Welcoming the Stranger to Your Church
Skills for Flourishing Congregations
Discover the path toward Welcoming the Stranger to Your Church with Rev. Hipólito Fernández Reina, Cathedral Canon at Christ Church Cathedral.
Webinar Description:
This timely conversation will delve into the importance of hospitality and inclusivity within congregations. Rev. Fernández Reina will share practical insights and heartfelt stories on creating a welcoming environment for newcomers, emphasizing the transformative power of hospitality in building community and fostering connections. Whether you are new to your church or a long-standing member, this event offers valuable perspectives on how we can all play a role in extending warmth and acceptance to those who enter our doors. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and discuss ways to embody the spirit of welcome in our shared journey of faith and community life.
Hosts: Dr. Francisco Lozada, Jr. – Vice President of Faculty Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, Professor of New Testament Studies at Christian Theological Seminary; Dr. Rob Saler, Associate Professor of Theology and Culture at Christian Theological Seminary
Register for Free Below!
Rev. Hipólito Fernández Reina
Rev. Hipólito Fernández Reina was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. He graduated from the Center of Theological Studies, the Episcopal Seminary in the Dominican Republic, in 2004, and was ordained to the priesthood on February 12, 2006.
After nine years of intensive ministry in his country of birth, Rev. Fernández Reina and his family accepted a call from St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Naples, FL, to become their Associate Rector, establishing the first Latino congregation in the Naples Deanery. In November 2017, he accepted a call to be the Priest in Charge at St. Giles’ Episcopal Church in Pinellas Park, FL. At that time, he was the only Episcopal priest in Southwest Florida leading two communities (Anglo and Latino) simultaneously. He also led the Diocesan Hispanic-Latino Committee for almost three years.