LPU Magazine Fall 2024

LPUMAGAZINE

A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT ANGIE RICHEY

Following the Holy Spirit: A Vision for Life Pacific University

in 2024-2025

At Life Pacific University (LPU), we believe that you are the heartbeat of everything we do. Students and leaders alike are stepping into a powerful season, responding to the Holy Spirit’s leading with boldness and faith. Rooted in a historic vision of a global movement empowered by education and training, we are seeing healing, strengthened hearts, transformed lives and renewed communities for the glory of God. Nelson Mandela famously states “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” In this 2024-2025 academic year, we move forward boldly as a Christ-centered, Spiritfilled university, equipping students to walk confidently in their callings and draw ever closer to Christ.

LPU’s mission has always been the transformational development of students into leaders. This year, we have experienced a miraculous 21% growth, a testament to God’s faithfulness at a time when higher education is facing unprecedented challenges, with one college closing every week. Yet, LPU stands —by His grace and for His purposes. Leaders from across the globe are being called to grow, be equipped, freed, and step into service, and our certificates and accredited degrees are opening doors across all sectors of society.

With the highest full-time enrollment in LPU’s recorded history, 52% are online students. This fall, we will be launching a new online bachelor’s degree in human development and psychology, to meet the needs of students in their local context preparing for ministry, mental health professions, and beyond. LPU’s Hispanic programs have seen record enrollment this past year, a reflection of God’s hand opening doors to the globe and broadening kingdom impact.

Looking toward the future, we remain focused on key areas that resonate with learners and leaders: the future church, leader health, and technology and the arts. Opportunities are unfolding that are both exciting and expansive in the Schools of Theology and Ministry and Arts and Sciences. Faculty are developing leaders who are eager to serve, plant churches, address the mental health crisis, and harness modern technology to advance the message of the gospel.

LPU’s verse for the year, Zechariah 4:6, reminds us: “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit.” This is our anthem as we walk in full surrender, recognizing that LPU belongs to God, and He is guiding every step. Staff, faculty and students have embraced this posture of humility, knowing that it is through His Spirit that we

find strength, direction, and the ability to make a lasting impact.

In the book Opportunity Leadership (2022) by Dr. Roger Parrott, a mentor of mine and the President of Belhaven University, he challenges leaders to “capture opportunities” rather than relying solely on plans. In this season of numerous challenges, we have asked ourselves, “Where is the Holy Spirit moving, and how can we be part of it?” Dr. Parrott encourages leaders to remain open to God’s leading, whether through “strong gales or gentle breezes” (p. 69). This perspective has shaped our leadership, as we seek to discern where God is at work and follow His movement.

Opportunities are emerging at our Life East Campus in partnership with the Atlantic and Hispanic districts as well as through the new McPherson Preaching Institute to support leaders and pastors. Collaborations with Foursquare Missions International (FMI), the global church, and local partners are strengthening. Our partnerships with Foursquare Chaplains International, NextGen ministries, Foursquare Scholars and Micro-Campuses are expanding to equip more leaders in their local churches. In line with our founder’s vision and as stated at Angelus Temple—“dedicated unto the cause of interdenominational and worldwide evangelism”—we are seeing flourishing relationships with interdenominational organizations such as Victory Outreach International, Assemblies of God, YWAM, Wesleyan Holiness Network, Church of God in Christ, and others. These collaborations are fostering unity and a shared vision within the global body of Christ.

The strength of our mission lies in partnership and humility. We are asking, “What is God doing, and what needs can we fill?” For LPU, the answer is always “yes”—to be fully available to His leading, to serve you and His Kingdom, and to be used to the fullest for His glory.

We celebrate the work He is doing among us and through you. The future is bright, not merely because of our plans, but because He is leading us into all that He has prepared. To God be the glory, now and always.

May you be uplifted by the stories and testimonies found in this issue.

In Christ,

Angie Richey, Ph.D., LMFT

Angie

George

Sara

Stephen

A GLOBAL VISION FOR THE FUTURE AT THE LPU EAST CAMPUS

By Angie Richey, ‘97, Ph.D.

Life Pacific University celebrates the launch of its fouryear accredited degree program at its East Campus in Christiansburg, Virginia. This season also marks the approval of a new international student scholarship, ushering in an exciting new chapter for LPU as one university with two campuses. Together, LPU remains dedicated to equipping Spirit-empowered leaders to serve God in the church, the workplace, and the world.

Of significance, especially for alumni, the East Campus returns to the name Life East, also referred to as Life Pacific University East or LPU East. It is located on the same site where Life East began in the 1980s. It resides alongside The Bridge Foursquare Church and Crosspointe Retreat Center, a beautiful location fostering leadership development and spiritual growth.

Pastor Dale Jenkins, ’92, ’18, MASL, says, “Since the days of Mt. Vernon (Ohio) Bible College, pastors and leaders in the East have advocated for and championed Foursquare education and ministry training. Today, the East campus of Life Pacific University is experiencing a literal revival. Never in my lifetime have I sensed such alignment, unity, and enthusiasm from university leadership, denominational leadership, local church ministers, and alumni. This is a move of the Spirit and an answer to many prayers.”

“We honor our Life East alumni and are deeply grateful for their lives and faithfulness,” says Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University. “The support of the Foursquare Church, the LPU Board, alumni, and leaders like Atlantic District Supervisor Chanda Crutcher, who champions education, means the world.” The Bridge Church, led by Pastors Will and Juniece Fillingham, has a thriving multicultural ministry and has a renewed partnership with LPU East to impact local universities and the Global Church.

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Notably, new student, Daniel Montoya, the son of the Foursquare President of Ecuador, joined the East Campus this fall. Professor Ryan Lytton, a Life Alumnus, shared, “Daniel is a strong leader and a focused student. His involvement in the worship team has already been a blessing, and his hunger to return to Ecuador and impact the world for Christ is inspiring.”

LPU East’s heart for equipping the next generation is reflected in its faculty and leadership. The esteemed professors include Dr. Kelly Hamren, Dr. Ryan Lytton (abd), Ginny Drews, MA, Trey Abney, MA, Gretchen Abney MA, Juniece Fillingham, MATS, Scott Martz, MA, Linna Martz, MA, Debbie Courtney, MA, Dr. James M. Henderson, Brandi Quesenberry, MA, Paul Kuzma, MA, and other alums like Jacob DePriest, MA and Jordan Mabe, MA. This faculty lineup is dedicated to equipping students with the tools they need to fulfill their calling.

Students at LPU East are hungry for ministry training and mentorship and eager to serve in various capacities.

With the increasing partnership between LPU and The Bridge Church, missions are taking root in the students’ hearts.

“Our teams have connected with many churches and have forged partnerships with three vibrant Hispanic churches in Maryland, Ohio, and Indiana, as well as global leaders all eager to see more theological education and ministry training grow in their communities”, affirms Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost at Life Pacific University. “Many of these churches are already praying for the East Campus and the impact it will have in the coming years.”

Students at LPU East are hungry for ministry training and mentorship and eager to serve in various capacities. With the increasing partnership between LPU and The Bridge Church, missions are taking root in the students’ hearts. “We are praying for expansion and fruitful partnership in the East and around the globe,” said LPU President Angie Richey.

