Landmark Ordination In Spanish

A report from Carlos Contreras, Senior Pastor of Gracia Soberana de Ciudad Juarez and SGC Representative to Mexico & Latin America…

A week ago we traveled to the beautiful historic state of Guanajuato, in the central part of Mexico. The church Iglesia Bíblica Gracia Sublime meets in the city of Silao, where this past Saturday, September 12th, we had the privilege of ordaining Manolo Quintal as an elder in Sovereign Grace Churches in a special outdoor event. Manolo has been serving this church as a pastor for more than 10 years and is now the first SGC ordained elder from an adopted church in the Mexico region of SGC. 

This is also a landmark ordination, since Manolo chose to fulfill all the requirements for ordination in SGC and is the first pastor prepared for ordination by following the Spanish Ordination Guide. During the ceremony I had the privilege to share a message on the weight and the blessing of the pastoral call, as well as the biblical requirements for eldership. Following, Abelardo Muñoz described the biblical and theological study and tests required of Manolo, praising him for his faithfulness and excellent results.

Testimonies were given to affirm God's calling of Manolo as a pastor, that also highlighted his humility, tenderness, teachability and love, all of which led him to seek adoption into SGC in order to lead God's church faithfully. SGC regional pastors attended from nearby churches in Arandas and Guadalajara and many of them were witnesses to the event through the live internet feed. Other local pastors from the cities of Guanajuato, León and Moroleón were also present.

After Manolo and the congregation responded forcefully to the charges presented to them, we prayed and laid hands on Manolo who was accompanied by his wife Betty. In all it was a moving and heartfelt occasion in the life of Manolo, his family, his team and this newly adopted church.

We are thankful and marvel at the kindness of God who is bringing every year more like-minded churches and pastors to SGC with the desire to join our family of churches. Please join us in praying that God will raise up many other faithful men in Mexico and Latin America to carry on the noble task of caring and leading His church.