Washington, D.C., October 17, 2025 — With tickets sold out three weeks in advance, the Latino Leadership Summit 2025 of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) gathered pastors, leaders, and representatives from diverse sectors of society for a historic event held on October 14 at the prestigious Museum of the Bible.
The gathering, presided over by Rev. Samuel Rodríguez, President of the NHCLC, became a powerful convergence of faith, leadership, and social commitment, bringing together prominent figures from the ministerial, political, medical, and media arenas.
Among the speakers were pastors David Scarpeta, Sergio Hornung, Derek Grier, Tony Stewart, Mark Varughese, and Daniel Calveti, who also led moments of dynamic worship. Public and media figures included Dr. Marc Siegel (Senior Medical Analyst, Fox News), journalist Myrka Dellanos, Dr. Carlos Campo (CEO, Museum of the Bible), Irene Armendariz Jackson (Department of Homeland Security), and Jenny Korn, White House Faith Director, among other national leaders of influence.
Launching New Initiatives for the Hispanic Faith Community
Throughout the day, the NHCLC—recognized as the largest Latino Christian organization in the Americas—unveiled several strategic programs and initiatives under its three ministry centers: Ministerial Health, Public Policy, and Kingdom Collaboration.
The Center for Ministerial Health, under the direction of Dr. Charles Olmeda, officially launched the Financial Health Initiative, offering scholarships of up to $2,500 to help pastors make wise financial decisions that promote longevity and effectiveness in ministry.
Additionally, Pastor Reina Olmeda, Director of the Mental Health Initiative, announced a series of free courses and resources addressing anxiety, depression, pastoral care, and self-care—created specifically to equip and strengthen Latino pastors and ministry leaders.
Faith and Public Policy with Purpose
The Center for Public Policy, led by Pastor Robert Albino, welcomed Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar as a special guest. She presented her legislative proposal, The Dignity Act, describing it as “a Solomon-like solution to immigration.”
Rev. Samuel Rodríguez expressed his support, emphasizing the NHCLC’s long-standing commitment to compassionate immigration reform that balances moral clarity with respect for the rule of law:
“The Dignity Act reflects our core Christian belief that every person is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with respect and compassion.”
Solidarity with Israel and a Stand Against Antisemitism
In the same session, Pastor Juan Rivera, President of the Hispanic Israel Leadership Coalition (HILC)—an affiliate of the NHCLC—reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to defending the Jewish people and combating antisemitism.
“The Hispanic Church is called to be a spiritual and moral firewall against antisemitism, promoting biblical education, strategic partnerships, and active solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people,” said Rivera.
Featured guests included Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and Bishop Robert Stearns, Founder of Eagles’ Wings, who shared insights on how the faith community can remain a steadfast voice for truth and justice.
Among the initiatives announced were a free pastoral trip to Israel to strengthen biblical worldview and leadership, and the mobilization of “Solidarity Sunday,” which will unite more than 500 churches through digital resources, prayer guides, and educational materials.
NHCLC LATAM: A New Chapter of Continental Expansion
The summit concluded with the official launch of NHCLC LATAM and the appointment of Pastor Iván Delgado as its president.
“NHCLC LATAM is fully committed to advancing the Lamb’s agenda and equipping the Church—from Argentina to Mexico and Spain—to rise as a pillar of truth, countering the agenda of lies, hatred, and defamation against the principles that uphold our families and society. This is not a time to be silent; it is a time to fill the earth with God’s truth. Only truth brings prosperity, justice, and freedom to our generation. Together, we will change the world,” said Pastor Iván Delgado, President of NHCLC LATAM.
As an extension of the summit’s momentum, the following day many attendees traveled to Houston, Texas, to participate in the Round Table Latino, hosted by Grace Español Church in partnership with the NHCLC. The congregation, led by Pastor David Scarpeta, welcomed more than 350 pastors from various denominations for a hands-on training experience designed to provide current and effective tools for strengthening pastoral leadership and church development in today’s context. The gathering concluded with a free worship concert featuring the band Oasis, where thousands of attendees joined in an atmosphere of praise, celebration, and spiritual renewal.
Looking Ahead
Rev. Samuel Rodríguez closed the event with a powerful call to unity, integrity, and prophetic action:
“The Spirit of God is raising up a Hispanic generation that will no longer stand on the sidelines. We are called to influence, to serve, and to shine in every sphere of society.”
The next NHCLC Latino Leadership Summit has been confirmed for October 13, 2026, once again at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C.—further establishing it as one of the most influential platforms for Hispanic Christian leadership across the Americas.