Manuel Padilla gives a presentation about the National Plan at the Hispanic/Latino ecumenical gathering in Nashville, Tennessee in 2015. PHOTO: MICHELLE MALDONADO, UMNS

September 1, 2021 | ATLANTA

The National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry Committee (NPHLM) announces that its national interim director, Manuel Padilla, will be stepping down from his staff position effective December 31, 2021, to pursue a new vocational opportunity. The NPHLM Committee will be conducting a national search for a new national director, interviewing candidates beginning mid-October 2021.

Padilla accepted his current role as interim national director for two years after serving as a missionary of the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church since 2013, initially working with the National Plan in the U.S. on strategy and ministry. In the summer of 2016, Padilla was named the manager of conference relations and strategy for the plan. Members of the NPHLM Executive Committee express appreciation for Padilla’s significant work during his tenure. “Manuel Padilla’s commitment to the Hispanic/Latino church has created a steady foundation for the NPHLM to continue to offer relevant programs and resources,” said Bishop Sally Dyck, president of the NPHLM. Padilla has represented the NPHLM in a variety of ways, including serving on the executive board of MARCHA (the National Hispanic/Latino caucus within The United Methodist Church and the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico) and other boards connected to the work of the NPHLM.

“I have been blessed to lead the NPHLM and to work with this amazing committee under the leadership of bishops Sally Dyck and LaTrelle Easterling,” said Padilla. “The NPHLM Committee undergirded our work as staff to inspire growth, vitality and innovation among leaders who desire to strengthen the Hispanic/Latino and other churches and transform their communities. The NPHLM is a vital mission initiative within The United Methodist Church and I am confident it will continue to strengthen and resource Hispanic/Latino churches and The United Methodist Church for effective and transformational ministry.”

For more information on the position and application, click here.

The NPHLM Search Committee is composed of the following persons:

Raúl Alegría, Chair (SEJ)
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling (NEJ)
Bishop Sally Dyck (NCJ)
Rev. Ismael Ruiz Millán (SEJ)
Rev. Ella Luna-Garza (SCJ)
Rosie Ríos (WJ)
Rev. Juárez Gonçalves (NEJ)

Evangelism & Church Revitalization Board of Directors Multiethnic Plans North America Global Ministries