Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, I now serve as the church planter of El Buen Pastor PCA, a Hispanic church in Dallas, Texas. By God’s grace, I grew up in a Presbyterian household where faith and service to the church were central. I accepted Christ as my Savior during childhood and became deeply involved in the life of the church from a young age. 

While volunteering with the church in high school, I grasped the great need for pastors. Seeing this need firsthand, I began praying and asking God to send more workers into the field. It was during this time I first sensed God’s call on my life to serve him through vocational ministry.

In Mexico, it is common for pastors to go straight to seminary after high school. However, I felt strongly that I should first earn a bachelor’s degree. My goal was not only to better connect with people outside the church but also to ensure that I had a profession to support myself if the church couldn’t afford to pay me a salary. I earned a degree in industrial engineering.

I worked for several years as an engineer after graduation, but my heart remained set on serving the Lord as a pastor. I continued praying, seeking God’s guidance on how and where to pursue this calling. During this time, a close friend informed me that Westminster Theological Seminary had opened a campus in Dallas (now known as Redeemer Seminary). Excited by this opportunity, I applied for an international scholarship. By God’s grace, I was awarded a full scholarship, which allowed me to begin my formal theological training.

From the start of my seminary studies, I was able to begin an internship at Cristo Rey PCA, a vibrant bilingual church. This experience exposed me to the growing diversity within the PCA but also brought to light some of the challenges we face as a denomination. In conversations with pastors and leaders, I frequently heard the observation that the PCA is predominantly a white denomination. My response was always to ask, “What are you doing to help change that?” 

While it is true that the number of minorities in the PCA is still small, God is clearly working, and we are witnessing a growing number of minority pastors being called into ministry. I wouldn’t be part of the PCA if it weren’t for the generous scholarship provided to me for my seminary studies. It’s one of the reasons I’m excited about the growth of minority pastors being fueled by the Unity Fund.

The Unity Fund is an incredible resource that helps minorities pursue seminary education, complete internships, and participate at General Assembly. I first learned about the Unity Fund while speaking at an MNA Hispanic Ministries Convocation, where they explained that it provides scholarships for pastors and leaders to attend GA. This was a tremendous blessing for me as a church planter.

For many minority church planters, financial resources are limited. We often have to make difficult financial decisions about where to allocate our funds. Sometimes, it involves deciding whether to expand your benevolence budget or attend General Assembly. The Unity Fund made it possible for me to attend GA without having to sacrifice other important ministry priorities.

Following that experience, I reached out to thank the Unity Fund for their support. During that conversation, the PCA’s Unity Fund coordinator mentioned that they were looking for a new board member and asked if I would be interested in serving in this capacity. I agreed without hesitation. I saw this as an opportunity to spread the word about the Unity Fund and encourage more Hispanic pastors to take advantage of its resources. The Unity Fund is an amazing tool for increasing the number of minority pastors, interns, and students in the PCA, and I wanted to help share that vision.

Since joining the board, I’ve been able to encourage several Hispanic pastors to apply for scholarships through the Unity Fund. One pastor, in particular, applied and was able to attend General Assembly. It was a great blessing for him as he connected with other pastors, participated in the Assembly, and gained a deeper understanding of our denomination’s mission and vision.

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded of the importance of the prayer and financial support I’ve received. The work we are doing through the Unity Fund is not just about helping individuals. It’s about expanding God’s kingdom. Through the support of this fund, we are equipping and empowering more minority brothers and sisters to serve in ministry, and together, we are strengthening the body of Christ.

There are multiple ways to foster and encourage the growth of minority-led churches. Besides supporting the Unity Fund, consider opening your church facilities to be used by startup churches focused on reaching a language group different from your own. Your space may be a greater blessing than your money. Our church has greatly benefited from Providence Presbyterian Church generously permitting us to use their space as our own. 

Partnership is crucial to the growth and future of the PCA, especially as we seek to increase minority representation in our denomination. By partnering together, we can ensure that more pastors, students, and interns are equipped to serve and expand God’s Kingdom in communities across the country.

Jahaziel Cantu serves as pastor of El Buen Pastor in Dallas, Texas.