XI. Theological Formation Program

This program is the Biblical-Theological mark that sustains and gives Christian identity to the work of CESSMAQ.

Human development is only possible when we obtain changes and develop socio-economics and intellect, sown in spiritual development, that consequently take us to a society just, mutually accountable, and in brotherhood.

Community and human development that is sustained only by the socio-economic and intellectual, without the knowledge of God and without the knowledge of our missions as Christians, is susceptible and vulnerable to deterioration and diversion. Consequently, there are leaders or persons that have reached a certain level of improvement who utilize our people for their personal benefit. They are no longer salt and light.

In a violent society, in extreme poverty, exclusion, alienation, individualism, and moral deterioration, it is important to facilitate times of biblical and theological reflection that strengthen the rekindling and fellowship with God and fellow human beings.

In the communities that the present plan impacts, there is an abundance of churches and denominations, separated by rivalry and intolerance of doctrine and liturgy, both open and subtle. CESSMAQ will give its support for unity in the diversity, for dialog and viability of the mission of the church.

1. General Objective

Promote unity amid the diversity of doctrines, for the fulfillment of the mission of the Church in society and to realize the values of the Reign of God.

2. Specific Objectives

• Facilitate for churches, leaders and all people, periods of biblical-theological reflection that permit the unity in diverse doctrines and strengthen the mission to brothers and sisters in need.
• To identify CESSMAQ as a Christian evangelist, by providing Biblical-theological support to the beneficiaries of the programs that CESSMAQ does, and by promoting them to be multiplying agents.
• Continue to work toward establishing a Theological Center with specialization in Christian Service through CESSMAQ. This center would train leaders to return to the churches, in their communities as agents of change and development.

3. Goals

• Establish 25 centers of biblical-theological reflection, in the 25 communities under the present CESSMAQ. Annually we will train in the subjects of Christian Service or Diaconia, Mission of the Christian and the church in their local, region and national context, Leadership, Reign of God, Jubilee, Christianity versus neo-liberalism, Christianity and Mayan theology: similarities and differences, other subjects according to necessity.
• Annually in the 25 biblical-theological reflection centers, train 625 men and women involved in CESSMAQ's programs, and other interested persons.
  
  In five years, this will benefit 3125 men and women, who know and practice Biblical Diaconia and have clarity of Christian mission and the Church. Besides, they will be focused leaders to grow the structure of a just and solid society.
  
  
• Establish 5 radio programs, on local broadcast stations with an alternative message based on biblical theological reflections of the Diaconia, biblical foundations of Christian Service, programs about the work of CESSMAQ, subjects of children and youth, Human Rights and the Bible, Middle Class and the Bible, Reign of God, and others. These programs will be transmitted in Spanish and quiche (Mayan language)
• Annually compile shared experiences of each centers and write a booklet or brochure
• Theological School
  
  1. Continue the first phase of the operation of the Theological School, establishing three centers:
     - Gilgal Presbyterian Church in La Ceiba
     - A center in Chajabal, locally coordinated by the Mayan Women's Association-CESSMAQ.
     - A center in Guineales, for those who attend to obtain a High School Diploma in Theology, for those who have completed studies of the middle level, or a Certificate of Theology, for those who have completed primary studies.
     This first stage will be coordinated with CIEDEG (Guatemalan Council of Churches).
     
     
  2. At the end of the present five year plan, the second stage is to attain the recognition and backing of some Presbyterian Theological Institution in the United States with the CESSMAQ Theological School, continuing to use its own curriculum and specialized professors.
  NOTE: Since 1998, the Theological Center of the Gilgal Presbyterian Church at La Ceiba has been operating and the students have been evaluated. On October 22, 2000, the center recognized the first graduates: four High School Diplomas in Theology and five Certificates of Theology for persons of five denominations. The center operates under coordination with CIEDEG.

4. Budget