In March, the nation’s first Spanish-language Residency Builder was hosted in partnership with the North American Mission Board and Hispanic Ministries of the SBC of Virginia (SBCV). This milestone marked a significant step toward equipping Hispanic churches for intentional leadership development and church planting, and for helping them meet the growing need for Gospel-centered ministry in their communities.
Winston Williams, regional leader of Send Network Español, led the training. Thirteen pastors and ministry leaders from ten churches participated, united by a shared commitment to multiplication and mission. The event also drew participants from beyond Virginia, including Pastor Angel Izquierdo from Florida and Henry Garcia from West Virginia—evidence of growing interest in expanding vision and a desire to see this model implemented across different contexts.
The Residency Builder equips churches to establish sustainable residency programs that identify, train, and send future church planters. The programming emphasizes hands-on ministry, mentoring, and theological formation within the context of the local church. Rather than relying primarily on classroom instruction, this approach fosters a culture of discipleship and multiplication, where emerging leaders are trained in real ministry settings under the guidance of experienced pastors.
One encouraging outcome is that three churches have already begun taking steps to launch their own residency programs. This reflects both a commitment to invest in future leaders and a clear vision to expand the reach of the Gospel through church planting. By establishing residency programs, churches are positioning themselves to raise up and send qualified leaders who will go on to plant new congregations throughout the state. ●
