The Alliance in Argentina: Nurturing Christians to Serve the Kingdom

Mission work which began in the villages is now a thriving national ministry, seeking to nurture believers and provide theological education to equip Christians to reach non-believers locally and abroad.

The first record of missionary activity in Argentina dates to 1897. The Christian and Missionary Alliance began its work there in the beginning of the 20th century through Samuel and Vera Barnes who were sent from North America.

Their work focused on the unreached villages around the railroad. A Bible Institute was established in 1922 in Azul and the work continued despite economic crises, the subsequent withdrawal of C&MA missionaries in the 1930s and the closing of the institute.

In the 1950s, several churches were established in the province of Buenos Aires with two in the city itself. In the ‘60s, the Barneses moved into Buenos Aires and reopened the institute there, calling it “Buenos Aires Bible Institute.” It continues to be active today, training local workers and receiving missionaries from abroad.

The last foreign missionaries left the country in 2011. Today, there are 105 Alliance gatherings in Argentina. The current president is Rev. Daniel Alejandro Fanderwud.

The Argentinian Alliance National churches have a number of ministries:

• Alliance Foundation: Alliance Publications is a ministry which develops Christian education materials for children, youth and adults. There are also resources for training leaders and providing spiritual edification. These materials are used in several Latin countries and Spanish speaking churches in the U.S.
• Theological Education: The Buenos Aires Bible Institute is one of the most important theological schools in Argentina and provides pastoral training and seminars which are open to other denominations through its headquarters and extension centers.
• Missions: The missions ministry supports missionary projects in Italy, Hungary and Central Asia. Locally, there are projects in Mendoza, Catamarca, Tucumán, and Rosario.
• Other ministries organized at the national level include Children, Youth and Women ministries.

Prayer Points:

• Pray that the Alliance identity may be strengthened among the Argentinian believers.
• Pray for a renewal of the missionary vision.
• Pray for sustainable finances over time.
• Pray for an awakening of workers.