FARC; Pablo Escobar, leader of the infamous Medellin Cartel; and Camilo
Torres; Colombia's revolutionary priest. This chapter portrays the formation of
the paramilitary army, and explains how it was eventually discredited for its
abuses.
In Chapter 3 the growth and struggles of Protestants in Latin America
is described. When Napoleon invaded Spain, the Inquisition was abolished,
resulting in an invitation by President Mosquera for missionaries to enter
Colombia. This chapter explains how political convulsions eventually brought
about change, which opened the doors for Protestants. A correlation between
politics and religion emerged, with Catholics being recognized as
Conservatives while Protestants were identified with the Liberals. A return to
power by the Conservative party and the Catholic Church marked the signing
of a "Concordat" between Colombia and Rome and many obstacles for the
Protestants. The differences between Catholicism and Protestantism are
presented, including the influence of religion on the Indians and the limitations
placed on non-Catholics.
Chapter 4 presents the challenges faced by the Protestant Church in
Colombia and introduces the four major problems dealt with in this thesis, all
having to do with the education of national church leaders. Rapid growth of
the Protestant Church began in Colombia after the Second Vatican Council
declared that Protestants were "separated brethren," thus removing the
stigma of heresy from Protestants. Protestant churches multiplied as a result
of the great emphasis on evangelism, on the one hand, and the popular
doctrines of neo-Pentecostals on the other. Since there were few well-taught
ministers available, ill-prepared leaders were named as pastors.
Consequently, little importance was given to the need of preserving the
biblical doctrines and the theological heritage introduced by the missionaries.
The resulting tangle of teachings and doctrinal confusion led to the
hypothesis: the establishment and growth of Protestantism is dependent on
the biblical and theological education of its leadership. Those involved in
building the Church must train the national leaders so that they build their
churches on the historic essentials of Christianity. This hypothesis is spelled
out in response to the four serious problems that emerge as a result of the
growth of the Protestant Church in Colombia. The chapter explains how
efforts were made to remove the severe educational handicap of pastors and
national leaders alike.
Chapter 5 shows how the Protestant Church overall was affected by
the four main problems identified by this thesis. After identifying the basic
problems of the Protestant Church in Colombia, the chapter discusses
possible solutions. The chapter details the researcher's personal and
professional background, including his experiences and observations of the
Protestant Church throughout Latin America, leading to the formation of the
FLET pastor education program by LOGOI Ministries headquartered in Miami,
Florida. The chapter concludes by introducing the education program
designed for pastors already in service, but with limited Bible and doctrinal
studies.
Chapter 6 details how the LOGOI pastor education program was
introduced in Colombia and the way it impacted the 300 churches of the
Asociaci6n de Iglesias Evangelicas def Caribe (AIEC), the churches
associated with the Latin America Mission. A description of the program and
methodologies used by LOGOI in Colombia to train pastors with little
education is discussed. The study dates from Vatican II onward, the late
1960s to the mid 1980s. Although details vary from one denomination of
churches to another, the findings are broad enough to provide a general
picture of the condition of the Protestant Church in Colombia overall.
Chapter 7 completes the story of the training of the 300 AIEC pastors,
but also seeks to validate the researcher's hypothesis-the indispensable
need of pastors for a biblical and theological education. The implication of
this research is that if Historic Protestantism is to have a lasting, significant
role in Colombia as well as throughout Latin America the pastors propagating
it must have a solid biblical and theological education. Further, what has been
seen in Colombia may serve as an example to other Protestant churches in
other nations. It is maintained that churches that have sustained growth are
those built around well-trained leaders who hold faithfully to the teachings of
the Bible, rather than on those who rely on mere piety, zeal, good religious
programs, emotionalism, or on good will.
The conclusion highlights the researcher's special findings as he
follows the history of the growth of Protestantism in Colombia. Then he
reviews the priority given by missionaries to evangelism, contrasted with the
lack of emphasis on training national pastors. The importance of training
national pastors for the establishment of the Protestant Church in Colombia
follows, and is demonstrated by the rapid growth of Protestantism, the
unexpected departure of most missionaries and the introduction of debilitating
popular doctrines by neo-Pentecostals. The researcher ends presenting
personal conclusions along with his view of the role Christian orthodoxy plays
in the transfer of the church from the pioneering missionaries to the ongoing
leadership of national pastors.