Meet the 26 graduates of AMBS’s Class of 2026
Published: May 14, 2026
By Annette Brill Bergstresser
Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary’s 2026 Commencement Service was held Saturday, May 2, in the Elkhart, Indiana, seminary’s Chapel of the Sermon on the Mount and livestreamed. Rev. Leonard Dow, Vice President of Community and Church Development for Everence, gave the commencement address.
The service, which honored 26 candidates for graduation who completed degrees and certificates, marked several milestones. Two students were the first to earn a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership through a program that launched in January 2023, and 10 students were the first to complete the fully online Spanish-language Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA that began in August 2023. Five students earned a Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism; four earned a Master of Divinity; one earned a Master of Arts: Theology and Peace Studies; and four earned a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies.
In addition, eight of nine students who are part of a Korean-language Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism cohort through the Nehemiah Institute for Christian Studies in Seoul, South Korea, traveled from South Korea to participate in the event and were recognized in advance of completing their degrees in 2027.
This was the first Commencement Service in the seminary’s history to be presented trilingually — to honor the students who were present who were completing their studies entirely in Korean or Spanish.
The Class of 2026, which consisted of 15 men and 11 women, represented nine countries — Brazil, Chad, Colombia, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico and the U.S. — and 14 U.S. states. Twenty-one of the graduates completed part or all of their seminary studies from a distance. Sixteen members of the class attended the service in person. For several of them, the graduation weekend marked their first visit to the AMBS campus.
Eleven of the graduates are serving in pastoral ministry roles; four are ministering on a voluntary basis in their congregations and communities; two will serve as campus pastors; two are serving in education; two are working in a nonprofit or social work setting; and three are seeking an assignment in mission, education or pastoral ministry, or are discerning next steps. One each is a billing assistant for a utility company, a chaplain, a clinical psychologist, a conference minister or a health administrator. Three plan to pursue further graduate studies in the future. (Some graduates have multiple roles.)
Twenty of the graduates are affiliated with these member churches of Mennonite World Conference: 14 with Mennonite Church USA; three with Meserete Kristos Church (Ethiopian Mennonite Church); two with the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches; and one with both Kenya Mennonite Church and Mennonite Church Uganda.
Other affiliations include the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Mosaic Mennonite Conference, the Partnership of Evangelical Churches and Missions in Chad, United Church of Christ USA, the United Methodist Church and a nondenominational church. (Some graduates are connected with multiple denominations.) AMBS serves Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada as a binational seminary.
Watch the Commencement Service recording
View the program: English | Korean | Spanish
Read the article covering the service: Seminary celebrates first trilingual commencement
Meet the graduates
- Doctor of Ministry in Leadership
- Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism
- Master of Arts: Theology and Peace Studies
- Master of Divinity
- Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish)
- Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español)
- El seminario celebra una histórica ceremonia de graduación trilingüe
Doctor of Ministry in Leadership
Janeen Bertsche Johnson
Janeen Bertsche Johnson of Goshen, Indiana, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership (DMin). She is one of the first two graduates to complete the distance-friendly program, which AMBS launched in January 2023. Her professional doctoral dissertation, “Healing after the Shame of Difficult Ministry Endings,” focused on how Mennonite pastors found healing from shame through distancing, spiritual grounding, processing and releasing pain, affirmation of ministry gifts and identity, understanding the shame event, and experiences of transformation.
Janeen plans to continue serving as Campus Pastor, Admissions Counselor, Alumni Director and Core Adjunct Faculty at AMBS. She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts with majors in Religion and Psychology from Bluffton (Ohio) College (now University) and a Master of Divinity with a major in Pastoral Ministry from AMBS. She is a member of Eighth Street Mennonite Church in Goshen, a congregation of Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
Janeen is married to Barry Johnson, and they have two adult children and two grandchildren. Her parents are David Bertsche of Goshen and the late Evaleen Bertsche.
“The DMin program gave shape and focus to my longstanding commitment to continuing education,” she reflected. “I especially appreciated the opportunity to tailor the learning for each of the five competencies and the dissertation process toward my personal interests and learning goals.”
James Rissler
James Rissler of Macon, Georgia, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership (DMin). He is one of the first two graduates to complete the distance-friendly program, which AMBS launched in January 2023. His professional doctoral dissertation, “How Faith-Adjacent People Experience Spirituality in Wild Church,” focused on the spirituality of people attending Atlanta (Georgia) Mennonite Church’s Wild Church experiment who identify as spiritual but not religious.
James plans to continue serving as Pastor of Atlanta Mennonite Church, a congregation of Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA. He previously earned three degrees in Philosophy: a Bachelor of Arts from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame (Indiana).
James is married to Christina Rissler, and they have two sons. His parents are Ed and Jean Rissler of Harrisonburg, Virginia.
“The competency-based nature of AMBS’s DMin in Leadership was perfect in allowing me to articulate what I know and who I am as a leader, and then to develop a plan for growth from there,” he reflected. “I am grateful for the wisdom and accompaniment of all of the faculty with whom I worked and of my fellow students. It has been a joy!”
Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism
Yishak Memiru Feleke
Yishak Memiru Feleke of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism with an emphasis in Peace Studies.
Yishak has 20 years of ministry experience in various Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) congregations and regional offices — preaching, teaching and coordinating ministry training. He has taught at various theological colleges and seminaries and plans to continue doing so. He also plans to continue serving as a member of MKC’s Education Committee, preparing training manuals for MKC regional churches.
Yishak, who completed his seminary coursework in Ethiopia, is a member of Lebu Addis Ababa MKC, a congregation of the Addis Ababa MKC Regional Office. He previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Christian Ministry from Meserete Kristos Seminary in Bishoftu/Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. He is married to Meseret Yohannes, and they have two daughters. His parents are Memiru Feleke and Mulunesh Anito of Hosanna, the town of central Ethiopia’s regional government.
“I have gained a lot of academic experience that has helped update my knowledge about global Anabaptist studies in the area of peace studies, and I have learned from the experiences of students who have shared their thoughts from different Anabaptist worlds,” Yishak reflected.
Abel Ekubagebreal Meshesha
Abel Ekubagebreal Meshesha of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism. He also was selected to receive this year’s Award for Excellence in Theological Studies from the seminary’s History, Theology and Ethics Department. He plans to use his hands-on talents and technical expertise to serve his neighbors and support his calling in ministry to be a Christian theologian and peacemaker. He also teaches Bible study groups and conducts a house-to-house ministry for his local church, Asco Addis Ababa Meserete Kristos Church (MKC), a congregation of the Addis Ababa MKC Regional Office. In the future, he would like to pursue a PhD.
