Latino Leadership Circle Podcast

In this October 2024 episode of the Latino Leadership Circle Podcast, Reverend Dr. Luis Alvarez, Rev. David Ramos, Elder Belinda Passafaro and Rev. Dr. Orlando Crespo, a panel of Latino faith leaders discuss how Latino Christians can thoughtfully respond to the issues and divisions magnified by this year’s U.S. election. Reflecting on the rise of Christian nationalism and divisive rhetoric, they explore how some political movements conflict with core Christian values of empathy, justice, and love for others. The conversation underscores the role of the church in combating racism, oppression, and xenophobia rooted in historical injustices, like the Doctrine of Discovery. Panelists emphasize that both the message and messenger of political movements matter, urging listeners to remember biblical teachings on love, empathy, and unity as they head to the polls. They stress the importance of voting not just for personal gain but for the good of the community and the principles of justice that Christ championed.

Join hosts Luis and Orlando as they delve into the theme of leadership from a biblical perspective with a unique focus on Latino and Latina communities.

In this episode, David, Orlando, and Luis engage in a deep dive into the theme of speaking truth to power. They draw a poignant comparison between the tragic demise of Alexei Navalny in Russia and various historic and biblical personalities who boldly confronted authority with truth.

In this episode, David, Belinda, Orlando, and Luis speak on how they carve unique paths toward times of renewal in their lives. They share insights, routines, and practices to help find refreshment and resilience.

In this special episode, David, Belinda, Orlando, and Luis share scriptures on Peace and light that are close to their hearts during this time. Finally, they pray for peace and light in our families and society.

In this episode, we have a special Thanksgiving message entitled Thanking Through It by Rev. David Ramos, President of the Latino Leadership Circle. This sermon was originally featured at the thepassioncenter.org.

Luis, David interview Dr. Orlando Crespo on his recent trip to do the walk of St. Ignatius in Spain.

This episode is an exert from The Franciscan Way, a virtual guided tour by Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Here Rev. Dr. Luis Alvarez shares his reflection on God’s call to Francis of Assisi to build his church and what it means for him today. This forms part of a series short reflections done by members and friends of the Latino Leadership Circle.

Luis, Orlando and David interview Dr. Larry Acosta Executive Director/Multiethnic Church Planting Catalyst at City to City Los Angeles. We asked Larry to give his tips to emerging Latino Leaders. This is a rebroadcast of a 2017 audio interview.

This is part two of our discussion with Rev. Dr. Liz and Hiram Rios as they share about one of the greatest loves of their life, their son Daniel Jeremiah. DJ, as they affectionally call him, has special needs. We discuss the couple’s journey as parents, how it has shaped their family, what they have learned about life, and their understanding of God in the midst of it all.

In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with our very own Rev. Dr. Liz and Hiram Rios as they share about one of the greatest loves of their life, their son Daniel Jeremiah. DJ, as they affectionally call him, has special needs. We discuss the couple’s journey as parents, how it has shaped their family, what they have learned about life, and their understanding of God in the midst of it all.

In this Cafecito Conversation, we continue our discussion with Pastor Joseph Henry Cortese on the incredible life and ministry of his mother Rev. Aimee Cortese. Hear part 1 at https://api.spreaker.com/v2/episodes/48497933/download.mp3

The Latino Leadership Circle discusses the powerful keynote delivered by Rev. Dr. Daisy Machado, Professor of Church History at the Union Theological Inaugural Mama Leo Latinx Lecture on Feb. 19, 2022. With Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Rios, Elder Belinda Pasafaro, Rev. David Ramos, and Rev. Dr. Luis Alvarez. Special thanks to Union Theological Seminary for the use of this content.

The LLC crew speak with Rev. Joseph Henry Cortese, Pastor of Crossroads Tabernacle in the Bronx, NY, and son of the late Rev. Aimee Cortese on the invaluable contribution that Aimee made to church and society. Rev. Aimee was named after Evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson, and like her namesake, Aimee Cortese was a trailblazer who overcame overwhelming obstacles to live out the calling she received at fifteen years old to preach the Gospel. She has a had remarkable impact in New York City, the nation, and throughout the world and is considered to be one of the most respected Latina Protestant Ministers in the United States and a role model for hundreds of women in ministry today.

Rev. David Ramos, President and Founder of the Latino Leadership Circle is interviewed by Prof. Rafael Reyes III, Assistant Professor at New York Theological Seminary regarding the engagement of theology and ministry in the City.

In this episode, we discuss the impact of Reverend Leoncia Rosado Rousseau, known to many as Mama Leo. Mama Leo is a significant figure in church history being perhaps the first Latina Pentecostal Pastor in New York City. Her holistic ministry changed the lives of countless individuals addicted to drugs, alcohol, and those considered to be outcasts of society.Special Guest: Rev. Jonathan Roque, Senior Pastor, Damascus Christian Church of Hunts PointTo support the upcoming Mama Leo Latinx Lecture Series at Union Theological visit https://bit.ly/MamaLeoLectureSeriesSend Mama Leo Artifacts to Hunts Point Damascus Christian Church 837 Manida Street Bronx NY 10474. Contact Rev. Roque at rev.jonathanroque@gmail.com.

Besides dealing with a global pandemic, one of the biggest challenges we face during this time is discussing the current issues with those who are around us. In this episode Rev. David Ramos, Elder Belinda Passafaro and Rev. Dr. Luis Alvarez share what they have found to be helpful when navigating the pandemic discussion.

The Rev. Jose Humphreys speaks to us about Urban Ecclesiology.Jose Humphreys is a member of the Latino Leadership Circle.He is a consultant and facilitator. Rev. Humphreys is the founder and a Lead Pastor of Metro Hope Church, a multi-ethnic church movement in East Harlem.He is also the author of the book “Seeing Jesus in East Harlem: What Happens When Churches Show Up and Stay Put”. This is an excellent book that chronicles his experience of planting a church as well as providing a holistic framework to do so. If your church leader or pastor it is a must-read.

In this episode, we take an excerpt from a presentation done by Dr. Orlando Crespo on Ethnicity, Culture, and Leadership. Dr. Crespo presented this in a training session of Passion2Plant. Passion2Plant is an organization founded by Dr. Liz Rios. Its mission is to train Black and Brown church planters to start justice-oriented churches right from the start. Visit passion2plant.com for more information.

In this episode, we discuss one of the most influential Latino Theologians of our time, Rene Padilla. C. Rene Padilla has shaped modern Evangelicalism and has insightfully helped bring into focus the Church's mission in the world. Padilla's Theology is required reading for every Pastor and leader who wishes to do the true work of the Gospel. With Rev. David Ramos, Rev. Dr. Orlando Crespo, and Rev. Dr. Luis Alvarez.If you enjoy this podcast, considering supporting us at latinoleadershipcircle.org/donateAll gifts are welcomed.Resources: Christianity Today articleshttps://bit.ly/3faRz1shttps://bit.ly/3brfVCWhttps://www.christianitytoday.com/.../p/c-rene-padilla/The Lausanne Covenanthttps://lausanne.org/content/covenant/lausanne-covenantDavid C. Kirkpatrick Paperhttps://bit.ly/3w4jpDgBooks on Amazonhttps://amzn.to/3fenzSfInterview with Graham Joseph Hillhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXfcZHtPRoMFundación Kairos Videos (Spanish) https://www.youtube.com/user/Kairosvideos/videosInterview with Juan Pablo Bongarrá, La Puerta Abierta (Spanish)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb0xnhYgrNg&t=167s