On June 12, we gathered to celebrate a very special milestone for the Center for Community Transformation (CCT): the graduation of our 2026 certificate cohorts. This year’s celebration was especially meaningful as we not only honored graduates from our long-standing Certificate in Community Transformation, but also celebrated the graduates of our first-ever Certificate in Children’s Ministry cohort.
The evening began with a time of fellowship and appetizers, providing an opportunity for graduates, families, church leaders, and guests to connect and celebrate together. Representatives from several Fresno Pacific University programs also joined us, sharing information and resources through welcome tables, including the Pacific Counseling Center, Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Admissions, and Seminary Admissions.
The formal program opened with a warm welcome, followed by an opening prayer led by Pastor Martin Medina of Delano. Carlos Huerta, Executive Director of the Center for Community Transformation, then offered words of encouragement, reminding graduates of the important role they play in serving and transforming their communities.
Throughout the evening, the Familia Rentería led us in heartfelt worship, creating a beautiful atmosphere of gratitude and celebration.
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing directly from our graduates. Representing the Certificate in Children’s Ministry, Pastor Fernando Sánchez shared how the program impacted both his ministry and personal life, reflecting on the transformational journey he experienced throughout the certificate. Representing the Certificate in Community Transformation, Fausto Guzmán and Susana Rodríguez shared their testimony as participants, expressing how the program encouraged them and equipped them to continue serving their communities with renewed vision and purpose.
We were honored to celebrate 40 graduates this year, including 19 graduates from the Certificate in Community Transformation and 21 graduates from the Certificate in Children’s Ministry. During the certificate ceremony, Pastor Elvio Carballo presented certificates to the Community Transformation graduates, while Julie Cañas recognized and presented certificates to the Children’s Ministry graduates.
In addition to celebrating our graduates, we also recognized four congregations that participated in the Children’s Ministry Design Lab and were selected to receive ministry project awards. These projects will help churches strengthen and expand their ministry to children, creating spaces where young people can experience belonging, growth, and the love of God.
The evening concluded with a commissioning led by Pastor Ubaldo, who challenged graduates to continue living out their calling as faithful servants and agents of transformation in their churches and communities. Following a closing prayer, the Familia Rentería led us in one final worship song, sending us out with hearts full of gratitude, hope, and anticipation for all that God will continue to do through these leaders.
We thank God for each graduate, family member, instructor, coach, church partner, and supporter who made this celebration possible. Together, we celebrate not only certificates earned, but lives transformed and communities impacted for the glory of God.