Abel, who completed his seminary coursework in Ethiopia, previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Jijiga University in the Somali Region of Ethiopia; a Bachelor of Arts in Peace and Conflict Transformation from Meserete Kristos College in Bishoftu/Debre Zeit, Ethiopia; and an Advanced Diploma of Spiritual Education and Following the Steps of Christ from Berean Mathetes Spiritual Education Ministry. His parents are the late Ekubagebreal Meshesha and the late Nigisty Kiros.
“Joining the AMBS community was my best decision, as it provided me with holistic formation, academic depth and practical leadership skills for ministry,” Abel reflected. “My long-term plan is to pursue a PhD, focusing on research and youth character formation in the likeness of Christ, shaping them to be active peacemakers.”
Andrew James Metzler
Andrew James Metzler of Birmingham, Alabama, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism. He plans to continue working in health administration with a community health system in the Birmingham area.
Andrew, who completed his seminary coursework from a distance, attends Crosscreek Baptist Church in Pelham, Alabama, a congregation of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Alabama. He previously earned a Master of Health Administration from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, and a
Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is married to Cecily Metzler, and they have one child. His parents are Brian and Nancy Metzler of Birmingham, Alabama.
“I am immensely grateful for the ways AMBS allowed me to connect with faculty and students from all over the world and to deepen my understanding of Anabaptist theology, particularly as it relates to the intersection of our faith and my work in health care,” Andrew reflected. “This experience revealed to me all the many ways that Anabaptist values of peace and justice can influence our world for the better.”
Gordon Ondiek Nyabade
Gordon Ondiek Nyabade of Kisumu, Kenya, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism. He is pursuing a mission assignment with Mennonite Church Uganda.
Gordon, who completed part of his seminary coursework from a distance, previously earned a Bachelor of Arts from Kapsabet Bible College in Kenya and a Diploma in Guidance and Counseling from the Dutch Foundation Adullam Uganda campus. He also is connected with Kenya Mennonite Church. His parents are Mathew Nyabade and Stella Aluoch of Kenya, and he has one child.
“My seminary journey was a profound chapter of growth, characterized by sleepless nights, academic pressures and moments of deep self discovery,” Gordon reflected. “I often found myself overwhelmed by the rigorous coursework, assignments and the motivation to succeed. There were moments when I doubted my abilities, especially when facing subjects that I felt were impossible. However, this period taught me resilience. I learned to balance academics with personal responsibilities, ministry and extracurriculars. Through the encouragement of my professors, I emerged stronger, and I have now risen above the challenges with a view of my education as a worthwhile investment for my future ministry.”
Meseret Shiferra Weyessa
Meseret Shiferra Weyessa of Burayu, Sheger, Oromia, Ethiopia, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Master of Arts: Theology and Global Anabaptism. He plans to continue serving as a pastor at Malka Gafarsa Meserete Kristos Church (MKC) in Burayu, a congregation of MKC’s Burayu Walmera Region. In this role, he serves the community by teaching and preaching the gospel of Christ and planting churches, seeking to connect to unbelievers. In the future, he would like to pursue a Doctor of Ministry.
Meseret, who completed his seminary coursework in Ethiopia, previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Bible and Christian Ministry with a focus on Community Development from Meserete Kristos Seminary in Bishoftu/Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. He is married to Bethlehem Adimasu Muleta, and they have two daughters. His parents are Shiferra Weyessa and Zawuditu Ayyana of Wollega in the eastern part of Ethiopia.
“I have gained a lot of knowledge and understanding for my life, ministry and community from my MATGA education, and I thank God so much for it,” he reflected. “Learning about Christ’s love, peace and justice for all and His suffering to give peace and reconciliation to the world; and about the history and culture of Anabaptist theology; has laid a great foundation. Understanding that brotherhood, sharing and helping each other are the result of our Bible in Acts 2:42-47 has changed my life so much. Mennonite believers worldwide and all AMBS ministers: our God bless you all.”
Master of Arts: Theology and Peace Studies
Christian Berambaye Nawai
Christian Berambaye Nawai of N’Djamena, Chad, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Master of Arts: Theology and Peace Studies. He is currently working as a Weekend Supervisor at Bashor Children’s Home in Goshen, Indiana. He is also launching a global online peacebuilding network — “Djémelom (Peacemaker): Peace Built on Wisdom” — dedicated to conflict transformation and the restoration of human bonds. (Follow Djémelom on Facebook or subscribe via YouTube.)
Christian previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Mahatma Gandhi University Ghana in Accra. His home congregation is Église Évangélique du Tchad (EET) Number 12, a congregation of the Entente des Églises et Missions Évangéliques au Tchad (EEMET, or Partnership of Evangelical Churches and Missions in Chad). While at AMBS, he attended Hively Avenue Mennonite Church in Elkhart, a congregation of Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA, and Living Faith Elkhart, a nondenominational church.
“Studying at AMBS did not divert me from who I was, nor did it impose anything against my Christian and African values,” Christian reflected. “Instead, it forged me to become a bridge between the world and God’s Kingdom, shaped by Christlike character and ethics as an ambassador of Christ.
“Before seminary, I was afraid of conflict; I saw it as a destructive threat. Now I view conflict as a normal, life-giving opportunity for constructive change, personal growth and strengthening relationships,” he continued. “I remember having a disagreement in class. My first instinct was to fight or flee. But instead, I listened, and that changed everything. That moment taught me not to be quick to judge. I came to see that behavior is often a cry for help, because we never know what trauma someone has endured.
“My Master of Arts in Theology and Peace studies did not make me a different person. It made me more fully who I am: a peacemaker, rooted in African and in Christian values.”
Master of Divinity
Kandace Helmuth
Kandace Helmuth of Akron, Pennsylvania, was honored during AMBS’s Commencement Service on May 2, 2026. She anticipates completing her Master of Divinity with a major in Chaplaincy in August 2026.
Kandace, who completed much of her coursework from a distance, plans to continue serving as a Chaplain Associate at Lancaster (Pennsylvania) General Hospital and Lancaster General Health’s Women and Babies Hospital.
She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts with an Interdisciplinary major from Goshen (Indiana) College and a License in Massage Therapy from Mount Nittany Institute of Natural Health in State College, Pennsylvania. She attends Blossom Hill Mennonite Church in Lancaster, a congregation of Atlantic Coast Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
Kandace is married to Jerry Lehman, and they are parents to one daughter. Her parents are Corrine Helmuth and the late Bill Helmuth.
“AMBS has nudged me towards a life of faith where spirituality and art are relevant to theological work, where stories shared invite grace to fall between each one, and where an ordinary day becomes holy ground,” she reflected.
Randall Douglas Koehler
Randall Douglas Koehler of Benson, Illinois, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Master of Divinity with a major in Pastoral Ministry. He also was selected to receive this year’s Award for Excellence in Biblical Interpretation from the seminary’s Bible Department.
Randall plans to end his time as Pastor of Hutterthal Mennonite Church in Freeman, South Dakota, a congregation of Central Plains Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA, on June 30. On July 12, he will begin as Pastor of Keller Park Church in South Bend, Indiana, a congregation of Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
Randall, who completed much of his coursework from a distance, previously earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences in Education from Illinois Central College in East Peoria, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Illinois State University in Normal.
