Former Covenant pastor and CHET seminary president Rev. Dr. Jorge E. Maldonado passed away on August 26 at his home in Hacienda Heights, California. He was 78.
Jorge Ernesto Maldonado was born on July 19, 1944, to parents Jorge and Mercedes Maldonado in Quito, Ecuador. After being baptized at 13, he studied as a young man at the Seminario Biblico Latinoamericano, graduating with bachelor’s degree in theology in 1966. Shortly thereafter he married Noris Araque, and together they had three children. Jorge pursued postgraduate education from the Central University of Ecuador, earning a master’s degree in sociology. After emigrating to the United States, he pursued additional divinity education from United Theological Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary, earning a master of theological studies degree, master’s of theology, and doctor of ministry degree, respectively.
Jorge was the second president of Centro Hispano de Estudios Teologicos (CHET) and served in the role from 1993 to 2005. He also served in pastoral roles at Primera Iglesia del Pacto in Bell Gardens, California, and First Covenant Church of Los Angeles.
In these roles, Jorge was loved and admired by family and friends. He helped develop curricula and build out various degree programs at CHET, especially in the area of family counseling. Jorge left an impact on each student with whom he came into contact. He cared for them not just as students but as people, and helped them to develop leadership capacity in their own individual contexts. As president of CHET, he led a team of teachers and leaders that helped solidify a foundation for continued theological education at CHET and beyond.
Jorge is survived by his wife, Noris; children Nancy, Natalie, and Juan; and seven grandchildren. A graveside service was held in his memory on September 6 at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, California. Notes of remembrance can be made online here.
Peace be to his memory.
