Celebrating God's Work In Mexico
An update from Carlos Contreras, National Leader of Sovereign Grace Churches, Mexico….
This past May, we gathered in Guadalajara as Elders of Gracia Soberana México for our National Council of Elders and annual pastoral retreat. These meetings have become a highlight of our year, and this year was no exception.
The Council of Elders was a clear testimony of God’s goodness toward our Nation as we celebrated His continued strengthening of our family of churches, even through seasons of growth and challenge. I had the privilege of sharing an update on the state of our union, reminding us of God’s abundant faithfulness. Despite changing circumstances across several of our churches, He has allowed us to grow and solidify as a Nation, with a vision to serve not only Mexico but the world.
The Council approved the creation of a new East-Central region and confirmed Kike Villegas as Regional Leader. We also celebrated the ordination of Emmanuel Alfonzo, lead pastor of Vida Abundante in Moroleón, Michoacán — making it the seventh church officially partnered with our denomination.
We were encouraged by Alex Anchondo, who shared his experiences from joining the SG team that went to Pakistan January, reminding us of the unstoppable, transforming power of the Gospel — a power at work there and equally capable of transforming our own cities and nation. Antonio Díaz, pastor of our sister church in Mexico City, also shared how our national family served churches in Cuba last October by sending him and Edgar Flores to teach, encourage, and deliver much-needed medicines and resources.
I was grateful to report on the blessing of hosting the recording of the new Gracia Soberana Música album at our church — the first GSM album written entirely by Latin American songwriters. I also shared a preview of our upcoming Fieles a Su Llamado conference this August, where we will partner with Bob Kauflin and WorshipGod to host our largest event to date, with 850 expected attendees, gathering to reflect on the priorities of our Sunday worship gatherings.
Finally, Mark Prater joined us and shared his vision for the future of Sovereign Grace Churches, exhorting us to become “a multi-generational, theologically faithful, Spirit-empowered, global family of churches who together advance the gospel of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.”
Following the Council, we held our annual pastoral retreat — a time strategically important for the development of Gracia Soberana México. These retreats are marked by fellowship in the gospel, pastoral encouragement, and opportunities for the Mexican Leadership Team to cast vision for our family of churches. This year’s theme was Pastoral Ministry in the Fear of God.
We heard powerful messages from our National Leadership Team on our calling to be pastors governed by the fear of the Lord, in light of Christ’s sobering charge to care for His church. Mark Prater spoke on the necessity of hard conversations in leadership. I shared on the fear of the Lord as the motivation and fuel for our love for Christ and His church. Hellman Avila, pastor from our El Paso church, taught on the importance of pastors recognizing their dependence on the Holy Spirit. Manolo Quintal, pastor in Silao Guanajuato and National Leadership Team member, exhorted us on pastoral ministry empowered and motivated by grace. Finally, Abelardo Muñoz, also part of the SGC Executive Committee, reminded us of the dangers of pastoral ministry, calling us to prioritize the care of our own souls and to continually return to the gospel in awe of God’s grace.
I am deeply grateful for the rich fellowship we enjoy — not only nationally but globally. This was evident throughout our retreat, in our times of ministry and prayer, shared meals, and joyful fellowship. Having been part of Sovereign Grace Churches for four decades, I rejoice to see how its values and virtues are increasingly evident in the lives of our leaders and churches in Mexico.
Thank you, Sovereign Grace, for your legacy, your continued help, and your faithful support!
