{"id":86015,"date":"2026-06-08T00:46:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T06:46:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesonaz.org\/?p=86015"},"modified":"2026-06-08T00:46:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T06:46:57","slug":"north-area-theological-conference-celebrates-the-work-of-the-holy-spirit-and-50-years-of-stn","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mesonaz.org\/en\/north-area-theological-conference-celebrates-the-work-of-the-holy-spirit-and-50-years-of-stn\/","title":{"rendered":"North Area Theological Conference Celebrates the Work of the Holy Spirit and 50 Years of STN"},"content":{"rendered":"

The work of the Holy Spirit in the Church was at the heart of a gathering that brought together leaders from across the North Area while celebrating five decades of ministerial training at Nazarene Theological Seminary (STN).<\/em><\/p>\n

More than 300 people, including district superintendents, pastors, and leaders from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, gathered in Guatemala City from 14\u201316 May 2026 to participate in the theological conference, \u201cIn Spirit and Truth: The Work of the Holy Spirit in the Past, Present, and Future of the Church of the Nazarene in the North Area,\u201d held at the STN.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Organized by the North Area Office, the Nazarene Theological Seminary (STN), the Guatemala Nazarene Theological Seminary (SENATEG), and the Regional Theological Education Office, the event aimed to reflect on the work of the Holy Spirit in the past, present, and future of the Church of the Nazarene in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.<\/p>\n

The conference focused on three main themes: The Spirit and the Call<\/em>, The Spirit and Ministry<\/em>, and The Spirit and the Church<\/em>. Presentations were led by global, regional, and area leaders, including Dr. Klaus Arnold, Global Director of Clergy Development; Dr. Brian Wilson, superintendent of the South Florida District, USA; Rev. Jimmy De Gouveia, regional director; and Rev. Carlos Cordero, North Area Strategy Coordinator, along with other invited leaders.<\/p>\n

Each presentation highlighted the work the Holy Spirit has accomplished through the Church of the Nazarene in these three countries and encouraged participants to look toward the future with hope and commitment, guided by the Lord\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am grateful to the organizers for creating this space. The Church of the Nazarene in El Salvador needs more moments like this\u2014moments when we dare to look at ourselves with honesty and hope at the same time,\u201d said Rev. Eder Quintanilla, superintendent of the El Salvador East District.<\/p>\n

Fifty Years Preparing Leaders for the Mission<\/strong><\/p>\n

The conference also served as the setting to celebrate the 50-year history of the Nazarene Theological Seminary (STN), an institution that opened its doors on 5 May 1976 and has played a vital role in the biblical, theological, and ministerial training of pastors and leaders in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.<\/p>\n

As part of the celebration, commemorative plaques were unveiled in recognition of the institution\u2019s legacy and service throughout the past five decades. Participating in the ceremony were Rev. Ulises Sol\u00eds, rector of STN; Dr. Klaus Arnold; district superintendents; pastors; and members of the seminary\u2019s academic and administrative staff.<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the impact of the seminary, Rev. Ulises Sol\u00eds shared:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis institution has prepared men and women through biblical and theological education, equipping them both for ministry in the local church and for theological teaching, training and preparing future educators.\u201d<\/p>\n

Recognition of Rev. Ulises Sol\u00eds<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the celebration, a special recognition was also presented to Rev. Ulises Sol\u00eds for his outstanding leadership and service as rector of STN. The tribute was presented by Rev. Jimmy De Gouveia, Rev. Carlos Cordero, district superintendents, and Rev. Jorge Ba\u00f1os, regional education coordinator, in appreciation for his years of service and leadership in ministerial formation.<\/p>\n

The recognition carried special significance as Rev. Sol\u00eds will soon conclude his service as rector and enter retirement alongside his wife, Kelly de Sol\u00eds.<\/p>\n

A Time of Consecration and Renewal<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to the conference sessions, the event included evening worship services featuring inspiring messages from God\u2019s Word. Attendees experienced moments of reflection, spiritual renewal, and consecration, responding to the Lord\u2019s call to continue serving faithfully in their ministries and communities.<\/p>\n

The conference delivered a clear message to the Church of the Nazarene in the North Area: continue moving forward under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, strengthening the Church\u2019s call, ministry, and mission for present and future generations.<\/p>\n

Source:<\/strong> Rev. Jorge Ba\u00f1os, Regional Education Coordinator, Mesoamerica Region.<\/p>\n\n\t\t