His home congregation is Metamora (Illinois) Mennonite Church, a congregation of Illinois Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA. He is married to Morgan N. Koehler, and they have two children. His parents are Randy E. Koehler of Benson and the late Louise C. Koehler.
“AMBS has been a sacred, safe, formative space to heal from past and present wounds; to grow in my ministry gifting and vocational call; to expand my biblical understanding and reasoning; and to be reshaped in the shalom way of Jesus,” Randall reflected.
Amy Marshall
Amy Marshall of Columbus, Ohio, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Master of Divinity with a major in Christian Faith Formation. She also was selected to receive this year’s Heart of the Community Award from the seminary. She will serve as Campus Pastor of Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, and also plans to seek more opportunities to share Mennonite values with the wider world.
Amy previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Psychology from Bluffton (Ohio) University. Her home congregation is St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Findlay, Ohio, a congregation of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. While at AMBS, she attended Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart, a congregation of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA. Her parents are David and Beth Marshall of Columbus.
“AMBS has been an amazing place for me to grow in my understanding of God, the Bible, myself and what it means for me to follow Jesus as a leader and in my everyday life,” she reflected. “The seminary has been a great space to take risks and pursue new opportunities, such as teaching undergraduate students, planning experimental chapels and starting a podcast. The relationships I built with other students, professors and staff were such an important part of the experience for me. I am grateful for the support I received throughout my seminary career.”
Stephanie Wieand
Stephanie Wieand of Goshen, Indiana, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Master of Divinity with a major in Christian Faith Formation. She also was selected to receive this year’s Award for Excellence in Preaching from the seminary’s Church and Ministry Department. She plans to continue serving as a member of the Pastoral Team at Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen, a congregation of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA. In this part-time role, she focuses on faith formation.
Stephanie previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Goshen College. She is married to Aaron Wieand, and they have two children. Her parents are Vyron and Elvina Schmidt of Goshen.
“I have been deeply formed through my time at AMBS,” she reflected. “From deep spiritual engagement in my own journey to growth in theological and biblical knowledge and tools and empowerment for leadership in the church, AMBS has been a wonderful place to be rooted as I explored and eventually began my ministry. I am grateful, in particular, for the professors who poured so much into my growth and learning as a student.”
Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies
Julie Allyn
Julie Allyn of Boise, Idaho, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies. She chose to focus on Peace Studies in the fully customizable program.
Julie, who completed her seminary coursework from a distance, recently began a position as Children and Youth Pastor at Boise First Congregational United Church of Christ, a congregation of Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ. She also is a member of Hyde Park Mennonite Fellowship in Boise, a congregation of Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
Julie previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Special Ministries: Youth Emphasis from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho. She and her partner, Jeffrey Hoskins II, are parents to two young adults and two teenagers. Her parents are the late Donna Bochner and Kenneth and Suellen Scofield of Dallas, Oregon.
“AMBS has been a space and time of deep learning, spiritual formation and discernment for me,” she reflected. “I have been taught and challenged in ways that have developed into interfaith collaborations and consistent faith-based activism. Additionally, the faith formation and growth I’ve experienced during seminary have led me into a pastoral position that I never considered or anticipated at the start of seminary.”
Samuel Graham Burke
Samuel Graham Burke of New Mexico and Arkansas graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies. He plans to move to Arkansas.
Graham, who completed part of his seminary coursework from a distance, previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Religious Studies from Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.
Andrea Cramer
Andrea Cramer of South Bend, Indiana, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies. She chose to focus on Theology and Peace Studies.
Andrea plans to continue serving as Executive Director of Neighbor to Neighbor, a friendship-based network for refugees and immigrants in South Bend.
She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Her home congregation is Keller Park Church in South Bend, a congregation of Central District Conference of Mennonite Church USA. She is married to David Cramer, and they have two children.
“My time at AMBS allowed me to explore the theological and ethical foundations of my work with refugees and asylum seekers,” Andrea reflected. “I am especially grateful for the time I spent for my internship with the organization Rainbow Railroad, which works with LGBTQI+ refugees from countries where their orientation or identity is criminalized or otherwise discriminated against.”
Ross Ryan Ringenberg
Ross Ryan Ringenberg, formerly of Elkhart, Indiana, posthumously received an Honorary Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies from AMBS on May 2, 2026. He passed away at age 33 on Dec. 6, 2016, after becoming ill while traveling in Scotland with friends. He was enrolled at AMBS at the time, having taken classes there since 2008.
According to Ross’ obituary, although he faced physical challenges beginning at age eight that increased throughout his life, he loved opportunities for adventure, learning, and meeting people. As a youth at Lombard (Illinois) Mennonite Church — a congregation of Illinois Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA — he served on two pastoral search committees and traveled with the youth group to Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Later, he was a member of Prairie Street Mennonite Church in Elkhart — a congregation of Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference of Mennonite Church USA — where he served as an elder and promoted stewardship of creation.
Ross earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. He worked as a Web Designer for Everence in Goshen, Indiana, for almost 10 years, until he needed to retire from full-time work due to increasing physical limitations. He continued to find ways to connect with people and to make a difference — organizing outings and activities, taking seminary courses, and volunteering for local organizations such as Church Community Services and the Center for Community Justice.
Ross’ parents, Ron and Frances Ringenberg of Bridgewater, Vermont, established the Ross Ringenberg Memorial Scholarship at AMBS in honor of Ross. The scholarship provides funds to support “unconventional students” missed by other scholarship opportunities; students with physical limitations; and students with other limitations to participation.
“AMBS was one of the great social and intellectual connection points for Ross, and he made great friends while studying there,” reflected Ron. “We also want to note that the support and assistance of so many AMBS students, faculty and staff were vital to him for his AMBS experience.”
Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish)
Leticia Cortes Castro
Leticia Cortes Castro of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and originally of Mexico, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish) through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. She plans to continue serving full time in pastoral ministry at Philadelphia Praise Center in South Philadelphia, a multicultural Anabaptist Mennonite congregation of Mosaic Mennonite Conference. In this role, she preaches, works with women and conducts pastoral visits, etc.
Leticia, who did her seminary coursework from a distance, previously completed her secondary education through the National Institute for Adult Education in Mexico and studied at the Anabaptist Mennonite Theological Institute in Mexico. She also earned a Certificate in Hispanic Ministries for Pastoral and Leadership Education from the Hispanic Anabaptist Biblical Seminary (SeBAH, or Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano) program of Mennonite Education Agency (now Mennonite Church USA). She is married to Fernando Loyola Servin and has one son and three daughters. Her parents are the late Tomas Cortes Gómez and the late Margarita Castro Mercado. She also wishes to acknowledge her late grandson, Roberto Rodríguez.
