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Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano de Guatemala
Asociación SAQ B’E
C. “Carlos” Herfst
Originally from Alberta, Carlos grew up in Southern Ontario as a child of Dutch immigrant parents. After a short career as a printer, he studied history at McMaster University and then later studied theology at the Theological College of the Canadian Reformed Churches. Ordained as a missionary pastor of the Free Reformed Churches, he and his wife Jackie and their children settled in Cubulco, Baja Verapaz in Guatemala where they worked as church planters among the Achí people from 1992 to 2002. In 2004 he was called to join the teaching staff at Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano de Guatemala near San Felipe, Retalhuleu. He teaches missiology, Hebrew, Old Testament exegesis and as of 2010, he’ll be giving some theology courses to senior students. Additionally, he regularly teaches courses at two other seminaries of the Presbyterian Church; one in Quetzaltenango and the other in Guatemala City. He also gives conferences to pastors in various presbyteries and leaders a hermeneutical study group for pastors and church leaders. On the local church level, he works with young adults of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Quetzaltenango as teacher, occasional preacher and host for discipleship and discussion groups. Most Sunday nights, a small group meets in his home to “converse with Calvin”. For the past three years, they have been reading the Institutes together and reflect on what it means to be Reformed in their context. It is exciting to see a number of key leaders growing through the grasp of a Biblical worldview. Another group meets to study Scripture together. Herfst is currently pursing a doctorate from Universidad Panamericana in Guatemala City.
The Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano celebrates 75 years in 2010. At one point it was very influential through the TEE program that Dr. Ross Kinsler developed there to prepare indigenous pastors. Recognizing the ongoing need to strengthen the pulpit, the Seminary is taking a leading role in the discussion of hermeneutics and preaching among Presbyterians in Guatemala. It is in this capacity that the connection to Paideia Center is so important for Herfst. “We cannot faithfully interpret Scripture from only one cultural perspective anymore; rather, we need North-South, East-West conversations, especially in light of the fact that the Church is shifting South. Today we simply need to be a part of the global conversation”.
In addition to his teaching role, Herfst is president of Asociación SAQ B’E, an NGO that was formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Stan. Initial work focused on relief and reconstruction of water supply systems, a bridge, as well as homes. Since then, their focus has expanded to include agricultural projects, a Day Care for seniors, a drug and alcohol Rehabilitation Center, supervision for a women’s association that combines Bible Study in the Mam language with community projects and a partnership for literacy in Mam speaking schools. They are currently exploring ways to provide home care to terminally ill AIDS patients and their families. SAQ B’E is a Mayan phrase meaning “way of light” and conveys the idea of truthfulness, transparency and hope. Wherever possible, SAQ B’E works with the local church in fulfilling its diaconal ministry as an essential part of the community of faith that recognizes the importance of God’s Reign in a part of the world where social challenges are often overwhelming.
This balance between teaching and walking with the poor provides a unique opportunity to study the Scriptures and think theologically as a “traveler on the way”. He comments: “our understanding of theology and Scripture must help the church live as Church in the world as sign and foretaste of the Kingdom of God”. Herfst is one of the founding members of La Red Del Camino (the network of the way) in Guatemala, a network found in more than 10 Latin American countries and that promotes a holistic approach to missions. He was recently appointed to this community’s editorial board that provides theological reflection that is rooted in the Latin American reality.
Email: prorege.gua (at) gmail.com
Skype: chherfst
C. “Carlos” Herfst
Originally from Alberta, Carlos grew up in Southern Ontario as a child of Dutch immigrant parents. After a short career as a printer, he studied history at McMaster University and then later studied theology at the Theological College of the Canadian Reformed Churches. Ordained as a missionary pastor of the Free Reformed Churches, he and his wife Jackie and their children settled in Cubulco, Baja Verapaz in Guatemala where they worked as church planters among the Achí people from 1992 to 2002. In 2004 he was called to join the teaching staff at Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano de Guatemala near San Felipe, Retalhuleu. He teaches missiology, Hebrew, Old Testament exegesis and as of 2010, he’ll be giving some theology courses to senior students. Additionally, he regularly teaches courses at two other seminaries of the Presbyterian Church; one in Quetzaltenango and the other in Guatemala City. He also gives conferences to pastors in various presbyteries and leaders a hermeneutical study group for pastors and church leaders. On the local church level, he works with young adults of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Quetzaltenango as teacher, occasional preacher and host for discipleship and discussion groups. Most Sunday nights, a small group meets in his home to “converse with Calvin”. For the past three years, they have been reading the Institutes together and reflect on what it means to be Reformed in their context. It is exciting to see a number of key leaders growing through the grasp of a Biblical worldview. Another group meets to study Scripture together. Herfst is currently pursing a doctorate from Universidad Panamericana in Guatemala City.
The Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano celebrates 75 years in 2010. At one point it was very influential through the TEE program that Dr. Ross Kinsler developed there to prepare indigenous pastors. Recognizing the ongoing need to strengthen the pulpit, the Seminary is taking a leading role in the discussion of hermeneutics and preaching among Presbyterians in Guatemala. It is in this capacity that the connection to Paideia Center is so important for Herfst. “We cannot faithfully interpret Scripture from only one cultural perspective anymore; rather, we need North-South, East-West conversations, especially in light of the fact that the Church is shifting South. Today we simply need to be a part of the global conversation”.
In addition to his teaching role, Herfst is president of Asociación SAQ B’E, an NGO that was formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Stan. Initial work focused on relief and reconstruction of water supply systems, a bridge, as well as homes. Since then, their focus has expanded to include agricultural projects, a Day Care for seniors, a drug and alcohol Rehabilitation Center, supervision for a women’s association that combines Bible Study in the Mam language with community projects and a partnership for literacy in Mam speaking schools. They are currently exploring ways to provide home care to terminally ill AIDS patients and their families. SAQ B’E is a Mayan phrase meaning “way of light” and conveys the idea of truthfulness, transparency and hope. Wherever possible, SAQ B’E works with the local church in fulfilling its diaconal ministry as an essential part of the community of faith that recognizes the importance of God’s Reign in a part of the world where social challenges are often overwhelming.
This balance between teaching and walking with the poor provides a unique opportunity to study the Scriptures and think theologically as a “traveler on the way”. He comments: “our understanding of theology and Scripture must help the church live as Church in the world as sign and foretaste of the Kingdom of God”. Herfst is one of the founding members of La Red Del Camino (the network of the way) in Guatemala, a network found in more than 10 Latin American countries and that promotes a holistic approach to missions. He was recently appointed to this community’s editorial board that provides theological reflection that is rooted in the Latin American reality.
Email: prorege.gua (at) gmail.com
Skype: chherfst
Stories from Seminario Evangélico Presbiteriano de Guatemala
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