The Evangelical Covenant Church school was formed in 1989 and has been a theological and pastoral training center for Hispanic church leaders, pastors, and lay leaders. The school has grown from fifty students to more than 300 attending four satellite campuses.
The appointment means Delgado will return to the school, where he served as dean and vice-president for five years prior to 2005. Since then he has worked in the Department of Church Growth and Evangelism as director of evangelism and prayer.
“I am excited to be returning to CHET,” Delgado says, adding that he has appreciated his last two years with CGE. “I must say that I can only describe my spiritual journey over the last two years as diverse, deep, spiritually broadening, relational, stretching, adventurous, healthy, and fun. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to minister across the United States and Canada.”
“I hate to lose someone of Ed’s caliber from our team,” says Gary Walter, executive minister of church growth and evangelism, “but his whole life’s experience has prepared him for this challenge. The combination of a great work ethic, extensive ministry networks, and living faith will serve the cause of raising up a new generation of Hispanic leaders well.”
John E. Phelan Jr., president and dean of North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago and a member of CHET’s board of directors, says he looks forward to CHET’s future under Delgado’s direction. “He has experience and the respect of the Hispanic community,” he says.
Delgado says he hopes to continue training “waves of leaders” to work, not only in Hispanic churches, but also Anglo and multi-ethnic congregations and organizations. He adds, “I plan on being intentional in raising up Hispanic leaders for the Covenant.”
Delgado is expected to begin his duties later this fall, but no specific date has been set. He succeeds Jorge Maldonado, who retired after fourteen years as president.
Before arriving at CHET the first time, Delgado had served with Compassion International, a children’s development organization. He was director Compassion’s work in South America, Africa, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Delgado holds degrees from the University of Arizona, Thunderbird School of International Management, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Lynda, have three grown children, Sergio, Rita, and Libby.
