Oscar Merlo
: Compelling Preaching & National Initiative to Strengthen Hispanic Pastors Leaders and Congregations.
Dr. Oscar Merlo, Ph.D. (son, husband, father and entrepreneur) is passionate about Christian service, evangelism, preaching and empowering new generations of professionals to transform the world around them. Dr. Merlo holds 5 university degrees (two bachelor´s degrees, two master`s degrees and a Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D.) from the University of La Verne, Phoenix Graduate School of Business and Fuller Seminary). His research interests are: `Epistemological Imagination of Spirit` vis-a-vis `Relational Aesthetics`, and its influence on the `Imaginary` of renewed neo-Pentecostal communities in cities under dictatorial regimes and in free market economies.
Dr. Merlo has held executive leadership positions at academic institutions such as Biola University, and organizations such as Target Corporation and ConAgra Foods.
As a practitioner, Dr. Merlo has traveled to over 40 countries on five continents deciphering how the Missio-Dei is `imagined` in: Cuba, Tel Aviv, Bissau, Istanbul, the Dry Corridor in Guatemala, Los Angeles and in other urban cities in the US and the global south. He led global plans in Evangelization and Transformation initiatives, social justice advocacy in humanitarian aid, Corruption Free Latin America and global leadership training programs.
Dr. Merlo co-founded the OMEGA generation project; an initiative to mentor Latino millennials and Gen Z in the 21st century. He developed academic programs at Biola University and AMU that expanded to 136 international centers throughout Latin America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. As founding Director of the Center for the Holy Spirit, he provided research publications, conferences and services for students, faculty and the community.
Oscar was born into chronic poverty in a fishing neighborhood, La Laguna de Puerto Cortez Honduras. He came to the US at the age of 10 as an underage immigrant. He grew up in an urban center in the city of Pomona, where he met the girl of his dreams, `Lexa`. Today they have two beautiful young adult daughters, Priscilla and Danae.
What excites you about your role at AETH?
He joined AETH because of the transformative impact it has in promoting and improving theological education, benefiting individuals, churches, communities and the next generation of Latino leaders.
In his spare time...
He loves spending time with his wife and daughters, traveling and exploring the world`s cuisine. He also enjoys gardening
Your favorite book...
They include Joshua, Esther, Matthew, John and `The Cost of Discipleship`.
A person who inspires you...
He is inspired by the deep faith that his grandmother and mother demonstrated and passed on to him
- Email: [email protected]