Cláudio Da Fonseca Divino
Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU)
Elizabeth City,NC
1
Language
1
Certification
17
years of professional experience
Minister, Dynamic Professor, and Global Intercultural Studies Leader with 20+ years of experience, theological instruction, and international ministry. Successful minister that has made a huge impact on the churches with which he worked. Graduated from the Baptist Bible College [Faculdade Teológica Batista de São Paulo, Brazil] with a Bachelor of Theology degree. Chaplain with the United Chaplains State of New York, Inc. Accomplished church planter, evangelism strategist, and cross-cultural consultant, spearheading multinational ministry programs and fostering inclusive, multicultural faith communities. Recognized for driving institutional growth, advancing mission-driven leadership, and shaping global ministry impact. Visionary academic leader with a proven track record in curriculum innovation, faculty mentorship, and institutional accreditation (SACSCOC, SEVIS). Expert in cross-cultural engagement, missions’ strategy, and biblical studies with a passion for equipping future ministry leaders through transformative theological education and immersive global outreach initiatives. Adept at academic administration, policy development, and online course design, integrating cutting-edge e-learning methodologies to expand theological education accessibility.
Work History
Associate Professor of Ministry | Chair, Department of Christian Ministry | QEP Director
12 Years 1 Month- Lead and oversee the Department of Bible and Christian Ministry to ensure academic excellence, curriculum development, and faculty collaboration. Plan, organize, and direct global mission trips to foster cross-cultural engagement and hands-on ministry experiences for students. Supervise Missions Emphasis Week by coordinating speakers, events, and educational activities to inspire global outreach. Teach a diverse range of courses, including Cross-Cultural Ministries: World Religions, Cross-Cultural Communication, and Intercultural Studies, Pastoral Ministry: Ministry Seminar, Leadership, Evangelism, and Church Growth, and Biblical Studies: Life and Teachings of Jesus, Early Hebrew History, and other theological subjects.
- Served as Director and Lead Writer for the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for SACSCOC Accreditation (2015, 2025), ensuring compliance with accreditation standards and institutional effectiveness.
- Commended the Department of Bible and Christian Ministry for six years by overseeing curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and student engagement, resulting in a more dynamic and impactful program.
- Championed cross-cultural ministry initiatives, fostering inclusivity and expanding outreach efforts that strengthened community engagement across diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Designed and implemented a revamped ministry curriculum that enhanced theological education and practical ministry training, leading to increased student engagement and higher program enrollment.
Vice President of Academics
4 Years 5 Months- Directed and managed the academic curriculum development and implementation by ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with institutional goals. Guided all faculty and instructional staff, as well as academic support personnel, including the Librarian, Director of Adult Studies, Registrar, and Academic Assistant. Strategically engaged in carrying out wide range of tasks, encompassing performance assessment, promotion, professional development, faculty recruitment, retention, conflict resolution, and academic communication and policy implementation. Oversaw the college's academic assessment initiatives by steering internal evaluation procedures and accreditation compliance, coordinating self-studies, and collaborating with accrediting agencies.
- Acted as Designated School Official (DSO) for the SEVIS Department of Homeland Security, managing international student records, processing applications, issuing I-20s, and ensuring compliance with F-1 visa regulations.
- Recognized as a President’s Cabinet, contributing to strategic planning and institutional decision-making.
- Planned and coordinated annual academic events, fostering a strong academic community and student engagement.
- Managed the academic budget for efficient allocation of resources and financial planning for the academic division. Provided academic counseling for students and guided faculty in their roles as student advisors.
Education
Doctor of Ministry
Thesis: An Analysis of the Spiritual Lives of Converts from the African Brazilian Religions to Christianity and Its Ministerial Implications
Master of Divinity
Thesis: Proposed Models for Cross-Cultural Church Planting in the United States of America
Bachelor of Theology
Thesis: Sons of God and Daughters of Men
Studies in Cross-Cultural Communications
Studies in Pastoral Communication
Skills
Public Speaking
Sermon Delivery & Theological Expertise | Multicultural Ministry
Community Outreach & Faith-Based Engagement | Publishing | Theological Education & Curriculum Design | Cross-Cultural Communication & Missions Strategy | Biblical Studies
Christian Theology & Exegesis | Church Leadership
Growth & Organizational Development | Academic Administration & Institutional Accreditation | Faculty Development
Mentorship & Higher Education Leadership | Global Evangelism
Church Planting & Missionary Training | Strategic Planning
Program Development & Policy Implementation | E-Learning
Online Course Development & Hybrid Education Models | Student Advising
Immigration Compliance (F-1 Visa
I-20) & International Education | Biblical Counseling
Discipleship & Spiritual Formation | Research
Academic Writing & Theological Scholarship | Conference Leadership
Workshop Facilitation & Ministry Consulting
Affiliations
- North American Christian Convention (NACC) Continuation Committee – Member
- United Chaplains State of New York, Inc. – Chaplain
- Restoration Foundation, Atlanta, GA – International Advisor
- Orchard Group, East Islip, NY – Member, Board of Trustees
- International Society of Theta Phi – Member
- Associação Evangélica Brasileira (Brazilian Evangelical Association) – Honorary Member
- III CLADE (Latin American Congress of Evangelism) – Brazilian Delegate
- COMIBAM (Iberian-American Missionary Congress) – Member
- Congresso Brasileiro de Evangelização (Brazilian Congress of Evangelization) – Member
- International Conference of the Iglesia Metodista Pentecostal del Chile – Member
Certification
- Online Teaching Development – University of Saint Francis
- Training for Online Teaching – Crossroads College
- E-Learning Course Development – Nazarene Bible College
Additional roles
- Chaplain - United Chaplains State of New York, Inc.
