Pablo Chavarria named RPC Director of Spanish-Speaking Ministries.

Redeemer is pleased to announce that Pablo Chavarria, who has been on the Redeemer staff since 2020 as Latin American Pastor Fellow, has been named RPC Director of Spanish-Speaking Ministries.

Pablo, his wife, Velia, and their daughter, Grace, originally came to Redeemer from Monterrey, Mexico in 2020 for what was envisioned as a two-year pastoral fellowship. But as their connection to San Antonio and Redeemer grew, Pablo says he and Velia began to feel drawn to a long-term ministry here. 

“The love of the community at Redeemer for us started to produce in our hearts a love for the city of San Antonio, the people we were ministering with, and for all of you,” he says.

Building on the longstanding work of RPC Associate Pastor Victor Martinez, his wife, Jeannie, longtime Redeemer members Vicente and Gloria Jaime, and others, the Chavarrias’ time at Redeemer has been one of great growth in the Spanish-speaking ministry at Redeemer. Rev. Victor Martinez says when Redeemer’s leadership began exploring the possibility of the Chavarrias staying in San Antonio, it was becoming clear that the ministry was gaining surprising momentum even though Redeemer was navigating the pandemic and was in the midst of a pastoral transition at the time.

“It really is unbelievable,” Victor says. “The only explanation is that God is at work.”

Pablo, an ordained minister of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico, planted Cumbres del Rey Presbyterian Church in Monterrey and led that congregation for 13 years. At Redeemer, Pablo has led Spanish-speaking Christian Education classes through Tim Keller’s book The Prodigal God, R.C. Sproul’s book What is Reformed Theology? Understanding the Basics and an Introduction to Christian Theology class. This year, Redeemer added a third Spanish-speaking Community Group, and more groups are planned to launch in 2024. 

Pablo says Redeemer’s warm embrace of his family and their ministry has also been felt by the Spanish-speaking individuals and families who have come to Redeemer.

“When we started, we never expected the way the Lord has moved,” he says. “The people we are working with love Redeemer and being in community with everyone. They see Redeemer as a home.”

RPC Lead Pastor Paul Hahn said Pablo’s full-time role is an important step forward for Redeemer.

“Our joy and excitement are overflowing in this opportunity to bring Pablo Chavarria on staff with us full time,” he said. “May the Lord richly bless this next season ahead for Redeemer as we seek to more fully be a gospel-compelled church for all of San Antonio.”

Pablo will pursue the process of transferring his ordination to the South Texas Presbytery this year. Please join us in prayer and thanksgiving for the Chavarrias and for the Spanish-speaking ministry at Redeemer!

Click here to read a previous profile of Pablo and Velia Chavarria.