Dr. Ruarte emphasized the future vision for the East Campus, stating, “The Lord has given us a glimpse of His purposes for Life East as a global epicenter for world training and evangelism. We are committed to strengthening the campus and embracing this international and missionary ethos to fulfill our institutional mission.”

As part of its commitment to global impact, LPU has implemented a new strategy to support international students with an additional 40% scholarship for those attending the East Campus which is already at a 25% reduced tuition rate. This scholarship is a significant step toward ensuring students from around the world can come and prepare for ministry, especially in a time when theological training is increasingly vital worldwide.

As LPU East grows, it looks forward to becoming a hub for global leadership development, equipping students to impact the world for Christ.

“As the Atlantic District Supervisor, I affirm that higher education in a Spirit-filled environment is not just beneficial, but essential,” says Chanda Crutcher. “ Life Pacific East stands as a catalytic continuum, equipping leaders to advance the Kingdom both in traditional ministry and the marketplace. In this time of leadership change and vision clarity, let us embrace the opportunities ahead to nurture and empower those called to make a difference.”

“This is just the beginning,” said Professor Lytton. “To all my Life East friends, get excited. Come visit. Send your kids. Big things are happening here in Christiansburg, and I couldn’t be more excited about the future of Life East. It’s an exciting time for everyone who has been part of this journey.”

THE ACADEMIC ENGINE AT LIFE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY A VISION FOR EXPANSION, EXCELLENCE, AND EDUCATION!

By Daniel Ruarte ‘15, Ed.D.

The past four years leading the Office of Academic Affairs have not been easy. I signed my first contract in February 2020, 30 days before we received the news of a worldwide pandemic. My days in and outside the office were packed with emergency meetings to consider contingencies. Wow! Little did I know that the word contingency was going to be used significantly more over the following years. As a California school, we were highly restricted, but our on-campus students suffered the most. It has not been easy to recover, but we are way past that season.

The only thing I can say is that our team showed up, our president and vice presidents, our faculty, our staff, everyone was so focused on serving our students and leading our institution through this season. Covid did not stop us! We pushed forward; we continued to expand our academic offerings, made progress on academic and professional excellence, and emphasized the value and need for education. Let me explain.

EXPANSION EXPANSION

It has only been four years, but we have not been wasting our time. This has been a season of expansion. Let me share what I mean. It took LPU ten years to launch its first graduate program. It was a huge departure from what LPU had been, a Bible Institute/College. For over eighty years, our institution has offered one undergraduate program in Biblical Studies. Then, it began offering multiple majors: Transformational Ministry, Business Administration, Human Development and

Psychology, Mass Communications, Worship, Arts and Media, Organizational Management, Ministry and Leadership, and finally, after ten years of working and considering a graduate degree, our MA in Strategic Leadership was developed which led the way to many others including an MA in LeadershipSpanish Language that I was hired to pioneer and launch in 2018.

AFTER ALL THE AFOREMENTIONED, WE HAVE LAUNCHED THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS AND OTHER ACADEMIC PROJECTS:

MA in Theological Studies

MA in Counseling

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Divinity (MDiv.)

Certificate in Chaplaincy (English and Spanish)

Certificate in Biblical Foundations (English and Spanish)

Online AA in Biblical Studies & General Studies (for our Online degrees)

Dual Enrollment Program

Church Partnership Program

Doctor of Ministry (English and Spanish) in the works for 2026 pending accreditation approvals.

WE ALSO RECEIVED THREE MAJOR GRANTS TOTALING OVER FIVE MILLION DOLLARS SINCE 2022:

This grant has allowed us to increase quality and promotion of our Hispanic offerings, our MA in Leadership-Spanish Language, and our certificates. This will also allow us to create multiple microcertificates at a very low cost to help in the development of Hispanic pastors and leaders. The grant will also provide coaching opportunities and enhance our programs. The motto is from certificate to doctorate a pathway for education and growth. We are so grateful for this opportunity and see it as a blessing that we were able to receive such a prestigious grant. 1 3 2

Lilly Pathways for Tomorrow: Developing Hispanic Pastors and Leaders- $1,464,274

Student Success Initiative: Department of Education HSI grant- $2,369,725

This grant is allowing us to offer a wide variety of support mechanisms to our undergraduate student population. In particular, academically underprepared students who are coming from high school into the university context. It is common knowledge that the first two semesters as a new college student are the most difficult and many students end up quitting (in academic terms students drop out). This causes retention to suffer and the most affected are the students. This grant supports students by offering a summer bridge program where they can come to campus and go through an intensive and fun program that will prepare them to be successful their first year of college and beyond. The grant will also offer funds to support with students counseling and other needs as well as a component that will include faculty development and training certifications in student success.

Lilly Compelling Preaching: Enhancing Preaching Skills$1,249,176

The preaching grant is very important and a blessing for students in our School of Theology and Ministry and active pastors and leaders. The grant consists of three activities: developing a Preaching Institute for aspiring preachers, hosting an annual preaching conference with topquality workshops and speakers, and creating a digital repository called “Ministry Toolkit” that will resource pastors and leaders as they search for content and materials to develop their weekly sermons. These will be done from a Spirit-Filled and Christcentered perspective. Covering some of the most important topics, doctrines, and aspects preachers always deal with.

EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE

In my mind excellence must be part of the equation and it has to be connected to what we do as an institution. We want to provide high quality programs and make sure our students are being develop into the leaders God wants them to be. Our mission is the “transformational development of students into leaders, to serve God in the church the workplace and the world”: this is what we want to do as a school daily and it requires a qualified team of full time, part time and adjunct faculty to accomplish.

We make sure our faculty are hired because of their excellence of instruction, their heart for the Lord, and the mission of LPU. We want to make sure our faculty love mentoring and pouring into our students. It is a transformational kingdom work we are asking them to do, not just teach a class. I am so honored to work with excellent professors all over the nation who are dedicated to the Lord and our mission in training leaders.

LPU’s Vision: “Life Pacific University will be recognized worldwide as a premier pentecostal institution, within the Foursquare tradition, characterized by a diverse community of Spirit-empowered students, scholars, and practitioners whose hearts and minds are devoted to Christ and His Kingdom.”

This vision led us to pursuing more excellent ways to fulfill this vision through new development of the CGPSP, LPS, CEE, a new academic structure with two colleges/schools STM and SAS and a Prayer Chapel at the center of our academic engine, our classrooms. We also hold two accreditations, WSCUC our secular oversight body, ABHE our Evangelical national accreditor, CHEA, BPPE, and are now pursuing ATS for our seminary. See below for more details.

• Center for Global Pentecostal Studies and Practice (CGPSP)

• Center for Educational Excellence (CEE)

• Life Pacific Seminary (LPS)

• Academic Structure with two colleges: The School of Arts and Sciences (SAS) & the School of Theology and Ministry (STM)

• The Provost Council was established to increase excellence in managing academic affairs, which includes a new Dean of Online Instruction, the Deans of the two colleges and the Dean of Institutional Effectiveness.