“I am Leticia Cortes, proud Mexican, wife, pastor, mother of four children, grandmother of four grandchildren and great-grandmother of two little ones,” she said. “It’s been almost 20 years since we arrived in the U.S., and I can say that it has been an exciting journey.
“My time at AMBS was challenging in that I had to reorganize my life to adapt to my studies, but with the help of God and the support of my professors, I managed to exceed expectations and complete all of the subjects. This achievement fills me with gratitude for all the people who believed in me and gave me their trust and financial support. I would like to add a personal thank-you to my children, Omar, Nancy, Fernanda and Daniela.”
Manuel Arturo García Noriega
Manuel Arturo García Noriega of Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish) through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. He is a clinical psychologist with his own practice and is the founding pastor of Resplandece Mennonite Church, a hybrid congregation that holds worship services both via Zoom and in person in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The congregation is part of Mosaic Mennonite Conference.
Manuel, who completed his seminary coursework from a distance, previously earned a Bachelor of Psychology from Simón Bolívar University in Barranquilla, Colombia; and an International Master’s Degree in Clinical Pedagogy and Psychopedagogy and an International Master’s Degree in Coaching and Emotional Intelligence for Children and Young People from the Esneca Business School of Spain. He also trained as a Facilitator of Therapeutic Community with the National Learning Service (SENA, or Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje) – Colombia and as an Expert Facilitator for the Alternatives to Violence Project.
He is married to Viviana Ávila, and they have two sons. His parents are Manuel García Rivas and Rosa Noriega Cabrales of Barranquilla.
“My time at the seminary was a comprehensive experience; the learning was greatly valuable; the desire of the other students to advance filled each class with value; the teachers were highly sensitive and taught each lesson with dedication and care; and among the seminary administrators, we always had excellent companionship and guidance in everything we needed,” he said. “Far from being only an academic experience, seminary was an experience of much transformation and enrichment, creating a great family.”
José A. Guerra
José A. Guerra of Omaha, Nebraska, and originally of Huehuetenango, Guatemala, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish) through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. He plans to continue serving full time as Pastor of Spring of Living Water Church in Omaha, a congregation of the Central District of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
José, who completed his seminary coursework from a distance, previously earned a Certificate in Hispanic Ministries for Pastoral and Leadership Education from the Hispanic Anabaptist Biblical Seminary (SeBAH, or Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano) program of Mennonite Education Agency (now Mennonite Church USA). He is married to Yanira E. López and has four married children. His parents are the late José Miguel Guerra and the late Marta María Gómez.
“Having studied at AMBS has been a very great and valuable experience for me,” said José. “The academic demands of the seminary were very difficult at first, mainly in the practice of the academic writing that was required. As I continued studying, and with the help and support of my excellent professors, I was able to improve my ability to meet the course requirements. I am very grateful to the institution for giving me financial help and to have been able to reach my desired goal.”
Yanira E. López
Yanira E. López of Omaha, Nebraska, and originally of San Salvador, El Salvador, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish) through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. She also was selected by the program’s faculty members to receive an Award for Excellence in Hispanic Ministries.
Yanira plans to continue working as a Customer Billing Assistant for the Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha, where she has worked full time for 19 years. She also plans to continue offering pastoral support on a voluntary basis at her church, Spring of Living Water Church in Omaha, a congregation of the Central District of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.
Yanira, who completed her seminary coursework from a distance, previously earned a Certificate in Hispanic Ministries for Pastoral and Leadership Education from the Hispanic Anabaptist Biblical Seminary (SeBAH, or Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano) program of Mennonite Education Agency (now Mennonite Church USA). She is married to José A. Guerra, and they have two married children. Her parents are the late Benjamín López Ibarra and the late Carmen Barillas.
“Participating as a student at AMBS has been an extremely valuable experience,” said Yanira. “I recognize that at the beginning I faced many difficulties, especially because I didn’t have much practice in the formal and academic writing required for the program. However, throughout the semesters and thanks to the outstanding support of the faculty, I managed to improve this skill significantly. I am deeply grateful to the institution for providing me with the opportunity and financial assistance to reach this much-desired achievement.”
Fernando Loyola Servín
Fernando Loyola Servín of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and originally of Mexico City, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish) through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. He plans to continue serving as Lead Pastor of Philadelphia Praise Center in South Philadelphia, an Anabaptist Mennonite congregation of Mosaic Mennonite Conference.
Fernando, who did his seminary coursework from a distance, previously completed the STEP (Study and Training for Effective Pastoral ministry) program of Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and the former Lancaster Mennonite Conference. He also graduated as a teacher from the Harmon Hall English Institute in Mexico, with official recognition from the Ministry of Public Education in Mexico. He is married to Leticia Cortes Castro and has two young adult daughters. His parents are the late Faustino Loyola Cervantes and the late Guadalupe Servín Reynoso.
“Having studied at this seminary helped me to understand more deeply the roots of Anabaptism, as well as other doctrines, and specifically why I am an Anabaptist Mennonite,” he said. “The knowledge that the teachers shared with us was very clear and understandable from beginning to end.”
Haroldo Sergio Martins Nunes
Haroldo Sergio Martins Nunes of Florida and originally of Brazil graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish) through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. He plans to continue serving as Pastor of Resplandece Mennonite Church, a hybrid congregation that holds worship services both via Zoom and in person in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The congregation is part of Mosaic Mennonite Conference, which Haroldo also serves as a Hispanic leader and board member. He also hopes to complete a Master of Divinity.
Haroldo, who completed his seminary coursework from a distance, previously earned a Certificate in Hispanic Ministries for Pastoral and Leadership Education from the Hispanic Anabaptist Biblical Seminary (SeBAH, or Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano) program of Mennonite Education Agency (now Mennonite Church USA).
Haroldo is married to Esmirna Gayle Maldonado de Martins, and they have three young adult children, a son-in-law and a granddaughter. His parents are the late Laura Martins Nunes and the late Judinelli de Castro Nunes. He also wishes to acknowledge his late aunt, Luciola Nunes, and his late grandmother, Judith Castro Nunes.
“As I review my AMBS studies, I can say that the learning I received has been of great importance in my professional life,” said Haroldo. “This impact is reflected both in the leadership of Resplandece Hybrid Mennonite Church — located in Pembroke Pines and online, with participation from Venezuela, Colombia and other countries — and in my participation in Hispanic leadership of the Board of Directors of Mosaic Mennonite Conference.
“Rediscovering the Anabaptist theological vision has significantly elevated my theological knowledge, opening up new opportunities for me to serve in leading the Latino community in the United States. On a personal level, applying this knowledge is prompting me to look for new ways to minister to the growing Latino population that is facing challenges in education, health, economic status and other aspects of life.
“This reality brings important spiritual, social and economic challenges; however, it also provides a valuable opportunity to listen to people, understand their needs and develop plans of action that allow us to recognize the presence of God in the community and promote processes of healing and restoration.
