Perhaps unexpectedly the Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá started as the Iglesia Bautista Central. This transformation speaks volumes.
Originally, the Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá was founded in 1982. It was in Cambridge. The goal was to serve the spiritual needs of the Hispanic community near Boston.
From its beginnings, the Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá drew members from across Greater Boston. Today, the congregation includes people from nearly all of Latin America. Its English ministry attracts members globally. People from Europe, Asia, Africa, the English-speaking Caribbean and North America also attend. Members live and work throughout Boston’s neighborhoods.
The Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá’s Latino membership reflects Boston’s diverse Hispanic community. It includes immigrants from Central and South America. Also, people from the Caribbean who have lived in the United States for much of their lives are members. The church includes teachers, social workers and members of all economic classes.
In 1994, the Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá bought its first building in Boston. It moved to better serve the metropolitan Hispanic community. This was done through evangelism and social service.
The Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá’s social ministries impact many aspects of community life. These include youth education plus ministries for the homeless and those with drug addictions. They also provide services for immigrants. The Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá does much social and missionary work in Central America plus the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It supports missionary work in Africa.
In 2007, the Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá opened a second building. It currently serves as their Center for Social Transformation. It also provides space for congregational meetings and spiritual education. In December 2013, they moved to a new sanctuary. It is a beautiful auditorium. Social and educational spaces connect to the other two buildings.
The Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá freely recognizes a vital truth. “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain”. Their efforts are based on the power of Jesus Christ. Their purpose is to lift Him before humanity. This ensures that “everyone who believes may have eternal life.”
The Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá’s purpose is to declare Jesus Christ as Lord of the City. He is the only hope to solve the serious problems affecting urban communities. Everything they do is for the exclusive glory of God. It is for the building of His Kingdom.
The Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá believes in the unity of the Body of Christ. This transcends denominations or geography. Their physical plant and ministry resources exist to serve. They serve as a platform for revival and strengthening of the entire Church. This extends to New England and the world.
Dr. Roberto Miranda is the Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá’s General Pastor. He has been connected since Pastor Juan Vergara founded it in 1982. He has been their general pastor since 1985. His secular studies include a BA in International Relations from Princeton. He also holds an MA and PhD in Latin American Literature from Harvard. He was ordained by the Conservative Baptist Churches of America in 1986. Since then, he left his secular career for the pastorate. He has served as their main pastor since. Dr. Miranda has received academic and ministerial honors. These include an honorary Doctorate in Divinity. It was from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
The Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá constitution states its name clearly. It is Congregación León de Judá. The purpose of the Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá is clear. It gives visible form to faith and love. God calls His people to this. They understand they are a local manifestation of the universal Church. Through them, Jesus Christ continues to minister to the world. This is done through the Holy Spirit. They propose to realize that calling. They do so through services and meetings. Also through teaching programs for their members. The Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá proclaims the Gospel in word and deed. It shows mercy to those in need.
Remember the Iglesia Pentecostal León de Judá’s journey of faith and service. It reflects their dedication to Christ. Their commitment is to the community. Their influence extends far beyond these walls.