New endowed faculty position and related initiatives will strengthen theological education for Spanish-speaking students, churches, and ministries

SOUTH HAMILTON, MA, October 2, 2026 | Board of Trustees member Dr. Peter “Pete” James has committed $3 million to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary to establish the James Endowed Chair of Hispanic Theological Education, along with additional support for related initiatives serving Spanish-speaking students, churches, and ministries.

The inaugural endowed chair will be held by Dr. Alvin Padilla, Latino scholar of Puerto Rican origin and Gordon-Conwell alumnus (MDiv ’84). For nearly 30 years, he has served the seminary in numerous capacities, including as professor of New Testament and Doctor of Ministry co-mentor. In his new role, he will direct the initiative for Hispanic theological education by engaging Spanish-speaking students and churches, strengthening curricula, and contributing research and publications to the field. He will continue to teach in New Testament according to the seminary’s academic needs.

Says Dr. James, “Investing in Spanish-speaking students preparing for gospel ministry seeks to be faithful to the vision of Revelation 7 of many languages serving Jesus the Lamb. Gordon-Conwell has been instrumental in my personal formation as a pastor. While I can’t possibly pay back our seminary for its contributions in my life and ministry, I can ‘pay it forward’ through this endowed chair. To God be the glory.”

The new initiative will bring together Hispanic faculty, encourage student participation in conferences and symposia, strengthen courses, and promote research and publishing.

Previously, Dr. Padilla served as executive dean and associate professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell’s Center for Urban Ministerial Education (CUME) in Boston. He also conceived and launched the seminary’s Hispanic Ministries Program, later known as the Latino Ministries Program. From 2017 to 2022, he served Western Theological Seminary as academic dean, vice president of strategic initiatives, and director of advanced degrees. His expertise in urban ministry, the church and postmodernity, and multiculturalism brings the breadth and sensitivity essential to this role. He is a member of the American Academy of Religion, the Society of Biblical Literature, and the Asociación para la Educación Teológica Hispana. He has also authored commentaries on the Gospels of John and Luke (Fortress Press).

Dr. Padilla says, “Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of U.S. Christianity, yet Protestants and Catholics alike bemoan the small share of Latino students, and even faculty, in accredited seminaries. The James Chair in Hispanic Theological Education is a vastly important step toward increasing the number of Latinos engaged in theological education. On a personal level, I have been blessed to have served Gordon-Conwell and am honored to be named the inaugural James Chair.”

Seminary president, Dr. Scott W. Sunquist, adds, “Since the 1970s Gordon-Conwell has had a commitment to both teaching in Spanish and publications that support Hispanic ministry. What has been lacking has been the needed ballast for our Hispanic initiatives. The board member who came forth with this financial support has ensured a robust future for this effort.”

The installation will take place during the chapel service in Hamilton, MA on October 7 at 11:10 a.m. (ET). It will include student participation, particularly from the seminary’s Latino community, and will welcome local pastors and other guests. Rev. Carlos Malavé, founder and president of the Latino Christian National Network, is scheduled to preach. The service will stream on Facebook and the Gordon-Conwell website for those unable to join in person.