Contact: Evan Hunter, ScholarLeaders International, 847-295-9308, erhunter@scholarleaders.org 

DEERFIELD, Ill., March 8, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- SCHOLARLEADERS INTERNATIONAL (www.scholarleaders.org) today announced that Dr. Antonio Barro -- founder and Chancellor of South American Theological Seminary (SATS) in Londrina, Brazil -- has been named the 2011 ScholarLeader of the Year. This prestigious award, given annually, recognizes a leader from the Majority World (Asia, Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe) who has produced outstanding results in education, institutional development, and the articulation and application of Christian theology.

Antonio and his colleagues have created a unique educational model to train pastors and other Christian leaders to address challenges particular to Latin America. They emphasize 'holistic mission', grounded in the teaching that God's purpose is to reconcile all of creation to himself. Good theology is made very real by addressing the faith, intellectual and social needs of Brazilian congregations. SATS students are immersed in ministry, often among poor and marginalized people, with professors ministering and mentoring alongside.

Dr. Tite Tiénou, Chairman of the SCHOLARLEADERS Board and Academic Dean of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School: "Dr. Barro embodies the kind of Christian leader SCHOLARLEADERS has supported over its 27-year history. Beginning with a vision to integrate theology and mission for the practical training of pastors for Brazil and beyond, Dr. Barro has helped to develop an effective seminary model, different in many ways from those here in the West, but geared specifically for the context and issues that face the church in Latin America. Over the last 15 years SATS has produced hundreds of graduates serving throughout Brazil, Latin America and around the globe. Antonio is helping to raise up a new generation of pastors equipped to address the unique needs of the church in Latin America. He is truly a scholar and a leader."

Larry Smith, President of SCHOLARLEADERS INTERNATIONAL: "The rapidly growing Majority World church urgently needs theological leaders who will educate and prepare pastors, found and lead institutions to train Christian leaders, and address theologically the pressing issues in their societies. We have had the privilege of supporting Antonio and more than 200 other theological leaders from over 50 countries. And we continue to work with these leaders to develop their ministries and leadership effectiveness."

About Dr. Barro and SATS:
Beginning with a desk and typewriter, Antonio founded South American Theological Seminary (SATS) in 1994. Over the years he has gathered a formidable faculty and together they have created a leading institution for preparation of Christian leaders in Brazil, Latin America and Portuguese-speaking Africa. More than 600 SATS graduates -- from diverse denominations, churches and agencies -- serve as pastors, teachers, missionaries and business leaders. SATS is among the fastest growing seminaries in Latin America.

Dr. Barro earned both his ThM and PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He has authored, edited and contributed to more than 20 books as well as to numerous journal articles on mission, leadership, and theology. Antonio now serves as both Chancellor and as Professor of Mission and Leadership at SATS.

As ScholarLeader of the Year in 2011, Dr. Barro will be a featured presenter at the 2011 Asia Theological Association Deans Seminar in Manila, Philippines. Dr. Barro will share the work and vision of SATS with other educators who have an interest in holistic models for theological education, particularly in a Majority World context.

SCHOLARLEADERS INTERNATIONAL exists to encourage and enable Christian theological leaders from the Majority World for the Majority World.