• Prayer Chapel (classroom 115)

• Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)

• WASC Senior Colleges and Universities Commission (WSCUC)

• Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

• Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)

• Association of Theological Schools (ATS)

These centers, structures, and accreditation elements, make us stronger and force us to constantly think about excellence in fulfilling our mission and vision as an institution. We continue after one hundred years of existence, and we pray to keep fulfilling this mission in even greater ways.

EDUCATION EDUCATION

This is very important to me, even more than everything shared before. If we do not understand the why then what is the point? Why Life Pacific University? Why an educational institution or program?

• Training and education are central to the great commission.

• Proclamation is different than teaching.

• Sunday preaching cannot be equated to deep training and education process.

• Followers of Jesus are called disciples and the word in Mathew is go and “teach” which explicitly implies

MATTHEW 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.”

2 PETER 3:15-18

education, training, learning.

• The people of God are encouraged to understand and handle the word of God accurately.

• Pastors, leaders, volunteers, and aspiring ministers should be properly equipped in the word of God.

• Those with lack of training` can twist scripture to their own destruction.

• Even those going into careers in counseling, business, communications, management, etc. need proper biblical training.

2 TIMOTHY 2:15

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

“…also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, 16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; 18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”

In my mind, Life Pacific University is an Academic Engine for the kingdom of God for the Foursquare denomination, for pentecostal movements around the world such Victory Outreach International, and other non-denominational charismatic/pentecostal movements. We need to partner together with pastors, churches, leaders, and movements to collaborate in the kingdom of God by providing high quality educational programs that produce the best graduates that will impact the world for Christ.

LOCAL CHURCH LPU EXPANDS PARTNERSHIPS TO EMPOWER MINISTRY TRAINING

By Sara Huson ‘14, MAED

Life Pacific University (LPU) is thrilled to announce the signing of five new Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) this year, strengthening partnerships with four churches – The Rock Church & World Outreach Center in San Bernardino, CA, King’s Way Foursquare Church in Sequim, WA, Gettysburg Foursquare Church in PA, and Life Bridge Foursquare Church in Fort Wayne, IN – as well as a transformative new partnership with America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU). These collaborations are designed to enhance educational opportunities and support churches in equipping new ministry leaders directly within their congregations.

Church Partnerships: A Gift to Local Congregations

LPU’s church partnerships provide a unique opportunity for churches to invest in their members by offering accessible, highquality, Christ-centered education. Through these partnerships, students from our partner churches receive a significant tuition discount, making it easier for them to pursue academic training while staying rooted in their local church community. This approach allows future leaders to gain practical ministry experience in realworld settings, enhancing their education with hands-on training in their home churches.

We believe that empowering churches to train new ministers within their own congregations is vital for the growth of the Kingdom. By

providing flexible online programs, students can continue serving in their local churches while pursuing their degrees. This model ensures that they receive tailored training and mentorship that prepares them for effective leadership.

A Strategic Alliance with America’s Christian Credit Union

In addition to the church MOUs, LPU is excited to announce a transformative partnership with America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU). This alliance introduces a generous new scholarship program, significantly enhancing educational opportunities for ACCU members and their staff. The scholarship program provides substantial financial assistance, enabling ACCU members, their families, and staff to pursue higher education at LPU.

“For 100 years, LPU has been shining a light in our community, across the country, and around the world,” said ACCU CEO Vicki VannBerstein. “I am thrilled that ACCU members now have even greater access to this Christ-centered education so they can receive training to shine brightly wherever God has called them.”

This partnership reflects the shared mission of both LPU and ACCU to develop leaders who will serve with integrity and faith. “Today we take a moment to reflect on God’s goodness as we celebrate this development in ACCU’s relationship with LPU,” said Frank

Clement, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at ACCU. “It is such a joy to work side-by-side with our colleagues at LPU in our shared mission to change lives through Christian education.”

LPU President Angie Richey, PhD, emphasized the significance of this collaboration: “This partnership with America’s Christian Credit Union is a significant milestone for Life Pacific University. By joining forces, we are amplifying our ability to support and develop students into leaders who will serve with integrity and faith. We look forward to the many opportunities this collaboration will bring to our community.”

A Shared Vision for Ministry Training

Through these partnerships, LPU continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education.

Church partnerships enable local congregations to keep and train new ministers within their communities, offering students practical ministry training alongside their academic studies. Meanwhile, the partnership with ACCU reinforces the value of a Christ-centered education, equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and spiritual growth needed to excel in their chosen fields and serve their communities effectively.

These partnerships reflect LPU’s ongoing dedication to empowering churches and organizations that share a vision of developing leaders who serve with integrity, compassion, and faith. We look forward to the continued growth and impact of these collaborations.

For more information about LPU’s partnership program and how your church can become involved, please contact Sara Huson at shuson@lifepacific.edu.

By

SALT AND LIGHT

TO LOCAL AND GLOBAL COMMUNITIES

Kristina Stover ‘16

The Office of Career and Global Engagement (CGE) serves students by providing practical resources that will prepare them for a lifetime of serving God in the church, the workplace, and the world. While students receive formal academic training in the classroom, CGE also provides opportunities to engage our world in ways that not only bless and serve others, but also benefit the students through transformative experiences.

LOCAL

LPU sits at the base of the San Bernadino mountains in San Dimas, CA. In this location, we have the honor of serving those around us in several diverse communities. The heart of the Gospel models service and love toward others, and our students are encouraged to go outside their comfort zone to find ways to do the same. Students participate in at least five outreach hours per semester, but many serve well beyond that amount. We highlight that outreach hours seek to meet tangible needs in the community.

One way we benefit the communities around us is through an annual event we host during LPU’s New Student Orientation called City Serve. Our incoming students join our Student Life team to serve at various locations in local cities. This year, we sent 50 students to serve at the San Dimas Little League (SDLL) fields to clean up and prepare for the fall season. Our incoming students truly made an impression! Nick, the President of the San Dimas Little League (SDLL) stated, “[The students] went so far beyond our expectations that we were truly blown away. From their work ethic to their demeanor, those are truly some outstanding people. From the bottom of our hearts: thank you! Nearly 500 families will enjoy a better version of SDLL over the next 12 months because of you.” Another group served at Sonrise Christian School. They moved furniture, deep cleaned and supported the staff in tasks leading up to the first week of school. Sonrise Facilities Director Tommy Guzman responded, “We here at Sonrise are truly blessed to have the relationship we share with Life Pacific University. Your servant’s heart and ambitious work ethic are always impressive. The power and glory of God radiates when LPU comes onto the Sonrise campus.”

The work does not stop there! Integrated into the life of our students are annual local service projects like serving our city at its Christmas event, Holiday Extravaganza and hosting regular Blood Drives. LPU students have served at local food pantries, children’s foster centers, local schools, churches, senior centers, mobile home parks, city parks and more. We are honored to make such a positive impact in our local communities.

GLOBAL

In addition to local impact, CGE offers opportunities to serve the nations. Annual outreaches include partnering with Operation Christmas Child, where LPU students pack shoebox gifts that include toys, school supplies, and hygiene items for kids in over 170 countries. LPU has also partnered with

organizations tackling the need for awareness and support to end sex trafficking worldwide. LPU has hosted an awareness Lantern Walk in partnership with Compassion First, an organization serving victims of sex trafficking in Indonesia, and will partner this year with A21, an organization started by Christine Caine, who host Walks for Freedom with global reach.

