Nazarene Theological Seminary of Peru hosted its annual national theological education conference September 8 through 10 to continue training those who lead the decentralized theological education programs.

More than 50 people representing most of Peru's districts attended, including teachers, pastors, and district superintendents. The themes and the presenters were “Theological Education and Mission” by missionary Irene Avelar, “The Sermon Dealing with Contemporary Challenges” by South America Regional Education Coordinator Jorge Julca, “Human Sexuality” by Gusman Quinteros, “University Methodology in Adult Education” by Professor Santiago Bobadilla of Santo Toribio University, and “Theological Education in Postmodernity” by David Aranda of the Evangelical Seminary of Lima.

Pastor David Balcazar directed a session in which district representatives worked in small groups to evaluate the decentralized theological education program using the SWOT analysis tool (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats).

Marcial Banda, director of the Diploma in Child and Adolescent program, introduced the program and presented upcoming projects for the next several years. There were also presentations on the youth pastor bachelor's program and Diploma in Youth Ministry, and David Balcazar was installed as the national coordinator of youth ministry.

--Church of the Nazarene South America Region