First Ever Hispanic To Lead Congregation
WASHINGTON -- America's largest Hispanic Christian Organization, The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), The Hispanic National Association of Evangelicals, has announced a historic development as a Hispanic Pastor for the first time emerges as the leader of the largest church within the Assemblies of God Fellowship. Rev. Wilfredo De Jesus, Senior Pastor of New Life Covenant in Chicago and Justice Vice President for the association emerges with such distinction.
"It's historic yet at the same time it speaks to the growing presence and influence of Hispanics in Evangelical denominations across America. We've known for years that Hispanics represent the growth component in American Christianity, yet this reality enables us to provide leadership as equal shareholders in the collective church. In addition, this news embodies a message that God has not abandoned the inner city; totally the contrary. He still weeps over the cities as we stand committed to urban revival and renewal," explained Rev. De Jesus. NHCLC President, Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, believes the convergence of the Salvation message of John 3:16 and the meeting the needs message embedded in Matthew 25, serve as the foundation for the success of the thriving congregation. "Rev. De Jesus stands committed to both saving the soul and the community. His commitment to biblical truth, righteousness and justice facilitate an atmosphere for transformation and empowerment," added Rodriguez. The Assemblies of God today stands as the largest Protestant fellowship or denomination as it pertains to Hispanic adherents. With over 2,000 churches across the United States and Puerto Rico, the fellowship sees the Hispanic segment of the church as vital in its continued success. Recently, Dr. George O. Wood, General Superintendent spoke at New Life in Chicago. "New Life Covenant Church has grown from 66 members ten years ago to over 11,000 today in its multi-site campuses. It is now the largest member church in the Assemblies of God. Over 100 ministries to the community flow from the church. PastorWilfredo (Choco) De Jesus is one of the most dynamic, spiritual empowered, sensitive, and purpose driven church leaders I have ever met," declared Wood. In addition to his Pastoral duties in Chicago, Pastor De Jesus serves as Vice President for Justice in the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference while simultaneously planting a new church in Camden, New Jersey. The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference is the Hispanic National Association of Evangelicals unifying, serving and representing the Hispanic Born Again Community via 30,454 member churches and 16 million constituents by reconciling the vertical and horizontal of the Christian Message through the 7 Directives of Life, Family, Great Commission, Stewardship, Justice, Education and Youth.