CGE works to create a regular culture of seeking God’s heart for the nations. One way we do this is through our annual Global Vision Week. Director Kristina Stover ‘16 encourages students to consider, “What could God do with my ‘YES’?” This year, we were honored to host Aaron Hunter ‘16, Foursquare Global Associate Director of the Americas, as our guest speaker for Chapel, who challenged students to “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Aaron Hunter reflected, “It was exciting to see the potential and hunger of the LPU students to hear about and be involved in God’s mission.” We hosted the Global Impact Chapel on Wednesday, welcoming over 15 organizations with influence both locally and globally, giving students the opportunity to partner in ministry.

Students also get to join short-term missions’ trips to engage communities worldwide. These trips offer students opportunities to develop cross-cultural awareness, develop life skills, articulate the gospel in new settings, partner with Foursquare Missionaries and other incredible organizations, and serve others as the hands and feet of Jesus. During Global Impact Chapel, students heard from their peers who had gone on previous trips and were impacted by their testimonies of God’s faithfulness to them through fundraising, team dynamics, culture shock, learning to serve in a new context, and re-integration.

We’re grateful for testimonies from our past trips from Foursquare Missions International leaders like Jared Mueller ‘02/M.A. ‘20 (El Salvador) and Tim Wimberly ‘19 (Romania), who reflected on their experience hosting LPU teams. Jared stated, “[With the LPU team here] we were able to reconnect with a school after several years not ministering there. The time invested with our church, Hope Chapel San Salvador, was really good.” Tim reflected on a few highlights of the Romania team for him, stating, “[Highlights for me included] their ability to be flexible no matter the changes that occurred (there were a few), and their adaptation to make things work regardless. The Lord showed up in every situation. [Additionally,] their preparedness of service in a different culture. They asked questions before acting, they served even when it might not have made sense. God used them, and our Romanian team on the ground, commented multiple times of how awesome the team was.”

We are thrilled to send teams to Puerto Rico, Romania, and Kenya this year, and we look forward to hearing how God ministers in and through them. LPU has a longstanding legacy of sending students out as missionaries, both shortterm and long-term. The transformation on trips like these is immeasurable and has had a positive impact for years. It is truly an honor for us at LPU to be salt and light as representatives of Jesus’ love for others.

LBy Joshua Ortega ‘08, MA

ife Pacific University (LPU) was recently awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Education in recognition of its status as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). A portion of this grant was dedicated to launching a new initiative aimed at helping students on academic probation transition smoothly into campus life. Through the collaborative efforts of the Academics and Admissions Office and the Library and Academic Support Center (ASC) staff, the Life Bridge Program (LBP) was developed during the 2023-2024 academic year.

In July 2024, LPU welcomed its first-ever cohort into the Life Bridge Program. The initiative is designed to provide students with the academic tools, spiritual formation, and community support they need to thrive.

The program offered various support systems for these 20 new and returning students, equipping them with the confidence to succeed at LPU. While earning three units in a course focused on writing skills and biblical knowledge, students were also encouraged to develop their study habits and critical thinking skills. Support was provided by program staff, including Librarian Josh Ortega ’08, LBP Director and ASC Coordinator Luke Kosmas ’16, and ASC Assistant Josh Edwards ’17. Peer mentors Chloe West and Aaron Hedwall ’24, along with Professors Josh Edwards and Dr. Tim Lee ’06, played a key role in creating an immersive LPU campus experience.

BUILDING SUCCESS: LIFE BRIDGE PROGRAM EMPOWERS STUDENTS TO THRIVE AT LPU

Beyond the classroom, students engaged in a variety of communitybuilding activities. They bonded during outings to a Rancho Cucamonga Quakes baseball game, Knott’s Berry Farm, hiking and fishing trips to Bonelli Park, and beach volleyball tournaments. These experiences fostered a sense of camaraderie and lasting friendships that continue today.

However, the program’s impact extended beyond social activities. Bridge students participated in mentoring sessions, seminars, and, most importantly, spiritual formation sessions that nurtured their spirits through times of prayer, worship, and personal development. Staff-led devotions offered invaluable advice on life, academics, and deepening their relationship with the Lord. These meaningful moments became the foundation for their growth and confidence.

After successfully completing the program with a celebratory banquet, these students are now thriving in their courses, poised to graduate within four to five years. The special bond they share is evident in the future gatherings they continue to plan, celebrating their ongoing accomplishments.

As we look forward to welcoming another cohort in the summer of 2025, we are excited to see how the Life Bridge Program will continue to impact the lives of our students and the LPU community!

Where the Classroom Meets the Current World

By Dr. Andrew Opie ‘02

As a visiting professor, with a focus on teaching global engagement, I get the privilege of unlocking students’ passion for participating in God’s mission in this world. With 60 students in two sections of Foundations for Global Engagement, my heart is not only to connect students with knowledge or a toolkit for practicing gospel work, but to also make real-life connections with current events. One such example came in response to Hurricane Helene, which was a real-life opportunity to witness God’s love in action. Instead of simply praying and observing a video, we connected with a partner of LPU, Foursquare Disaster Relief, for a live-in-action virtual conversation on how working with churches in the affected area demonstrates God’s love in action. This partnership creates opportunities for students interested in making a difference in their world tangible, by resourcing and connecting to field workers currently.

On September 25, several ministries came to Life Pacific University’s Global Impact Fair. Jonathan Robinson and Richard Ferris represented Foursquare Disaster Relief during the fair. Simultaneously, Jonathan continued tracking Hurricane Helene, communicating with pastors in the Atlantic District who could be impacted. Between Wednesday’s chapel and the next evening, Helene exploded into a category 4 hurricane. Over the weekend, the storm left a massive trail of trauma for communities and families. On Saturday, Jonathan arrived in Tampa and began

assessing how FDR’s response would be most helpful to the situation. On October 1st, Jonathan zoomed into my two sections of Global Engagement, where 90 students were able to have a virtual link to people working on the scene. He was in the process of coordinating a team responding and beginning the work of relief and recovery while taking the time to engage with the students on Zoom. Students saw live what it looks like to see a house in ruin from flooding, and Christians demonstrating the love of God to those facing incredible challenges and displacement. Jonathan shared with students how this is our Christian mission, and that the Holy Spirit moves in powerful ways as people have an openness. We heard how a church lost its building during the storm, and how they still gathered on Sunday in a borrowed chapel nearby. Jonathan spoke on how they were on fire, and the work of God in responding to people hurting is an opening for the gospel to take root in people’s lives.

In response to the global impact fair, the students I teach found a real-life application to what they are learning about engaging with the world for the sake of the gospel. This 15-minute virtual conversation illustrated how God is at work in the world, a world that is much bigger than we sometimes think as students and adults. We are learning how the knowledge gained in the classroom and homework does not stop within the coursework but is a means to start engaging with a hurt, and gospel-starved world.