“As a pastor and theologian, I have the privilege of sharing the healing gospel of Jesus Christ and living a life committed to building the Kingdom of God in my community. I am motivated to put into practice a theology of praxis centered on accompaniment, love, justice, peace, compassion and solidarity — as a bridge between heaven and earth. In this way, one strengthens the relationship between God and His creation, celebrating the opportunity that the Divine offers to us Latinos in the United States to participate actively in the transformation of this society.
“However, the increase in Latinos who are falling behind, especially in the area of immigration status, continues to generate great spiritual, social and economic challenges. In the face of this suffering, the rediscovery of the essence of Anabaptism can become a channel of hope for the poor and persecuted, through the proclamation of the Good News of the Kingdom of God in our contexts and communities.”
Sandra L. Montes-Martinez
Sandra L. Montes-Martinez of Grand Prairie, Texas, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish), which she completed through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. She plans to continue serving as Associate Conference Minister for Western District Conference (WDC) of Mennonite Church USA, a position she has held since 2020. She is a member of Mount Horeb Mennonite Church in Dallas, Texas, a WDC congregation.
Sandra has pursued a long and steady academic journey, including general education studies at Los Angeles (California) Mission College and theological training through the Hispanic Anabaptist Biblical Seminary (SeBAH, or Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano) program of Mennonite Education Agency (now Mennonite Church USA), along with completing her seminary coursework at a distance. She is married to Erick Martinez, and they have three daughters and one son. Her parents are Juan V. Montes and Carmen Montes of Reedley, California, and her biological mother is Meda Luz Santrich of Colombia.
“My theological studies in seminary have been instrumental in my ministerial development and an essential part of my formation,” she said. “The Graduate Certificate program has broadened and deepened my understanding, challenging both my academic perspective and my theological framework, with particular attention to global Anabaptist identity: how we understand who we are as Anabaptist communities across diverse cultural contexts.
“At the same time, it has equipped me with practical, contextual tools that strengthen my work with congregations, leaders and pastors within the conference and denomination. This global Anabaptist perspective, together with close accompaniment of local communities, offers a broader vision that supports the development of relevant and contextual leadership.”
Alva Pérez González
Alva Pérez González of Newton, Kansas, and originally of Mexico, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish) through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. She plans to continue serving as Pastor of Bethany House Mennonite Church in Newton, a congregation of Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
Alva, who completed her seminary coursework from a distance, previously earned a Bachelor of Education and Pedagogical Innovation and a Bachelor of Communication and Culture from the National Pedagogical University in Mexico City, Mexico. She is married to Mario Rocha Iglesias, and they have one son. Her parents are Rebeca González Torres and Fernando Pérez Ventura of Dallas, Texas.
“It was a time of much transformation and learning,” Alva said. “Thank you to the professors for their patience and dedication in giving us all the necessary tools to better understand the Bible, Jesus’ life and community life. It was a very enriching time.”
Liliana Potes-Echeverry
Liliana Potes-Echeverry, a resident of Clifton, New Jersey, and originally from Colombia, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish) through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. She plans to continue providing leadership for women’s groups and ministries. She also would like to obtain a teaching and/or pastoral ministry position.
Liliana, who did her seminary coursework from a distance, previously completed Anabaptist theological studies at the Ministerial Development Center (CDM, or Centro de Desarrollo Ministerial) and served as Pastor of Strong Tower Church, a congregation of the Central Region Conference in Bogotá of the Mennonite Brethren Christian Churches of Colombia. She also completed a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry through the Hispanic Anabaptist Biblical Seminary (SeBAH, or Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano) program of Mennonite Education Agency (now Mennonite Church USA). She served as Pastor of First Mennonite Church of Brooklyn and graduated as a chaplain in New York City. She is now a member of Manhattan (New York) Mennonite Fellowship, a congregation of Atlantic Coast Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
Liliana has two daughters and three young American grandchildren. Her parents live in Bogotá.
“My seminary studies gave me the opportunity to have an exciting journey into the historical events, the literary forms, the culture and other components that helped form the Bible,” said Liliana. “I had the opportunity to acquire tools and improve my skills in interpreting biblical texts. I delved into specific forms of different Latino contextual theologies and their resulting dialogue with Anabaptist ideas. I reflected on the different manifestations of worship, evangelism, social responsibility and peacebuilding from my own cultural environment of Latinos living in the United States. I grew spiritually, and I have felt challenged to continue exploring not only the Scriptures but also the thoughts of different theologians.”
Mario Rocha Iglesias
Mario Rocha Iglesias of Newton, Kansas, and originally of Mexico, graduated from AMBS on May 2, 2026, with a Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies (Spanish) through a partnership between AMBS and Hispanic Ministries of Mennonite Church USA. He plans to continue serving as Pastor of Bethany House Mennonite Church in Newton, a congregation of Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA.
Mario, who completed his seminary coursework from a distance, previously earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the Conservatory of Music of the State of Mexico in Toluca. He is married to Alva Pérez González, and they have one son. His parents are José Silverio Rocha Moreno and Arcadia Iglesias Santiago of San Felipe del Progreso, State of Mexico, Mexico.
“My seminary experience was very rewarding for my life,” he said. “It taught me to understand better how to interpret the Bible and to better serve God and my neighbor.”
Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español)
Leticia Cortes Castro
Leticia Cortes Castro, de Filadelfia, Pennsylvania, y originaria de México, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Planea seguir sirviendo a tiempo completo en el ministerio pastoral de la iglesia Centro de Alabanza de Filadelfia (CAF) en el sur de Filadelfia, una congregación multicultural anabautista menonita de la Conferencia Menonita Mosaico. En este papel, ella predica, trabaja con las mujeres y hace visitas, etc.
Leticia, quien completó sus cursos de seminario a distancia, completó anteriormente su secundaria en El Instituto Nacional para la Educación de los Adultos (INEA) en México y estudió en El Instituto Teológico Anabautista Menonita (ITAM) en México. También obtuvo un Certificado en Ministerios Hispanos para Educación Pastoral y Liderazgo del Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH), un programa de la Agencia Menonita de Educación (ahora la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.). Ella está casada con Fernando Loyola Servín y tiene un hijo y tres hijas. Sus padres son Tomas Cortes Gómez (fallecido) y Margarita Castro Mercado (fallecida). También desea reconocer a su primer nieto que ya falleció, Roberto Rodríguez.
«Soy Leticia Cortes, orgullosamente mexicana, esposa, pastora, madre de cuatro hijos, abuela de cuatro nietos y bisabuela de dos pequeños», ella dijo. «Hace casi 20 años que llegamos a USA, y puedo decir que ha sido un viaje emocionante.
