Pastoral Theology

During the week of August 16–21, 2026, I had the privilege of traveling to Cochabamba, Bolivia, with the support of Teaching Missions International to teach a course on Pastoral Theology at the Seminario Reformado Latinamericano housed in the Iglesia Biblica Monte de Sion, under the leadership of Pastor Gerson Cruz and encourage students preparing for ministry.

The primary purpose of the trip was to serve the seminary by creating a week-long seminar on Reformed Pastoral Theology and then teaching it, through an interpreter, to the students thereby strengthening the work of preparing men for faithful ministry. My time there provided an opportunity not only to teach course content, but also to listen, learn, and encourage those who are laboring in the gospel in Bolivia.

Throughout the week, I taught thirteen sessions focused on Pastoral Theology from a Reformed Perspective: 1) What is Pastoral Theology? Biblical Basis and Theological Distinctives; 2) The Call to Ministry (Internal and External); 3) The Pastor’s Personal Life and Piety; 4) Expository Preaching and Teaching; 5) The Regulative Principle and Worship Leadership; 6) Shepherding and Pastoral Care; 7) Counseling and Care; 8) Church Polity and Eldership; 9) Church Discipline and Restoration; 10) Evangelism,
Missions and Outreach; 11) Administration, Conflict and Church Dynamics; 12) Marriage, Family and Ethics in Ministry; and 13) Sustaining Long Term Ministry and Legacy.

The students were attentive, thoughtful, and eager to engage both the biblical material and its practical application to pastoral ministry, church leadership, and Christian service. Their questions reflected a deep desire to understand Scripture faithfully and to serve their churches well. Each day included opportunities for classroom instruction, discussion, and personal interaction. These conversations helped connect the teaching with the realities of ministry in the Bolivian context, including the joys and challenges faced by local pastors, students, families, and congregations.

Details & Highlights

Date: 8/17-8/21

Location: Bolivia

Professors: Dr. Bruce Wilson

Course: Pastoral Theology

Number of Participants: 22

Cochabamba offered a rich setting for ministry. The city’s location in the central valleys
of Bolivia, its strong cultural identity, and its reputation as a place of spring-like weather
helped shape the experience of the week. I was especially struck by the commitment of
the church under Pastor Cruz’s leadership to plant six new churches as well as the fact
that many of the membership of the church attended the sessions.

One of the greatest encouragements from the trip was seeing the seriousness with which the students approached their studies. Their commitment to theological preparation, pastoral faithfulness, and service to the church was evident throughout the week. I left encouraged by the ongoing work of the seminary and by the potential long-term fruit of investing in leaders who will serve churches and communities across Bolivia and beyond.

Pastoral Theology

Details & Highlights

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