The Hispanic Latino Pastoral Initiative (HLPI) was established by the Hispanic House of Studies at Duke Divinity School in 2015. Initially formed as a program for homiletical training, it has expanded its courses of study to include subjects such as theology, Christian ethics, biblical interpretation, old and new testament, church history, pastoral care, and other practical courses for ministry. Starting in the Fall of 2023, the HLPI is now a full program based on a three-year curriculum.
The courses are offered alongside the academic calendar for Duke University Divinity School. Three courses are offered in the Fall semester (August – December) and three in the Spring Semester (January – May).
All these courses are taught in Spanish by lecturers who have master’s or doctoral degrees in the field of the course and also have practical experience in ministry. We encourage Latinx pastors, lay leaders, and congregants to apply. Applicants don’t need a formal theological education background to apply.
As a theological and pastoral education program, HLPI is open to all denominations. Our students come from various denominational traditions, including Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal, non-denominational, and others.
Upon completion of the program, each participant receives an official certificate in theology from the Hispanic House of Studies at Duke Divinity School.