DAYTON, Ohio, September 11, 2023 — President Kent Millard announced today that Dr. Eliseo Mejia has been employed to serve as the Academic Oversight Officer for the Hispanic House of Study (Casa de Estudios Hispana) at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. In this role, he will work closely with the Academic Dean’s office and House of Study instructors to ensure academic excellence of the Spanish-language offerings from the Hispanic House of Study, including the Master of Divinity and two ministry certificates.

Dr. Mejia is an ordained elder in the Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church, where he served for more than 20 years as Associate Director of New Church and Congregational Development with a focus on Hispanic, multiethnic, and international church planting ministries. He previously served as President of the National Association of Hispanic United Methodist Church Leaders and now serves as National Director of Expresiones Divinas for Fresh Expressions US.

Dr. Mejia has been instrumental in establishing over 35 new congregations across the US, the Caribbean, and Latin America, and he is passionate about mentoring other church leaders to do the same. He has been a church planting coach for more than 35 years and also serves as an adjunct professor at United Theological Seminary, Asbury Seminary, and Lindsay Wilson College.

The Hispanic House of Study at United Theological Seminary is directed by Dr. Jorge Ochoa, Director of Hispanic/Latino Movement in the Northwest Texas Conference of The UMC. In Fall 2023, the house is providing online theological education in Spanish to 46 master’s students from Mexico, Columbia, Peru, Cuba and the United States. In addition to his new role, Dr. Mejia will continue to teach as an Adjunct Professor in the Hispanic House of Study.

“In the rich tapestry of preparing faithful and fruitful Christian leaders, the Hispanic House of Study stands as a beacon,” says Dr. Mejia. “As I step into the role of Academic Oversight Officer at United, I am filled with anticipation and hope. I look forward to preserving the sanctity and wisdom of our mission and embracing the vibrant opportunities of our future, ensuring that every person we touch is empowered, enlightened, and emboldened in their faith journey.”