MASL MAGIC THE SCHOLAR-PRACTITIONER ADVANTAGE

By Sam Rockwell ‘86, PhD

“The program has reinvigorated my leadership abilities while fulfilling my intellectual curiosity so now I’m equipped as both leader and scholar. Encouragement from my cohort and professors have been vital to my academic and personal success.”

(Hannah Burnette ‘24)

The MASL program weaves the threads of intellectual curiosity with dirt-under-the-fingernails practicality. The “new normal” of organizational life demands that leaders attend to a results-oriented marketplace. The strains of leadership responsibility sometimes suffocate creativity and joy. MASL students enter our program with the expectation of increasing their competence and getting a jump-start in their competitive environment. This is one of the aims of the program, and a reasonable motivation for entering it.

Often, however, students experience something more deeply sustaining. They discover that the “thinking journey” is a fitting and unexpected counterweight to leadership stress.

“The learning has led me to comprehend that leadership transcends possessing answers alone but is more about undertaking the journey alongside those around me. I am better enabled to pave the way for others’ growth.” (Tami Jones ‘24)

The conceptual space created in student’s minds while learning new ideas and considering unexplored intellectual territory opens up new avenues for their sense of well-being. Knowledge becomes more than knowhow; it becomes a grounding base.

Deep thinking and urgent leadership feel like opposing forces, but in fact they can cultivate and sustain each other. Having fresh lenses to see the world and one’s work in new light provides more than useful savvy. They create personal agency and self-efficacy.

The MASL helped me to see farther and broader. Now my training and curiosity help me unpack what is happening beneath the surface. And this gives me confidence as I empower my teams to progress from reactivity to proactivity – bringing more voices and gifts to the table. (Timmy Hensel, ‘17)

Intellectual curiosity and pragmatic competency form a reciprocal and coactive bond –one without the other leads to drift and restlessness. Today’s leaders must find guidance and support to nourish this dynamic relationship.

Our courses and cohort discussions work to help students find, combine, and create ideas that inspire them. The MASL program is committed to wrestling with new questions designed to provoke this synergistic endeavor:

How do we apply the insights of strategic clarity to business and ministry?

How do we employ and combine both visionary leadership with the inherent assets of the organization’s past?

How might our leadership be generative, so new leaders emerge better and healthier than ourselves?

How does our practice of leadership feed off our conceptual ingenuity and vice versa?

The MASL program provides the needed skills and frameworks for leadership longevity and success. It also gives learners a deep well for critical thinking, enabling them to enlarge and expand their world.

SPRING WARRIOR PREVIEW | MARCH 8, 2025

REGISTER TODAY AND SAVE YOUR SPOT

TA YEAR OF GROWTH AND PROMISE:

GOD’S WORK IN LPU’S SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY & MINISTRY

By Jeff Tolle, Ph. D

his year has been an incredible start for the School of Theology & Ministry (STM) at Life Pacific University (LPU). We are in awe of how the Lord is moving in the lives of our students at every level and in every program. From Associate to Master’s degrees, the STM is committed to training individuals for ministry in diverse settings.

Here are just a few highlights of what’s happening within our school:

• New Worship Songs: Our Worship Arts and Media (WAM) and Life Collective, led by Dr. Steven Felix-Jager, are releasing new worship songs that are touching hearts and lives.

• MPI Preaching Conference: Dr. Tim Lee ’06 successfully led the first-ever MPI Preaching Conference, providing a transformative experience for all who attended.

• Growth of the Spanish-Speaking Master’s Program: We’ve seen remarkable enrollment growth in our Spanish-speaking Master’s in Leadership program under the guidance of Dr. Hugo Aldana.

• Doctor of Ministry Program: Dr. Ken Bringas continues to make progress in shaping our upcoming Doctor of Ministry degree, bringing fresh vision and leadership to this new endeavor.

• New Leadership: We welcomed Dr. Sam Rockwell ’86 as the Director of our Master’s in Strategic Leadership program and

Dr. Andy Opie ’02 as the Director of the Center for Global Pentecostal Studies and Practice.

It’s incredible to see how far we have come in such a short time, and we give thanks to the Lord for His faithfulness!

Every week, I have the privilege of engaging with our students, whether in person, online, in English, or in Spanish, across undergraduate and graduate levels. I am continually inspired by their passion for Kingdom purposes and their commitment to fulfilling God’s call. Their deep love for Christ and their vision to reach the world with the Gospel is a constant source of blessing.

We are actively exploring ways to more effectively launch our graduates into ministry, whether as church planters, missionaries, staff pastors, worship leaders, and beyond. The fields are indeed ripe for harvest (John 4:35), and we see a generation rising to reap that harvest. Truly, the best is yet to come!

I firmly believe that our prophetic stance should always position us to expect great things from God. After witnessing countless miracles, Moses prayed, “O Sovereign Lord, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do?” (Deut. 3:24 NLT).

“Only begun”? Yes! After 101 years, I believe God is just beginning His great work at Life Pacific University. The best is yet to come!

SEEDBEDS OR CEMETERIES?

THE ROLE OF SEMINARY EDUCATION IN NURTURING FAITH AND MINISTRY

By Ken Bringas, PhD

It may sound a bit dramatic to compare seminary education in North America with a cemetery. The obvious connotation is that some types of seminary education might actually result in the death of one’s faith in God, but more particularly, one’s faith in classical Christianity. Yet, in the growing post-Christian milieu of North America, it should not be a surprise that many seminaries will choose to accommodate and acclimate to the powerful influences of secularism and relativism that ultimately compromise the witness of the Gospel and spell the deconstructive demise of traditional Christian orthodoxy. Even without hard and fast research to prove this, it is the opinion of some seminary leaders that in the next 20 years, there will be a significant decline in the number of North American seminaries. Part of the reason for this decline is that the theological liberalism being taught in such schools will eventually evolve into some kind of universal unitarianism, so the argument goes, resulting in a neutered church and rendering seminary education quite irrelevant if not altogether unnecessary.1

Thankfully, this is not the case with every seminary in the nation, and it certainly is not the trajectory on which Life Pacific Seminary (LPS) finds itself. LPS nurtures its vision for the future partly on the root meaning of the word, “seminary.” The term comes from the Latin word seminarium, which means “plant nursery”, or “seedbed.” Over time, the term evolved to describe graduate schools that train students in biblical/theological studies, and Christian ministry. But the word picture communicates life and vitality. In the same way that a seedbed fosters the healthy development of seeds into mature plants, a healthy seminary provides a growth environment and a learning experience that stimulates the holistic faith development of its students.

Life Pacific Seminary is a kind of spiritual greenhouse, vitally connected with the local church in providing a seedbed for those who are preparing for a lifetime of ministry to grow in knowledge, understanding, skill, and love for God and people. Practically speaking, this looks like a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, a Master of Divinity, and a soon-to-come Doctor of Ministry. These educational programs are rooted in a Pentecostal worldview which, at the very least, implies the importance of recognizing and participating with the Holy Spirit’s renewing work globally.

More than ever, North America needs Christian ministry leaders with an increasing capacity to think theologically, communicate clearly, love deeply, and practice a radical sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s desires and activity in the church and the world.

