A mission-driven shepherd and Scripture-grounded teacher with almost two decades of leadership experience in working with people of different cultures. He is passionate about the glory of God through the local church, and committed to disciple-making and raising leaders within the congregation.
Before coming to Idlewild more than four years ago, Dr. Aponte served as VP of Mobilization at the International Mission Board where he led the overall outreach to pastors, churches, and relationships with national Southern Baptist entities.
Previously, he served as Director of Hispanic Leadership Development and Professor Of Theology at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS).
Prior to SEBTS, Dr. Aponte served as a diplomat in Washington, D.C., on behalf of his home nation, the Dominican Republic. In addition to undergraduate and graduate degrees in business (MBA), he earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) and a Ph.D. in Theological Studies.
Dr. Aponte is married to the love of his life Ms. Sara, who he met in Washington, D.C. when she was pursuing her LL.M. in International Business Law at Georgetown University. Sara is thankful and considers it a privilege to be a stay-at-home mom. Pastor Edgar is the father of three children, Edgar Miguel, Isabela, and Daniel, and he loves spending time and playing with them.