- Preacher – Rocky Mount Christian Church, NC
- Interim Preacher – Various Churches (NC, MN, WI)
- Director, International Master in Theology (MIT) Program – Wesleyan Methodist Church, Brazil
- Cross-Cultural Consultant – Orchard Group, NY
- Executive Director (Part-Time) – Minnesota Christian Evangelizing Association, MN
- Adjunct Professor – University of Saint Francis, IL & Centro de Formação Teológica, Brazil
- Founder & Director – CEFOTE Theological Formation Center, Brazil
- Editor – Bible School Lessons Publication
- General Director, National Youth Department – Wesleyan Methodist Church
- District Superintendent – Wesleyan Methodist Church, Brazil
- General Secretary of Administration – Wesleyan Methodist Church
Professional Development & Courses
- Undergraduate Courses Taught:
- Cultural Anthropology (Brazil, USA) | World Missions: Perspectives (USA) | The Church and the Culture (Brazil) | Christian Theology and World Religions (USA) | Biblical Theology of Missions (USA) | Studies on Islam (USA)
- Historical Models of Christian Missions (USA) | Missions Anthropology (USA) | Cross-Cultural Communication (USA) | Ministry and Evangelism (USA) | Promotion of Missions (USA) | The Church in Latin America (USA) | Cross-Cultural Studies (USA)
- Contemporary Trends in Mission (USA) | Urban Missions (USA) | African Religions in the New World (USA) | Wesleyan Theology (Brazil) | Early Hebrew History (USA, Online) | Life and Teachings of Jesus (USA, Online) | Strategic Leadership in Ministry (USA) | World Religions (USA)
- Graduate Courses Taught:
- MIT 401: Contemporary Trends in Missions (Brazil) | MIT 411: Thesis Preparation (Brazil) | MIT 412: Thesis (Brazil)
- Adult Education Courses Taught:
- World Missions: Perspectives ( USA) | Cross-Cultural Studies (USA) | Cultural Anthropology (USA) | Ministry and Evangelism (USA)
Additional Experience
- Intercultural Studies Professor & International Counselor | Crossroads College, Rochester, MN
- Advised international students on visas, immigration procedures, and multicultural education programs.
- Taught courses in Ministry, Evangelism, Cultural Anthropology, and World Religions.
- Senior Minister & Church Planter | Antioch Christian Church, Mamaroneck, NY
- Established and grew a multicultural congregation to 350 weekly attendees.
- Developed leadership training programs and secured financial support from multiple states.
- Associate Minister | First Christian Church, Johnson City, TN
- Led the church’s ethnic ministry and prayer initiatives.
- Raised $200K for the Antioch Project in New York.
- Senior Minister Roles in Brazil (Multiple Locations)
- Oversaw large congregations, some growing to over 2K members, and planted multiple churches.
- Oversaw mission programs, leadership training, and church expansion projects.
Scholarly Presentations, Publications, Articles, Lectures and Workshops
All details available on request.
Languages
Portuguese
Professional Working
Timeline
Associate Professor of Ministry | Chair, Department of Christian Ministry | QEP Director
Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU)
07.2014 - CurrentRead More
Vice President of Academics
Crossroads College
01.2010 - 06.2014Read More
Centro Evangélico Brasileiro de Estudos Pastorais
Studies in Pastoral Communication
Read More
Hope International University
Studies in Cross-Cultural Communications
Read More
Faculdade Batista Teológica de São Paulo
Bachelor of Theology
Read More
Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan
Master of Divinity
Read More
Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan
Doctor of Ministry
Read More