«Mi paso por AMBS fue un desafío, que tuve que reorganizar mi vida para adaptarme a los estudios, pero con la ayuda de Dios y el apoyo de los profesores, logré superar las expectativas y completar todas las materias. Fue un logro que me llena de gratitud para todas las personas que confiaron en mí y me dieron su confianza y apoyo económico. Me gustaría agregar un agradecimiento personal a mis hijos Omar, Nancy, Fernanda y Daniela».
Manuel Arturo García Noriega
Manuel Arturo García Noriega, de Barranquilla, Atlántico, Colombia, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Es Psicólogo clínico con su propio consultorio y es Pastor fundador de la Iglesia Menonita Resplandece, una iglesia híbrida que celebra servicios de adoración virtualmente como presencialmente en Pembroke Pines, Florida. La congregación es parte de la Conferencia Menonita Mosaico.
Manuel, quien completó sus cursos de seminario a distancia, obtuvo anteriormente una Licenciatura en Psicología de la Universidad Simón Bolívar en Barranquilla, Colombia; y una Maestría Internacional en Pedagogía y Psicopedagogía Clínica y una Maestría Internacional en Coaching y en Inteligencia Emocional Infantil y Juvenil del Esneca Business School de España. También obtuvo el Facilitador de Comunidad Terapéutica del Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA) – Colombia y el Facilitador Experto del Proyecto Alternativas para la Violencia.
Está casado con Viviana Ávila y tienen dos hijos. Sus padres son Manuel García Rivas y Rosa Noriega Cabrales de Barranquilla.
«Mi paso por el seminario fue una experiencia integral, el aprendizaje fue grandemente valioso, el deseo de los demás estudiantes por avanzar llenaba de valor cada clase, los maestros fueron altamente sensibles y enseñaban cada lección con dedicación y esmero, en la parte administrativa del seminario, siempre tuvimos una excelente compañia y guía en todo lo necesario», dijo él . «La experiencia en el seminario lejos de ser solo una experiencia académica, fue una experiencia de mucha transformación, enriquecedora y deja una gran familia».
José A. Guerra
José A. Guerra, de Omaha, Nebraska, y originario de Huehuetenango, Guatemala, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Planea seguir sirviendo tiempo completo como Pastor de la Iglesia Manantial de Agua Viva en Omaha, una congregación del Distrito Central de la Conferencia de las Iglesias Hermanos Menonitas de los EE. UU.
José, quien completó sus cursos de seminario a distancia, anteriormente obtuvo un Certificado en Ministerios Hispanos para Educación Pastoral y Liderazgo del Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH), un programa de la Agencia Menonita de Educación (ahora la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.). Él está casado con Yanira E. López y tiene cuatro hijos casados. Sus padres son José Miguel Guerra (fallecido) y Marta María Gómez (fallecida).
«Haber estudiado en el seminario AMBS ha sido para mí una experiencia muy grande y valiosa», dijo José. «Las exigencias académicas del seminario fueron de muchas dificultades al principio, principalmente en la práctica de la escritura académica requerida. Conforme fui estudiando en los semestres y con la ayuda y el apoyo de los excelentes profesores, pude mejorar mi habilidad en lo requerido de los cursos. Agradezco grandemente a la institución por darme la ayuda financiera y así haber podido alcanzar la meta deseada».
Yanira E. López
Yanira E. López, de Omaha, Nebraska, y originaria de San Salvador, El Salvador, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. También fue seleccionada por los miembros de la facultad del programa para recibir un Premio a la Excelencia en Ministerios Hispanos.
Yanira planea seguir trabajando como Auxiliar de Facturación a Clientes en el Distrito Metropolitano de Utilidades (Metropolitan Utilities District) de Omaha, donde ha trabajado a tiempo completo desde hace 19 años. También continuará ofreciendo apoyo pastoral voluntario dentro de su iglesia, Iglesia Manantial de Agua Viva en Omaha, una congregación del Distrito Central de la Conferencia de las Iglesias Hermanos Menonitas de los EE. UU.
Yanira, quien completó sus cursos de seminario a distancia, anteriormente obtuvo un Certificado en Ministerios Hispanos para Educación Pastoral y Liderazgo del Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH), un programa de la Agencia Menonita de Educación (ahora la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.). Ella está casada con José A. Guerra y ellos tienen dos hijos casados. Sus padres son Benjamín López Ibarra (fallecido) y Carmen Barillas (fallecida).
«Participar como estudiante en el seminario AMBS ha sido una vivencia sumamente valiosa», dijo Yanira. «Reconozco que al inicio enfrenté muchas dificultades, especialmente porque no tenía mucha práctica en la escritura formal y académica requerida por el programa. Sin embargo, a lo largo de los semestres y gracias al apoyo sobresaliente del profesorado, logré mejorar notablemente esa habilidad. Agradezco profundamente a la institución por brindarme la oportunidad y la ayuda financiera para alcanzar este logro tan deseado».
Fernando Loyola Servín
Fernando Loyola Servín, de Filadelfia, Pennsylvania, y originaria de México DF, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Planea seguir sirviendo como Pastor principal en la iglesia Centro de Alabanza de Filadelfia (CAF) en el sur de Filadelfia, una congregación anabautista menonita de la Conferencia Menonita Mosaico.
Fernando, quien hizo sus cursos de seminario a distancia, completó anteriormente el programa STEP (por sus siglas en inglés: Study and Training for Effective Pastoral ministry) de la Universidad Menonita Eastern en Harrisonburg, Virginia, y la antigua Conferencia Menonita Lancaster. También se graduó como maestro del Instituto de Inglés Harmon Hall en México, con validez oficial de la Secretaría de Educación Pública en México. Él está casado con Leticia Cortes Castro y tiene dos hijas jóvenes adultas. Sus padres son Faustino Loyola Cervantes (fallecido) y Guadalupe Servín Reynoso (fallecida).
«Haber estudiado en este seminario me ayudó a entender de manera más profunda las raíces del anabautismo, además de otras doctrinas, concretamente por qué soy menonita anabautista», él dijo. «El conocimiento que los maestros nos proporcionaron fue muy claro y comprensible de principio a fin».
Haroldo Sergio Martins Nunes
Haroldo Sergio Martins Nunes, de Florida y originario de Brasil, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Planea seguir sirviendo como pastor de la Iglesia Menonita Resplandece, una congregación híbrida que celebra servicios de adoración virtualmente como presencialmente en Pembroke Pines, Florida. La congregación es parte de la Conferencia Menonita Mosaico, en la que Haroldo es líder hispano y miembro de la Junta Directiva. También espera completar su título de Maestría en Divinidades.
Haroldo, quien completó sus cursos de seminario a distancia, anteriormente obtuvo un Certificado en Ministerios Hispanos para Educación Pastoral y Liderazgo del Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH), un programa de la Agencia Menonita de Educación (ahora la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.).
