In the geographical heart of San Salvador, where the hustle and bustle of the capital never ceases, stands a giant that has survived earthquakes, civil wars, and democratic transitions.
The Tabernáculo Bíblico Bautista Amigos de Israel (Biblical Baptist Tabernacle Friends of Israel), founded in 1977, is not just a church; it is a social barometer of El Salvador.
Today, as it approaches its fifth decade since its foundation, the institution is undergoing a period of renewal that many considered impossible after the passing of its patriarch. December 17, 2017, marked a turning point: on that day, Dr. Edgar López Bertrand, known as "Brother Toby," passed away. He was a figure whose volcanic personality and direct style defined Salvadoran Protestantism for 40 years.
His son, Edgar López Bertrand Jr., inherited not only the pulpit, but also the immense task of leading a congregation of thousands in a 21st century that demands fewer dogmas and more practical solutions.
Taking over was not merely an administrative process. For "Toby Jr.," the change was structural and, at times, painful. Under his leadership, the Tabernacle has undergone a "purification of practices" aimed at professionalizing the faith.
One of the most radical changes has been the re-evaluation of the believer's life. For decades, religious fervor was measured by the hours dedicated to the institution, often at the expense of the family.
"In the church, it was believed that service was more important than family..."
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Since 2017, Edgar López Bertrand Jr. has led the Tabernáculo Bíblico Bautista Amigos de Israel (Courtesy). In the geographic heart of San Salvador, where the hustle and bustle of the capital never ceases, stands a giant that has survived earthquakes, civil wars, and democratic transitions. The Tabernáculo Bíblico Bautista Amigos de Israel, founded in 1977, is not just a church; it is a social barometer of El Salvador. Today, as it approaches its fifth decade, the institution is undergoing a period of renewal that many considered impossible after the departure of its patriarch. December 17, 2017, marked a turning point: on that day, Dr. Edgar López Bertrand, "Brother Toby," passed away. He was a figure whose volcanic personality and direct style defined Salvadoran Protestantism for 40 years. His son, Edgar López Bertrand Jr., inherited not only the pulpit but also the immense task of leading a congregation of thousands in a 21st century that demands less dogma and more practical solutions. Taking over was not merely an administrative process. For "Toby Jr.," the change was structural and, at times, painful. Under his leadership, the Tabernáculo has undergone a "purification of practices" aimed at professionalizing faith. With a capacity that exceeds thousands of people per service, the main temple reflects the social and spiritual impact of López Bertrand Jr.'s leadership (Courtesy). One of the most radical changes has been the re-prioritization of the believer's life. For decades, religious fervor was measured by the hours dedicated to the institution, often at the expense of the family. "It was once believed in the church that service was more important than family, but the Bible has a different order," explains the pastor in an exclusive interview with Infobae. This premise replaced exhausting activism with a more balanced vision. The leader acknowledges that this shift has come at a high cost in terms of internal acceptance, challenging deeply ingrained traditions, but maintains that the result strengthens the identity of a congregation that now seeks quality over quantity. Perhaps the most humane innovation of this era is the transformation of social assistance. The Ministerio Bethel, located at the main headquarters, has become a unique center for comprehensive and free care. Dedicated to people with disabilities and their families, Bethel breaks down barriers by offering physical, psychological, educational, and language therapies. It even has a Braille room and a Montessori method, providing tools for autonomy to those who are often forgotten by society. Alongside Bethel, it represents the reconciliation between faith and science. In a context where anxiety was historically considered a "lack of faith," the Tabernáculo has integrated psychiatrists and therapists. The pastor emphasizes that the current approach clearly distinguishes between what is appropriate for prayer and what requires medical intervention. For him, recognizing that a young person may need therapy is a sign of excellence: "Today we have 55 different ministries. We provide assistance wherever you can imagine." This is a glimpse into a journey to language therapy. If you are looking for options, we will tell you how we found this wonderful ministry that has provided us with invaluable help. The growth of the Tabernáculo in these 49 years is measured by its social impact. Providing support to those deprived of liberty is an undeniable priority. During the most critical moments of El Salvador's social transition, the community did not disperse. Under his leadership, the role of women has gained new vigor. "Jesus' ministry was greatly supported by women," he recalls, emphasizing the importance of female theological training to strengthen pastoral work. On the other hand, in a country where the line between religion and politics is often blurred, the pastor maintains a healthy distance. He argues that his role is to accompany and advise, not to seek power. "The pastor is there to advise if a politician asks for advice, but he was not called to be president," he points out. The administrative management has allowed for the settlement of historical debts and the modernization of infrastructure without resorting to borrowing. However, the greatest challenge for Toby Jr. is self-reflection. The pastor admits that maintaining humility is essential in the digital age. This is a powerful message about the importance of attitude when praying. Learn why you should not approach God with resentment and how worship, humility, and a sincere heart can unleash your blessing. "God reminds me every day that I am not the best and that he can choose another," he confesses, highlighting the need to examine oneself in the face of public scrutiny. Looking to the future and the upcoming 50th anniversary, López Bertrand Jr. envisions a Tabernáculo focused on the formation of new generations. His purpose is summarized in a phrase that guides the institution: "To accompany those in need with the support of the word of God."