SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Dr. Sergio Navarrete, director of Hispanic Initiatives for the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, the embedded seminary of Evangel University, was named an honorary general presbyter at the 2023 General Council of the Assemblies of God. The resolution honoring Navarette was sponsored by the Southern Pacific District Council Presbytery, the district in which he served as superintendent for 20 consecutive years.
“The Southern Pacific District affirms his service among us represents the highest standards of integrity, ethics, loyalty, hard work, and a healthy example before his family, the churches, the Southern Pacific District, and the General Council,” the district presbytery wrote in their resolution.
The AG’s General Presbytery is comprised of hundreds of representatives from various districts and mission arms of the fellowship. When the General Council is not in session, the General Presbytery acts as the AG’s official policy-making body.
In his current role at AGTS, Navarrete oversees the seminary’s focus on providing theological training and resources to Hispanic ministry leaders. This focus was enhanced by a recent $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment allowing AGTS to further expand its offerings to Spanish-speaking ministers so that they may better serve the needs of their local congregations.
“The Hispanic population has been growing tremendously in the U.S. and worldwide, and one thing our ministers desire is higher education,” said Navarrete. “I want to help these ministers earn their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, and EU and AGTS provides the premiere training they need.”
In addition to his role as district superintendent, Navarrete served in various ministry roles for 39 years, including academic dean for Latin American Bible Institute (LABI).
He currently is the vice president of the AG’s Global Hispanic Fraternity.
He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Azusa Pacific University, a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary, a Master of Business Administration from Vanguard University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from LABI.
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.