Since 1994, South American Theological Seminary (SATS) in Londrina, Brazil, has been an interdenominational seminary focused on academic excellence, pastoral practice and spiritual formation. Along with SATS’ 538 graduates, current students are taught in the Brazilian context as holistic ministry leaders. The seminary says there is no way to do ministry in Brazil without being challenged by the social and economic disparity between the rich and the poor.

Both students and faculty are involved in ministries all over Brazil to put into practice what they’re learning in seminary. This “practical” aspect is then brought into the classroom, making the education process relevant and strategic.

SATS offers free consultation services to local churches, NGOs and non-profits to promote holistic community development, education and health care to children and adults. Many churches are now contacting SATS for guidance and training, and several graduate students are starting holistic ministries in their churches. SATS is committed to training laity, those who are unable to partake in SATS’ formal seminary programs, and is testing various programs to meet this need. The seminary is also working together with Mozambicans to offer a holistic mission Master’s degree for Africa’s church leaders.

One Doctor of Ministry graduate is making a difference in Curitiba. Paschoal Piragine, Jr., is the senior pastor of a 3,500-member church that has planted four new congregations and started 16 ministry agencies. He says SATS’ program was relevant because he can apply many of the concepts he learned in his own ministry.