The “Abre Mis Ojos” conference (Spanish for “open my eyes”) gathered more than 700 guests from the Hispanic community at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Sept. 19-20.
The fourth annual conference, developed by NOBTS as an intentional way to engage Hispanics, hosted a total of 775 guests from six different states and more than 80 different churches. Multiple nationalities were represented during the two-day event.
“By the grace of God, the conference was a total success,” said Fabio Castellanos, director of Spanish online education at NOBTS.
“This marks the largest attendance we have ever had, and six professions of faith took place throughout the weekend. New relationships with various ministries partners were established and our ties with SBC entities such as IMB and NAMB were further strengthened.
“Perhaps one of the most remarkable achievements of the conference was the teamwork carried out between local SBC churches and the seminary. It was, without a doubt, a monumental effort for the glory of God.”
Chris Shaffer, chief of staff and associate vice president for institutional strategy, welcomed the crowd Friday night and spoke about the seminary’s history of teaching in multiple languages.
“You all join a long legacy of men and women who came to this institution to train, learn and study in a language other than English,” Shaffer said.
“It’s a wonderful gift that God has given us to serve in this place alongside of you. On behalf of President Dew and the entire administration, thank you for being here. I pray the next two days are a joy and an encouragement to you.”
The theme for this year’s conference “La Sana Doctrina,” focused on sound doctrine.
Plenary speakers preached on what sound Christian doctrine is and how it should affect a believer’s life.
Gilberto Corredera, Spanish pastor at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas, spoke on what sound doctrine is and how it can be used to stir correct attitudes and actions.
“Sound doctrine, or healthy teaching, must be based on the Bible, Christ-centered and aimed at promoting the believer’s sanctification, while also mobilizing the church to fulfill the Great Commission,” Corredera said.
Bill Warren, NOBTS professor of New Testament and Greek, spoke about the difference between unity and uniformity.
“God’s creation itself teaches us that although we are very similar, we are not the same,” Warren said.
“Uniformity is not required for true unity. Imposing my opinion as the only correct or most accurate one does not contribute to unity. Through the design of His Word, God shows us that different perspectives enrich and add to a fuller vision of Christianity.”
Castellanos spoke about how sound doctrine is a “comprehensive guide” for the Christian life.
“Salvation is a guaranteed gift, but believers are called to live consistently with it, demonstrating their faith through concrete actions,” he said. “Orthodoxy and orthopraxy are inseparable.
“Without genuine faith in Christ, good works cannot manifest. Thus, the Church and individual believers must be oriented toward Jesus, who serves as the spiritual compass and moral guide, ensuring that the Christian life is transformative, ethical, and Christ-centered.”
Bárbaro Marrero, president of the Baptist Convention of Western Cuba and dean of the Baptist Theological Seminary of Havana, delivered a message from Jude 3 contrasting essential doctrinal matters from peripheral ones.
“Distinguishing between what is essential and what is peripheral, and responding consistently in each case, is indispensable for the health of the church,” he said.
Visiting plenary speakers also preached in local churches on Sunday.
Breakout session topics during the conference included:
Exhibitors and partners at the conference included Send Network, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, the International Mission Board, the New Orleans Baptist Association, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and more.
The conference is part of a specific emphasis NOBTS has placed on engaging the Hispanic community in recent years.
Castellanos worked together with Cory Barnes, dean of NOBTS graduate studies, and NOBTS Provost Norris Grubbs to develop the seminary’s online Spanish program, which officially launched in the fall of 2021. This was followed by the first Abre Mis Ojos conference in 2022.
The Spanish program’s first graduating class of seven master’s students walked during the spring 2024 ceremony, and two more graduates received degrees this past Spring.
Castellanos said Abre is playing a key role in connecting NOBTS to the Hispanic community and its churches.
“The Seminary has become a point of convergence for Hispanic churches in our region,” Castellanos said.
“The presence of believers from 84 churches is a testimony to the growing credibility of the conference and the Seminary in the Hispanic community.
“NOBTS is a neutral ground where a multitude of local churches all come together simply as believers that are thirsty to hear the Word of God and are eager to put it into practice.
“This is undoubtedly one of the many ways in which the Seminary equips servants to walk with Christ, proclaim His truth, and fulfill His mission.”
Next year’s Abre Mis Ojos conference is scheduled for Sept. 18-19.
