The Nazarene University of the Americas – UNINAZ (formerly known as SENDAS) recently held historic commencement ceremonies in the Kansas City and Metro New York districts. Thirty-one students combined graduated from the Diploma in Hispanic Pastoral Theology, Bachelor’s in Hispanic Pastoral Theology, and Master of Religious Studies programs, with a concentration in Church Mission.
UNINAZ President Rubén Fernández took the opportunity to renew the existing agreements with SENDAS, originally, now under the university.
Superintendent Kyle Poole signed on behalf of the Kansas City District and Superintendent Jeffrey Barker signed on behalf of Metro New York District.
Barker says that COVID-19 forced new realities upon the district.
“We needed new ministry models quickly,” Barker explained. “When everything shut down, including our in-person district ministry training program, SENDAS opened their arms to provide strong theological education to our Spanish-speaking ministerial candidates. They continue to be a strong partner to the Metro NY District.”
Formalizing the new partnership with UNINAZ allows the Metro New York District to focus on licensing and credentialing responsibilities while trusting its educational partners to provide a rich and deep theological preparation.
“Personally, I value our educational institutions and trust them to do what they do — educate and prepare our ministerial candidates to serve the Church of the Nazarene,” Barker said. “Thus, this partnership with UNINAZ is critical to the growth and ministry of the Church of the Nazarene in the greater NYC area.”
General superintendent Christian Sarmiento attended one of the ceremonies on 19 April 2026 in Stamford, Connecticut.
“I was able to witness firsthand the legacy of UNINAZ spanning decades, where I studied in 1977, nearly 49 years ago,” Sarmiento said. “It is very exciting to see the intercontinental influence of UNINAZ and how its students continue to advance the kingdom of God, literally around the world. I thank God for its leaders and for the fruits He continues to bestow upon the Church of the Nazarene and the church of God.”
Related: UNINAZ becomes first Nazarene liberal arts university in Spanish-speaking world