LPS seeks to nurture these elements in the lives of its students. At the end of the day, this seminary believes it can avoid becoming a faith graveyard, and instead, become a life-giving seedbed for Christian ministry leaders to grow into deeper, stronger, more skilled and confident Spirit-filled disciples that become catalysts for both the renewal and missional faithfulness of the church.

If you are interested in furthering your ministry preparation, or simply going deeper in your understanding of the Scriptures, theology, and ministry, contact us at admissions@lifepacific.edu

1. Olson, Roger. Against Liberal Theology: Putting the Brakes on Progressive Christianity. Zondervan, 2022.

LPU STUDENTS SET TO THRIVE:

INCREASE CONFERENCE AND NEW ROTARY CLUB FUEL CAMPUS GROWTH AND LEADERSHIP

By Prof. Jeffrey Bird, MBA

Life Pacific University (LPU) is buzzing with excitement as 40 students gear up for the Increase Conference and prepare to launch a new Rotary Club on campus. These initiatives mark a dynamic period of growth and leadership development, promising to equip students for success in all facets of life.

The Increase Conference, renowned for its practical approach to achievement, will empower LPU students with valuable strategies and insights to reach their full potential. Beyond financial success, the conference cultivates holistic well-being, focusing on physical, spiritual, and relational growth. Students will return with a renewed mindset, a global network of achievers, and a strong support system to propel them forward.

Adding to this momentum, the establishment of a Rotary Club at LPU will further enrich the student experience. Sponsored by the San Dimas Rotary Club, a burgeoning LPU strategic partner, the Rotary Club offers a platform for young leaders to connect with their community through service projects and cultivate essential leadership skills. This partnership opens doors to valuable business networks, potential internships, and post-graduate employment opportunities. By collaborating on initiatives that address local and global challenges, LPU students will develop a strong sense of social responsibility and civic engagement.

THE STORY BEHIND AN ACOUSTIC ANTHOLOGY

By Steven Felix-Jager, PhD

In the fall of 2023, I grabbed coffee with Holland Davis, a pastor from Calvary Chapel, who’s also a songwriter and Bible teacher. He’s behind a bunch of popular songs, including the 2002 hit “Let It Rise.” Before that, he worked as an A&R Rep at Maranatha! Records. We chatted about The LIFE Collective, WAM’s worship ministry, and he listened to our tracks, saying they were really good! He did point out that some of our songs have pretty intricate musical arrangements, which makes them enjoyable to listen to but tricky to learn and perform. To help with that, he suggested we choose our best congregational songs and put together an acoustic album with simpler arrangements. This way, worship leaders can easily access the songs and play them during services. Interestingly, he gave similar advice to the team at Elevation Worship, which resulted in their 2017 album Acoustic Sessions. This conversation inspired our upcoming 8-song LP, An Acoustic Anthology, set to drop on October 11th. We picked out our 8 most popular worship songs and created some simple acoustic versions. WAM students Calvin Welch and Danielle Cipriano (who’s now an alum) teamed up to record these tracks, with Calvin on acoustic guitar and Danielle on piano. We also filmed videos of each performance, showing the chord changes in the bottom left corner of the videos. Plus, we put together chord charts for every song and shared everything for free on social media. The song list includes:

1. “As It Is In Heaven” written by Elle Potter ‘21 from As It Is In Heaven (2019)

2. “God of Abundance” written by Steven Felix-Jager & Andy Wingate from 2:16-18 (2022)

3. “Overflow” written by Johnny Knox from 2:16-18 (2022)

4. “Glory” written by Calvin Welch, Meagan Carrillo, Rachel Lima ‘23 & Carmel Skye from Pure Bride (2024)

5. “Love Again” written by Jonathan Maravilla, Jenny Donis ‘23 & Matt Stratton from 2:16-18 (2022)

6. “You’ve Overcome” written by Matt Stratton ‘23 from Just the Beginning (2022)

7. “You Make a Way” written by Bailey Pepper & Anna Frank from Pure Bride (2024)

8. “Flowers in the Desert” written by Steven Felix-Jager from 2:16-18 (2022)

Be sure to check out the album on Oct. 11th, and please consider playing some of these songs for your church or ministry!

WBy Dr. Hugo Aldana

e thank God for a highly productive year. From July 2023 to July 2024, 48 students joined the Master of Arts in Leadership program under our Hispanic initiatives. Our students’ testimonies reflect immense joy and satisfaction as they experience the transformative power of this program. We continue seeking those the Lord has chosen for a new stage of training, empowering leaders and pastors to move from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

What drives us? Our motivation comes from the Missio Dei, God’s mission in the world—not our own. We are dedicated to contributing to its fulfillment, as stated in Ephesians 1:4 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-18. Having been transformed, we are now called to transform others. With our interdisciplinary approach, the Master’s program reaches out to professionals who support our congregations, equipping them with evangelizing leadership skills to make an impact in the contexts where they serve. Our goal is to guide and train students in their personal, theological, ministerial, and leadership development.

First-, second-, and third-generation Hispanics are people who, when committed, give beyond their strength for a cause. We don’t just ask for God’s blessing on what we do; instead, we seek to align ourselves with what God is already blessing, working wholeheartedly for the cause of the Gospel. We have established crucial academic bridges for first-generation Hispanics to help them excel in education. Nine certified Foursquare ministry schools, both formal and informal, allow students within the denomination to complete a degree program that gives them access to higher education. We also accept and certify ministry schools outside the denomination that meet the academic requirements for entry into our Master’s degree program in Spanish.

As a Hispanic department, we have committed to linking first- and second-generation youth with the degree programs offered by Life Pacific University. Our goal is to guide students along a pathway “from certificate to doctorate.” Wherever they are on their journey,

EMPOWERING HISPANIC LEADERS FOR GLOBAL IMPACT A YEAR OF GROWTH AND EXPANSION AT LPU

we aim to serve them. The pathway is set, and the urgency to equip leaders for ministry is clear.

We are also establishing a global presence as influential leaders from various countries accept the challenge of joining our programs and preparing for greater impact. We are convinced that to transcend boundaries, education must be focused on reproducing leadership in other parts of the world. We have welcomed leaders from Spain, Central America, and South America, creating opportunities for young adults and experienced leaders.

Currently, we offer several programs to equip students for ministry and leadership:

Micro-certificates:

• Organizational Change

• Women’s Leadership

• General Leadership

• Steps to Develop an Effective Work Plan for the Local Church

• Personal Finance and Business Entrepreneurship

Certificates:

• Biblical Foundations

• Chaplaincy

EFM College: An academic bridge to the Bachelor of Theology and Leadership

Master of Arts in Leadership

Doctorate in Ministry: Launching in 2026

Answer your call, pursue training, and study at Life Pacific University! For more information, please reach out.

LPU Programa Hispano: programahispano@lifepacific.edu

FINDING PURPOSE AND STRENGTH:

DOMINIQUE’S JOURNEY IN LPU’S HUMAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

“Participating in the HDP program has deepened my awareness of how our background shapes our lives and how God is in the details. It has motivated me to improve where I was weak and continue growing where I excel. When I joined, I was overwhelmed by stress from both school and personal life, but the program has taught me practical ways to manage it. Breathing exercises and prayer, encouraged by my professors, have helped me gain confidence, knowing that it’s God’s strength, not mine, that helps me succeed.

