Does Applied Critical Leadership Theory Really Apply? The Formation of Hispanic-Latin Ecclesial Leaders at Seminaries Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools: A Historical-Critical Analysis of the Progress and Challenges

A front-seat view allows the observer to see (a) the continual growth of the Hispanic population in the United States, (b) an increase in the number of Hispanic churches, and a (c) Latin community with significant buying power that also leaves its mark in the entertainment and sports industries. The view from the back is seldom beheld, but it contains the history of a people---memories of the marginalization and oppression of Hispanic--Latin s. It tells the story of Latin America when stripped of its ethnic identity and forced to disconnect from its religious and cultural traditions. It brings to surface the moving of the borders and the Spanish--American War and deals with who really migrated to the United States and why. In some ways, little has changed. The marginalization and oppression of days gone are today's issues of immigration and deportation, educational inaccessibility and attainability, employment, barriers and systems of powers that dominate and detain the progress of many Latin s. In a community that values faith, the need for ecclesial leaders equipped to minister within this critical context is essential. In light of the Latin reality, theological education that is foundational and practical is very important, but if it aims to be culturally relevant it must also prepare ecclesial leaders capable of embracing the historical, political, social, and cultural framework pertinent to the Hispanic--Latin community. Applied critical leadership theory is comprised of transformative leadership, critical pedagogy, and a critical race theory lens that contribute to nine characteristics that describe how educational leaders of color enact change in contexts involving social injustices, educational inequities, or power imbalances. The theory emerged from a k-12 and higher education setting and was applied to a theological setting for the first time in this study. The M.Div. curriculums of seven theological schools that equip Hispanic clergy and are accredited by the Association of Theological Schools were examined using a content analysis research design. This study concluded that applied critical leadership theory really does apply within a theological context and offers a model that contributes to the formation of Hispanic--Latin ecclesial leaders.