Pastor Héctor Herrera III
Pastor Hector’s parents were Guatemalan asylum seekers who escaped the Guatemalan civil war. His religious experience began at a local Spanish-speaking Baptist church where his family became integrated into a larger international community of Latin American immigrants from 20 different Spanish-speaking countries. This formed the heart of young Hector’s Christian identity.
Pastor Hector’s formal undergraduate education at the University of California, Irvine helped him develop theologically through a degree in philosophy. His theology and faith were tested and deepened through his mother’s death and the family’s subsequent struggles during those college years.
Further studies in the M.Div. and M.A. in Christian Education and Formation at Princeton Theological Seminary, coupled with diverse pastoral experience have shaped Pastor Hector’s pastoral identity. This included ministry as a campus chaplain at Princeton University, a hospital chaplain at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, a pastoral intern at San Marino Community Church near Los Angeles, and international experience at the Scotts Kirk in Lausanne, Switzerland, and at Youngnak Presbyterian Church in Seoul, South Korea. He also brings rich experience in working with children and youth.
Pastor Hector met his wife, Marie, when they were 8 years old. She was one of the few students at his school who spoke Spanish, which at the time was his primary language. Later they became best friends and high school sweethearts. Their son, Hector Herrera IV, was born in July 2018 and has brought much joy to the family.
One of Hector’s strengths is in online communication and education, having helped develop cutting-edge resources in Digital Learning for Princeton Seminary. As much of TUC’s ministry moves into the digital space in this new day, Pastor Hector is keen to help people of all ages and abilities connect with each other and with God.