The program has also improved my communication skills, particularly in active listening and being present in conversations. I’m grateful for the biblical foundation that strengthens my values in Christ, helping me communicate

more compassionately and effectively. While my career goals remain the same, my excitement and confidence in becoming an art therapist have only grown. The program is deepening my faith and reminding me that Jesus is the ultimate counselor, encouraging me to model His example in all I do.

I am committed to integrating Christian values into my life and work, knowing that God will use my gifts to help others heal and grow closer to Him. To incoming students: your faith will be tested, but remember that God has a plan for you. Trust in His strength, build relationships, and stay focused on His purpose. This is the perfect place for you, with amazing professors, staff, and fellow students to support you”

Narnia Step into A Theatrical Journey of Faith and Redemption at LPU

By Professor Carissa Hawksworth ‘07, MA

The Life Pacific University Department of Arts, Media, and Communication is proudly producing a stage adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe on November 7-9th. The stage adaptation focuses on the Biblical metaphors of the story, noting the themes of redemption and grace that are inextricably woven into the fabric of the story. These themes will be highlighted in a post-production conversation with Junior High and High School students during our free preview performance on November 6th. Over 30 students are involved in this exciting retelling, and weekly rehearsals allow an opportunity for students to discuss the show’s rich theological themes while developing soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability.

Stage Manager Katelyn Crocker, a double major in Media and Communications and Worship Arts and Media comments, “The opportunity to work in Theatre has been such an impactful and fulfilling way for me to engage in the Arts with those around me. LPU Arts has helped me to learn, adapt, and grow in both my own creative process and team-

oriented creative projects. As we have been working on The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, I have seen the Lord move through both our cast and our creative production team. People who were hungry for connection and community before are now engaged with each other and forming beautiful friendships. God is using LPU Arts’ Theatre program as a garden for cultivating a Christ-centered creative worship community producing strong leaders who will undoubtedly carry these experiences with them for the rest of their lives.”

Megan Clark, a Senior in the Bachelor of Arts in Ministry Program, stated “Being a part of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe has come in a season of life where everything in my life feels a bit out of control. Playing Lucy in the midst of that has highlighted the childlike nature of experiencing a season like this. The way that Lucy has to depend on her siblings and Aslan has become a big metaphor for me as I learn to lean on God and those he’s placed in my life right now. Lucy models a childlike faith that I myself am trying to find my way back to.”

BIBLICAL HUMANITY IN THE AGE OF AI

By Professor Andy Hawksworth ‘09, MFA

History is a funny thing. In retrospect, everything seems obvious, but in the moment, it’s hard to know what passing discoveries will end up being genuinely meaningful or impactful. It is very unlikely that anyone at the Thanksgiving table in 2022 offered their gratitude to be alive at the dawn of a new era for humanity, but that is exactly where we all were!

The release of ChatGPT in November 2022 will likely be remembered in future history books as one of the pivotal moments of the 21st century - if not all of human history. What started out as a novelty around dinner tables, and a ghost story in teacher’s break rooms, would rapidly reinvent the way that nearly every industry engages with information and how content is created.

But, beyond the obvious, and sometimes terrifying, implications of this new technology, there is a greater question that is beginning to emerge; one whose answer will define the future of the human race: Who are we now?

In 1637, Descartes published his famous idiom, “cogito ergo sum” (“I think, therefore I am”) which defined, “the very act of thinking [as humanity’s] only certain and irreducible action” (Felix-Jager 2024). This thought in turn sparked – or at least gave framing to – the Age of Enlightenment. In defining reason as the essence of humanity, we could now comfortably understand ourselves as “uniquely other” given that no other thing in the world was capable of logic. This gave comfort to humanists and helped apologists develop stronger cases for the Imago Dei present in all of humanity.

That is until November 2022. With the opening of the proverbial Pandora’s Box of Generative AI, humanity brought itself to the

brink of a truly terrifying existential crisis. If our core defining trait (reasoning; logical computation) can so easily be replicated (and even be outperformed) by these technologies… then who are we now?

While humanist philosophers are only beginning to wrestle with this idea and its implications, I would assert that, from a JudeoChristian perspective, nothing has changed… at least in terms of our human identity!

For well over 4,000 years, the writings of the Bible have affirmed that humanity is so much more than just its thoughts or ability to reason! Yes, this is an aspect of who we are, just as it is of God, but we are so much more: mind, body and spirit.

In this ongoing article series, we will seek to explore, along with experts in their fields, how these emerging technologies are shaping our world. From theology (can robots gain sentience and, if so, could they qualify for Kingdom membership?), Education (How are universities training Critical Thinking while also embracing these tools of the future marketplace?), Communications (What does trust look like in the age of ChatGPT?) to Psychology (Can AI’s objectivity aid in the healing process for traumatized individuals?).

While there is plenty to be excited and scared about in this new season, it is important to remember that none of these technologies are greater than the God we serve! The world will change, and the Church will continue to adapt because we are not defined by our challenges, our tools, or our ability to reason; we are defined by our mission to share the Good News with the whole world by any means possible!

ALUMNI STORY

ARTUR ASADURIYAN ’10 AND THE MULTITOOL OF APOLOGETICS

By Melissa Rufener, ‘12

The aroma of fresh, hot pizza wafts across a brightly lit classroom buzzing with teenagers. It’s a casual and fun vibe. Artur, a bald, bearded Armenian man sporting a gray polo and a captivating smile, adjusts his thin-rimmed glasses and calmly responds to the latest student inquiry. “Who do you think Jesus is?” he asks simply, mirroring Jesus’ question to Simon Peter. One or two students smile as if they already have an answer, and others are puzzled and surprised by the question, but they give it some thought. An open discussion – with an open Bible – ensues between Christian and non-Christian students alike, led by this kind man who understands the brilliance of a single thought-provoking question.

Young Artur

Artur didn’t grow up going to church. As a young child, Artur was raised amidst a rich and beautiful culture that valued spiritual things, with 1,700 years of Christian history woven into the fabric of Armenia. But Artur didn’t hear about Jesus until much later.

When he was 11, Artur’s family moved to the United States. Then, an existential crisis as a junior in high school led him to start asking questions about life’s purpose. He began researching the revered texts of many different world religions. He chuckles, “This was before internet was much of a thing.”

A friend from high school invited Artur to a Harvest Crusade where Pastor Greg Laurie spoke about Jesus, what He did, and why. That night he received a New Testament and read the gospel of Matthew in one sitting: “It was different than all the other stuff I had been reading. I started going to church after that.” God continued to gently speak to Artur, and one day a couple months later, everything clicked, and Artur accepted Christ. He had just turned 18 years old.

Life at LIFE

Two years after becoming a Christian, after a recommendation from his youth pastor Jack Hakimian ’03, Artur found himself in San Dimas, Ca. on the campus of Life Pacific College (now University), where his understanding of the text of the Bible would be carefully formed, and where his understanding of philosophy and apologetics

in the Christian faith would be radically transformed.