Haroldo está casado con Esmirna Gayle Maldonado de Martins, y tienen tres hijos jóvenes adultos, un yerno y una nieta. Sus padres son Laura Martins Nunes (fallecida) y Judinelli de Castro Nunes (fallecido). También desea reconocer a su tía, Lucíola Nunes (fallecida), y a su abuela, Judith Castro Nunes (fallecida).
«Haciendo una reseña de mis estudios en el seminario AMBS, puedo afirmar que el aprendizaje recibido ha sido de gran importancia en mi vida profesional», dijo Haroldo. «Este impacto se refleja tanto en la dirección de la Iglesia Híbrida Menonita Resplandece, ubicada en Pembroke Pines, como en el ámbito virtual, con participaciones de Venezuela, Colombia y otros países, y también en mi participación en el liderazgo hispano de la Junta Directiva de la Conferencia Menonita Mosaico.
«El redescubrimiento de la visión teológica anabautista ha elevado significativamente mis conocimientos teológicos, abriéndome nuevas oportunidades para servir en el liderazgo de la comunidad latina en los Estados Unidos. En el plano personal, la aplicación de estos conocimientos me está impulsando a buscar nuevas formas de ministrar a la creciente población latina que enfrenta desafíos en la educación, la salud, el nivel económico y otros aspectos de la vida.
«Esta realidad conlleva importantes desafíos espirituales, sociales y económicos; sin embargo, también representa una valiosa oportunidad para escuchar a las personas, comprender sus necesidades y desarrollar planes de acción que permitan reconocer la presencia de Dios en la comunidad, promoviendo procesos de sanidad y restauración.
«Como pastor y teólogo, tengo el privilegio de compartir el Evangelio sanador de Jesucristo y de vivir una vida comprometida con la construcción del Reino de Dios en mi comunidad. Me siento motivado a poner en práctica una teología de la praxis centrada en el acompañamiento, el amor, la justicia, la paz, la compasión y la solidaridad, como un puente entre el cielo y la tierra. De esta manera, se fortalece la relación entre Dios y su creación, celebrando la oportunidad que la Divinidad nos brinda —a nosotros, los latinos en los Estados Unidos— de participar activamente en la transformación de esta sociedad.
«No obstante, el aumento de latinos rezagados, especialmente en el ámbito del estatus migratorio, sigue generando grandes desafíos espirituales, sociales y económicos. Frente a este sufrimiento, el redescubrimiento de la esencia del anabautismo puede convertirse en un canal de esperanza para los pobres y perseguidos, mediante el anuncio de las Buenas Nuevas del Reino de Dios en nuestros contextos y comunidades».
Sandra L. Montes-Martinez
Sandra L. Montes-Martinez, de Grand Prairie, Texas, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), realizado a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Tiene previsto continuar sirviendo como Ministra Asociada de la Conferencia del Distrito Occidental (WDC) de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU., cargo que desempeña desde el año 2020. Es miembro de la Iglesia Menonita Monte Horeb en Dallas, Texas, una congregación de la WDC.
Sandra ha seguido una trayectoria académica sostenida, que incluye estudios de educación general en Los Angeles (California) Mission College y formación teológica a través del Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH), un programa de la Agencia Menonita de Educación (actualmente la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.), además de cursos de seminario realizados a distancia. Está casada con Erick Martinez, y juntos tienen tres hijas y un hijo. Sus padres son Juan V. Montes y Carmen Montes, que viven en Reedley, California, y su madre biológica es Meda Luz Santrich, que vive en Colombia.
«Mis estudios teológicos en el seminario han sido fundamentales para mi desarrollo ministerial y una parte esencial de mi formación», dijo ella. «El programa de Certificado de Posgrado ha ampliado y profundizado mi comprensión, desafiando tanto mi perspectiva académica como mi marco teológico, con especial atención a la identidad anabautista global: cómo entendemos quiénes somos como comunidades anabautistas en diversos contextos culturales.
«Al mismo tiempo, me ha brindado herramientas prácticas y contextualizadas que fortalecen mi labor con congregaciones, líderes y pastores dentro de la conferencia y la denominación. Esta perspectiva anabautista global, junto con el acompañamiento cercano de las comunidades locales, ofrece una visión más amplia que favorece el desarrollo de un liderazgo pertinente y contextualizado».
Alva Pérez González
Alva Pérez González, de Newton, Kansas, y originaria de México, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Planea seguir sirviendo como Pastora de la Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania en Newton, una congregación de la Conferencia Western District de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.
Alva, quien completó sus cursos de seminario a distancia, obtuvo anteriormente una Licenciatura en Educación e Innovación Pedagógica y una Licenciatura en Comunicación y Cultura de la Universidad Pedagógica Nacional en la Ciudad de México. Ella está casada con Mario Rocha Iglesias y tienen un hijo. Sus padres son Rebeca González Torres y Fernando Pérez Ventura de Dallas, Texas.
«Fue un tiempo de mucha transformación y aprendizaje», Alva dijo. «Gracias a los profesores por su paciencia y dedicación para darnos todas las herramientas necesarias para entender mejor la Biblia, la vida de Jesus y la vida comunitaria. Fue un tiempo muy enriquecedor».
Liliana Potes-Echeverry
Liliana Potes-Echeverry, residente de Clifton, New Jersey, y originaria de Colombia, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Planea seguir brindando liderazgo en grupos y ministerios de mujeres. También le gustaría tener una posición de maestra y/o ministerio pastoral.
Liliana, quien hizo sus cursos de seminario a distancia, anteriormente cursó estudios teológicos anabautistas en El Centro de Desarrollo Ministerial (CDM) y sirvió como Pastor en la Iglesia Torre Fuerte perteneciente a la Conferencia de la Región Central en Bogotá filial de las Iglesias Cristianas Hermanos Menonitas de Colombia. También completó un Certificado en Ministerio Pastoral a través del programa Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH) de la Agencia Menonita de Educación (ahora la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.). Sirvió como Pastor en la Primera Iglesia Menonita de Brooklyn y se graduó como Capellana en la Ciudad de Nueva York. Ahora ella es miembro de la Iglesia Manhattan (Nueva York) Mennonite Fellowship, una congregación de la Conferencia Atlantic Coast de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.
Liliana tiene dos hijas y tres pequeños nietos americanos. Sus padres viven en Bogotá.
«Mis estudios en el seminario me dieron la oportunidad de tener un emocionante viaje hacia los acontecimientos históricos, las formas literarias, la cultura y otros componentes que ayudaron a la formación de la Biblia», dijo Liliana. «Tuve la oportunidad de adquirir herramientas y mejorar las capacidades para la interpretación de los textos bíblicos. Profundicé en las formas particulares de las diferentes teologías contextuales latinas y su consecuente diálogo con las ideas anabautistas. Reflexioné acerca de las diferentes manifestaciones de adoración, evangelización, responsabilidad social y trabajo de paz desde el propio entorno cultural de los latinos viviendo en los Estados Unidos. Crecí espiritualmente y me he sentido retada para seguir explorando no solo la palabra bíblica sino el pensamiento de diferentes teólogos».
