CRM Empowering Leaders

The Hispanic Ministries team in Miami sees its purpose as one of establishing relationships of influence with Hispanic pastors and leaders, being available to them through friendship, encouragement, and accountability. Through the means of coaching and mentoring, the team serves to walk alongside these leaders, supplying needs they may have, such as fellowship.

The team began several years ago as a conversation between CRM staff and local Hispanic leaders and pastors in Miami. A few years later, Jaime Rodriguez was recruited and CRM began working amongst his related contacts with Presbyterian pastors. While Leonel Portillo was the director of CRM Venezuela and pastoring at the same time, God began to speak to him about expanding frontiers and ministry, calling him away from pastoring and into a broader realm of influence: Miami.

God used a long-time friendship with a local pastor in Miami and a relationship with Jaime to steer Leonel towards making an international move. He began to see the opportunity to serve Hispanic pastors and leaders in the United States as well as any Spanish-speaking country, Miami being the gateway to Central and South Americas. He now works in Miami, with Jaime serving as an associate member of the team.

After one year in the area, the Portillo family continues to settle into their new home, adjusting to the new culture, language, and ministry. Leonel meets regularly with several pastors in mentoring-coaching relationships in Miami and the surrounding areas. He continues to travel to Venezuela to encourage and equip pastors from his network of relationships there.

His goal is to continue to meet and establish safe relationships with area pastors, being available to meet the various needs that arise in the life of a leader.

Use the links to the right to learn more about Ethne Miami and various opportunities for getting involved.