Hispanic pastors and leaders from every corner of North Carolina and surrounding states gathered at the Caraway Conference Center on April 24-26 for the Hispanic Pastors, Wives and Leaders Retreat. The retreat gave participants a time of fellowship and provided opportunities to experience spiritual nourishment, learn from leaders and be encouraged by preaching.
The weekend allowed attendees time to reconnect with each other and be reminded of their calling. Organizers said they saw God present in every part — through messages, worship, conversations and breakout sessions.
Miguel Núñez, professor of Christian leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Cathy Scheraldi-Núñez, a retired endocrinologist who leads the women’s ministry at Iglesia Bautista Internacional in Santo Domingo, spoke at this year’s annual retreat. They shared insights and wisdom on biblical leadership, how to form leadership teams, and how to face the spiritual warfare and sexual revolution impacting Hispanic churches.
Núñez challenged the group to live out the gospel with integrity and reminded them that leadership is about being deeply rooted in Christ.
“The church’s greatest need today is not more strategies, but more sanctified leaders,” Núñez said.
Scheraldi-Núñez spoke to pastors’ wives, reminding them of their value and that they are seen by God and by others. She spoke of the importance of caring for their emotional and spiritual well-being.
A young couple only two years into ministry said, “We didn’t know what to expect, but this felt like family. Being around people who carry the same weight encouraged us to keep going.”
Nine breakout leaders also taught about evangelism, biblical discipleship, small groups and the mobilization of missionaries. Lucas Guerrero and his band led the group of about 200 people in worship.
The group held a special time of fellowship and send-off for Amaury Santos, N.C. Baptists’ statewide Hispanic catalyst, who wrapped up 18 years of service to Hispanic churches in April. Pastors and church planters created and presented a video expressing both gratitude for Santos’ leadership and well wishes as he steps into a new season in ministry.
William Ortega, Hispanic church planting strategist for N.C. Baptists, offered words of appreciation on behalf of pastors and churches present. His wife, Orpha, also presented flowers to Santos’ wife, Virginia. Santos received a certificate of recognition for his service to N.C. Baptists before pastors prayed over the couple.
Ortega said the time with Hispanic leaders reminded him that they are not only looking for tools for ministry, but for connection, support and rest.
“Most of us serve in places that can feel spiritually and emotionally heavy,” he said. “When we come together like we did at Caraway, we’re reminded that we’re not alone. We’re part of something God is doing in and through Hispanic churches across North Carolina.”
Ortega shared that a church planter expressed gratitude to the speakers for helping him rethink discipleship. The planter was encouraged to focus on discipling leaders’ hearts over prioritizing systems.
Ortega hopes that this retreat can become a yearly rhythm for leaders to realign with God’s call.
“My hope is that leaders leave knowing God’s not finished with them.”