Mario Rocha Iglesias
Mario Rocha Iglesias, de Newton, Kansas, y originario de México, se graduó de AMBS el 2 de mayo de 2026 con un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos (en español), a través de una asociación entre AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Planea seguir sirviendo como Pastor de la Iglesia Menonita Casa Betania en Newton, una congregación de la Conferencia Western District de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.
Mario, quien completó sus cursos de seminario a distancia, obtuvo anteriormente una Licenciatura en Educación Musical del Conservatorio de Música del Estado de México en Toluca. Él está casado con Alva Pérez González y tienen un hijo. Sus padres son José Silverio Rocha Moreno y Arcadia Iglesias Santiago de San Felipe del Progreso, Estado de México, México.
«Mi experiencia en el seminario fue muy gratificante para mi vida», dijo él . «Me enseñó a comprender mejor la manera de interpretar la biblia y servir mejor a Dios y al prójimo».
El seminario celebra una histórica ceremonia de graduación trilingüe
Por Annette Brill Bergstresser
ELKHART, Indiana (Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Menonita) — Aproximadamente 200 personas participaron en una alegre e histórica ceremonia de graduación el 2 de mayo de 2026 en la Capilla del Sermón de la Montaña del Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Menonita. El orador fue el reverendo Leonard Dow, Vicepresidente de Desarrollo Comunitario y Eclesiástico en Everence.
El evento marcó varios hitos para el seminario de Elkhart, Indiana:
- Por primera vez en la historia del seminario, dos estudiantes obtuvieron el título de Doctorado en el Ministerio de Liderazgo a través de un programa que se puso en marcha en enero de 2023.
- Diez estudiantes fueron los primeros en completar el programa de Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos, impartido íntegramente en español y en línea, que comenzó en agosto de 2023 gracias a una colaboración entre la AMBS y los Ministerios Hispanos de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. Todos los estudiantes que comenzaron el programa lo completaron.
- Ocho de los nueve estudiantes que forman parte de la promoción de Maestria en Artes: Teología y Anabautismo Global (MATGA) en coreano viajaron desde Corea del Sur para participar en el evento y fueron reconocidos antes de completar sus títulos en 2027. Su programa personalizado, que se centra en los estudios anabautistas sobre la paz, comenzó en 2022 gracias a una colaboración entre AMBS y el Instituto Nehemiah de Estudios Cristianos de Seúl. Además, ha registrado una tasa de retención del 100 %.
- Esta fue la primera ceremonia de graduación en la historia del seminario que se celebró en tres idiomas —con traducción simultánea del inglés al coreano y al español, algunos elementos del programa presentados en los tres idiomas y programas impresos disponibles en cada idioma— para honrar a los estudiantes presentes que estaban completando sus estudios íntegramente en coreano o español.
Además, cinco estudiantes obtuvieron una Maestría en Artes: Teología y Anabautismo Global; cuatro, una Maestría en Divinidades; uno, una Maestría en Artes: Teología y Estudios de Paz; y cuatro, un Certificado de Posgrado en Estudios Teológicos.
«El fin de semana de graduación de este año se sintió histórico en muchos sentidos», reflexionó David Boshart, PhD, Presidente. «Por primera vez en la historia de AMBS, celebramos que los estudiantes completaran una formación teológica acreditada en ceremonias de bendición y graduación trilingües, y reconocimos a los graduados de tres nuevos programas creados para satisfacer las necesidades de toda la iglesia. Sin embargo, lo que hizo que esta experiencia fuera más significativa fue la notable perseverancia y transformación que representó el recorrido de cada estudiante. Sus historias son de valentía, vocación, crecimiento espiritual y un profundo compromiso con el servicio a la iglesia. Nuestro profesorado y personal han tenido el privilegio de ser testigos de la profunda forma en que estos estudiantes se han formado como líderes, académicos y fieles seguidores de Jesús».
Acerca de la promoción de 2026
De los 26 miembros de la promoción de 2026, 16 asistieron a la ceremonia en persona; también se pudo seguir a través de una transmisión en vivo. La promoción, compuesta por 11 mujeres y 15 hombres, representaba a nueve países —Brasil, Chad, Colombia, El Salvador, Etiopía, Guatemala, Kenia, México y Estados Unidos— y a 14 estados de Estados Unidos. Cinco de los graduados completaron sus estudios de seminario en el campus, y 21 completaron parte o la totalidad de sus estudios a distancia. Para varios de ellos, el fin de semana de la graduación supuso su primera visita al campus de la AMBS.
Once de los graduados desempeñan funciones en el ministerio pastoral; cuatro prestan servicio de forma voluntaria en sus congregaciones y comunidades; dos ejercerán como pastores universitarios; dos trabajan en el ámbito educativo; dos lo hacen en el sector sin ánimo de lucro o en el ámbito del trabajo social; y tres buscan un destino en el ámbito misionero, educativo o pastoral, o están valorando sus próximos pasos. Hay uno que trabaja como asistente de facturación en una empresa de servicios públicos, otro como capellán, otro como psicólogo clínico, otro como ministro de conferencia y otro como administrador sanitario. Tres tienen previsto cursar estudios de posgrado en el futuro. (Algunos graduados desempeñan múltiples funciones).
Veinte de los graduados están afiliados a estas iglesias miembros de la Conferencia Mundial Menonita: 14 a la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU.; tres a la Iglesia Meserete Kristos (Iglesia Menonita de Etiopía); dos a la Conferencia de Iglesias Menonitas Hermanos de EE. UU.; y uno tanto a la Iglesia Menonita de Kenia como a la Iglesia Menonita de Uganda.
Otras afiliaciones incluyen la Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, la Conferencia Menonita Mosaic, la Asociación de Iglesias Evangélicas y Misiones de Chad, la Iglesia Unida de Cristo de EE. UU., la Iglesia Metodista Unida y una iglesia no confesional. (Algunos graduados están vinculados a varias denominaciones). El AMBS presta servicio a la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. y a la Iglesia Menonita de Canadá como seminario binacional.
Entre las universidades y centros de enseñanza superior anabautistas-menonitas que cuentan con graduados de la promoción de 2026 de la AMBS se encuentran la Universidad de Bluffton (Ohio); el Goshen College (Indiana); y el Seminario Meserete Kristos en Bishoftu/Debre Zeit, Etiopía. Seis de los graduados también completaron certificados de nivel de grado a través del programa del Seminario Bíblico Anabautista Hispano (SeBAH) de la Iglesia Menonita de EE. UU. antes de estudiar en la AMBS, y uno completó el programa STEP (Estudio y Formación para un Ministerio Pastoral Eficaz) de la Universidad Menonita Eastern en Harrisonburg, Virginia, y la antigua Conferencia Menonita Lancaster (Pensilvania).
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