Chile
Presbyterian World Mission works in partnership with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chile. For decades, the PC(USA) has also partnered with the Evangelical Theological Community, a theological seminary that trains leaders from many Protestant denominations. While we do not have any mission co-workers serving in Chile, our regional liaisons visit Chile regularly.
Presbyterian ministry in Chile began in 1845 when David Trumbull, a recent graduate of Princeton Seminary, was hired by a British trading company to be a chaplain to expatriates in Valparaiso. Trumbull felt led by the Spirit to extend his ministry to Chileans as well as expatriates; by the 1850s, despite considerable opposition, the first Spanish-speaking, non-Roman Catholic ministry was underway. The church Trumbull helped to found had such strong ties to the U.S. that it became a presbytery of the Synod of New York, only becoming a national church in 1964.
About our work
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) works in partnership with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chile and with the Evangelical Theological Community. The Presbyterian presence began in 1845 when Rev. David Trumbull, a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, arrived in Chile “hired by a British trading company as a chaplain to expatriates” in the city of Valparaiso. A few years later “he felt led” by the Spirit of God to expand his ministry to Chileans. By the 1850s, “the first Spanish-speaking non-Roman Catholic ministry was underway.” After decades of strong relationship with the former Synod of New York, the Presbyterian Church of Chile became a national church in 1964. After its division in 1972, today the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Chile includes three presbyteries: Large North Presbytery, Small North Presbytery and Central Presbytery.
The Evangelical Theological Community has its headquarters in Santiago de Chile. It is formed by churches such as the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Chile, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile, the Lutheran Church in Chile, the Methodist Church of Chile, the Pentecostal Church Mission, the Apostolic Pentecostal Church Mission, the Christian Church Wings of Love and Power, and the Reformed Evangelical Church. This ecumenical seminary provides an accredited undergraduate theological degree; diplomas in theology; certificates in theology, and Bible studies. In addition, the seminary offers a program of continuing education; a diploma in counseling and pastoral accompaniment; theological workshops; lectures; courses for congregational leaders; theological week; conversation tables, and conferences. The seminary offers biblical studies in the original languages and seeks to integrate theological studies into the Chilean context. The faculty and student body come from various Protestant traditions.
Chile is a great place to bring a mission study or work team. There are many opportunities for service and thoughtful reflection with Chilean partners on evangelism, environmental concerns, and advocacy for water rights.
Our ecumenical partners in Chile are open to developing mission partnerships with PC(USA) churches and presbyteries.
The Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chile is training and empowering lay leaders to assume pastoral responsibilities in several of their congregations. In Vallenar, for example, Rev. Charles Escobar is one former lay leader who has now been ordained. His church hosted a workshop on urban ministry facilitated by PCUSA pastor Rev. Dr. Bob Brashear that helped Rev. Escobar and his congregation think about how to respond to the pastoral challenges of their particular context.
Alleviating Poverty: One congregation from the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chile operates a school for children living with different levels of disability. This award-winning school in Talca makes it possible for poor families to train and care for disabled children. For many families living with disability, this program marks the difference between their children becoming productive members of society and living a life of dependency.
Reconciliation: In a polarized society, The Evangelical Theological Community provides a safe space where mainline Protestants, Pentecostals and Roman Catholics can study theology together and discern how best to respond to the pastoral challenges facing Chilean society.