The Upper Columbia Conference (UCC) executive committee invited Walter Pintos-Schmidt in July 2018 to lead a new department — multicultural ministries. This new department will encompass Hispanic, Slavic, Native American and multiethnic ministries in UCC. Pintos-Schmidt says, “Its overarching goal is to plant the kingdom of God in the heart of people in their communities.”
“Multicultural ministries serves to support districts, local churches, pastors and leaders among all ethnic groups in the task of raising awareness and preparing people for the Second Coming of Jesus,” says Pintos-Schmidt. “It serves people who speak an original language other than English. It ministers by mingling with the community to understand their challenges and particular needs. It carries out meetings to assess and organize strategies to provide solution and help within context. It also aids families transitioning into the region from other states by helping them find a church family where they may feel welcome and supported according to their particular cultural context or needs.”
Pintos-Schmidt and his wife, Liliana, have two young adult children: Karel, 23, and Niko, 20. Pintos-Schmidt was born in South America and has been in love with Liliana, a NICU nurse and music teacher, for almost three decades. Pintos-Schmidt holds a Doctor of Ministry on equipping and lay mobilization from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. He moved to Walla Walla ,Wash., in August 2007 to serve as UCC liaison in the ministerial department. In November 2011, he moved to Spokane to serve as the UCC Hispanic ministries coordinator.
In addition to ministry, Pintos-Schmidt enjoys reading, European history, family trips, and getting acquainted with other cultures, traditions, food and worship styles.
Walter Pintos-Schmidt
