South Florida seminary classes train future leaders

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)—Long days and sleepless nights typify Efrain Salcedo’s weekly schedule.

FBC photo by Vanessa Rodriguez

Youth at Primera Iglesia Bautista, Miami, benefit from the teaching of Efrain Salcedo, a student at the South Florida branch of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in Miami.

A student at the South Florida Branch of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS) in Miami, Salcedo also serves as youth minister and associate pastor at Primera Iglesia Bautista, Miami.

The heavy load of assignments and ministry are not detected in Salcedo’s light-hearted laugh as he relates to the youth and church members.

“It is the price to be better equipped,” said Salcedo. “This is my life. I’m not trying to get a better job. This is my call.”

For 25 years ethnic ministers and pastors, like Salcedo, have utilized the NOBTS center to learn how to lead and start new churches that reach south Florida’s communities with the Gospel.

Established in September 1977, the center birthed from a partnership between the Florida Baptist Convention, Miami Baptist Association, Home Mission Board and NOBTS. Their cooperative goal was to provide south Florida with seminary training for its ethnically diverse population.

Providing courses in Spanish, French, English and Portuguese, the center also offers the opportunity to earn the associate, baccalaureate and masters degrees in theological studies.

The seminary’s impact on area churches is obvious to Salcedo who said the theological center is, “a beacon shining to equip ministers to be good leaders.” For him it is a place to receive the seminary education he feels is necessary to be the leader God wants.

His transition into full time ministry was slow. After voluntarily leading the church’s youth program for 10 years, Salcedo was brought on staff, where his father is pastor, and given additional responsibilities of associate pastor in 2002.

He soon felt the need for additional training. Without uprooting his family or prematurely abandoning his ministerial duties he began to take courses at the NOBTS center that year.

Technology provides a unique educational opportunity for individuals who take courses at the theological education facility.

Students sometimes participate in lectures held by professors at the NOBTS main campus via satellite. The professors teach live and NOBTS branches receive live television transmissions. Students at each of the sites are able to see and heard other students through TV monitors.

Using the live feed, students can interrupt the professor to ask a question. When the system signals the teacher, students are addressed to speak into a microphone.

“It gives you the feeling that you are a part of the lecturer’s class,” said Salcedo. “You get used to the satellite interaction and as a result, you get quality teaching,” he added.

Though the convenience of the seminary branch location appealed to Salcedo, the “quality” of his education was equally important.

Balancing responsibilities are not easy, but Salcedo said he is “pierced” by his professors’ challenges to seek a greater knowledge of God.

“I could drop it all and take it easy, but I am accountable to God so I want to be a better servant and learn so I can teach and edify His church.”