David Patiño is inspired by liberation theology to build a justice- and healing-grounded kindom. He is leading an evangelism campaign in the Latino/Hispanic community surrounding St. Mary’s, Harlem. His work involves leadership building, pastoral care, prayer and worship, and storytelling.
To date he has held many 1:1 conversations with members of St. Mary’s and with community members, to explore how they perceive community needs and how the church might meet those needs. A number of Spanish based community events have been held at St. Mary’s and in collaboration with other congregations, including neighborhood walks, worship services and seasonal activities. After a year of intensive work, his focus is now on developing the next generation of leaders while maintaining effective programming.
The grant is funding his many community-building activities. He’s also getting coaching in community organizing through a New Episcopal Communities grant and participating in a church planting cohort through Root, Thrive, Soar.