Artur believed in the Bible, but he had so much to learn as a young Christian, and his time at LPU developed his knowledge in a way that shaped him from the inside out. “I already had a high view of scripture, but didn’t have the reasons for it,” Artur recalls. “My time at Life had a deep impact on [my ability to] systematically do biblical theology, [as I was] given the tools to study the Bible properly. I had a really good education because the people who taught me the Bible were very serious about studying the Bible.”

It wasn’t just his Bible classes that caused spiritual growth. In a college with biblical roots and ethos, every course becomes an opportunity to know God more. Artur’s professors challenged him to have fully developed thoughts that were backed by biblical text.

“Don’t think by quoting Plato that you’re going to impress me,” Prof. Charles Lee ’97 would say in Artur’s Roots of Modern and Postmodern Thought class, asking his students instead for original thoughts. His candor was provoking but disarming.

Other classes instrumental in Artur’s academic journey included Theology classes with Dr. Michael Salmeier ’95 and Dr. Jim W. Adams ’95, and Ethics with Dr. Terry Samples ’76. “At Life, I was introduced to all the information beyond theological conservatism ,” Artur explains, adding that he still holds those theological views, because of being “exposed to [other views] at Life properly.” Artur smiles and inserts a ‘deep cut’ Old Testament joke, “I’m not bothered by people who believe Isaiah had two writers.”

Back to His Roots

After graduating with a B.A. in Biblical Studies and a Minor in Education, Artur married his lovely wife Araz, whose childhood in Iran was very different from Artur’s – Araz was raised in a family who knew Jesus and had served Him for many years.

In graduate studies at Biola’s Talbot School of Theology, Artur found himself better prepared than many of his peers. “All the interpretive work I learned to do [at Life] made my life a lot easier; [other students were] confused about theological perspectives they should take.” Artur muses, “Often Christians will do philosophy

disconnected from the Bible.” The flaw is clear to Artur: “They’re developing thoughts without being able to think about the Biblical text.”

After earning his M.A. in Philosophy from Talbot, Artur felt called to begin an apologetics ministry, which he named Apologia Center. But rather than use apologetics to debate and argue, his passion is to use apologetics as a tool to connect people to biblical truth and lead them to Jesus. This was an all-in journey for his family, who relocated to Armenia in 2019: Artur, together with his wife Araz, and their three children, the youngest of whom was 10 months old at the time. Araz, an equal partner in the ministry, and committed to following Jesus wherever He may lead, is fluent in 3 languages (Farsi, Armenian, and English). Artur recalls with a smile that year in Armenia, “At almost every church, Araz was called upon to go to the translation table to help translate into Farsi for Iranians that were in Armenia.”

A Journey to Younger Life

The 1.5 years the Asaduriyan family spent in Armenia was fruitful, but Artur didn’t hear the Lord say to stay stationed there. “We moved there to do missions, work with churches, train up leaders,” he explains. Now that leaders were trained and deployed, the next step was to develop content in Armenian and English – videos, reels, materials for study. Artur and Araz moved their family back to the United States, where the next chapter of Artur’s pastoral journey began.

“When we got back from Armenia,” Artur recalls, “I didn’t look for work right away, because we wanted to get the ministry rolling.” An opportunity came to work at Younglife; it was a chance to revive its Glendale, Ca. chapter which had been dormant for 20 years. In his interview, Artur asked pointedly: “Is it discipleship and evangelism? Do I get to interact with nonbelieving kids and then disciple them?’” The answer was yes, and that sealed the deal. “I do apologetics because it’s a tool for evangelism; here’s a way to evangelize people that are asking serious questions.” Artur’s work is personal and meaningful. “A highlight [for me in this role] is being on a high school campus, and building relationships with teens who are asking questions and wanting to know more about the Bible. A student once asked me, ‘Is God ok with war?’ He was going to join the armed forces. We had a 5-hour conversation. One kid got into some trouble, and he called me and asked me to pray with him. That’s what the ministry is about. All the other details – camp, food, going to campus – are the ‘way we do it.’ But it really comes down to interacting, and hoping

they become believers and followers of Jesus. And if they do, then we disciple them.”

Artur explains the simple but effective format of his Younglife meetings. “We have a weekly meeting and then a weekly Bible study. For the meetings, a lot of different kinds of kids come. And every single time they come they have fun, and they hear about the gospel and ‘What does it look like to follow Jesus?’” The local high school where Artur’s team established a presence has 1,400 students – more than 10% of whom have come through the Younglife group at some point this past academic year. Artur regularly sees 40-50 students attend every week.

So impactful is Artur’s work at Younglife that a local Foursquare church, Christian Assembly, took note, and started investing in Younglife Glendale. Artur’s team has vision to expand their program to all eight schools in the Glendale area, an area where one of the oldest chapters of Younglife in the country died off in 2003, inactive until Artur came on the team in 2023. With so many connections made and so much growth on the horizon, Artur remains yet humble and grounded; his biggest wins aren’t in the numbers. It’s more than a job for Artur. “This is special for me; I started to have the existential crisis in high school. I really wish someone had been there when I had these questions about life and its meaning, and there was no one there. This is part of what motivates me to be on campus.”

Wielding the Multitool

With a growing family (he and Araz now have four kids), a thriving ministry, and a bustling occupation as a Younglife Acting Area Director, Artur is fully engaged in a calling that has brought him full circle – helping people like ‘high-school-junior Artur’ to know Jesus. His foundational biblical education at LPU was a catalyst for this epic journey he continues, as he daily wields the complex tool of apologetics like a master craftsman handles a multitool.

His last statement to us is profound: “All of it started at LPU for me.”

Artur and Araz Asaduriyan live in Southern California with their four beautiful children (ages ranging 10 years to 8 months old): Avetis (“gospel”), Nairi (“people of the valley/river”), Vahagn (“dragon-slayer”), and Areni (“strong mountain”). Artur serves as a teaching elder at Anchor Church in Sun Valley, Ca. Check out Artur’s vibrant apologetics ministry, Apologia Center! https://www.apologiacenter.com/

LIFE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY HOSTS SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL MCPHERSON PREACHING INSTITUTE PREACHING CONFERENCE, UNITING HUNDREDS

OF PASTORS AND LEADERS

By Meagan Lord ’21, MA

SAN DIMAS, CA — On October 26, Life Pacific University (LPU) celebrated the resounding success of its first McPherson Preaching Institute (MPI) Preaching Conference, which gathered hundreds of pastors, church leaders, and ministry students from across the world. The MPI Preaching Conference had global reach with attendees from Europe, Africa, and across the United States through offering all sessions in 3 languages - English, Spanish, and ASL. All this makes the conference a landmark event for preaching-centered professional development and a testament to the power of unity in ministry.

The MPI Preaching Conference, hosted by LPU’s McPherson Preaching Institute, aimed to create a transformative space for leaders in Christian ministry to grow and deepen their preaching skills while fostering an atmosphere of collaboration. With Foursquare President Randy Remington as the keynote speaker, the conference included a lineup of workshops led by renowned Foursquare preachers like Pastor Jerry Dirmann, Pastor Mario Barahona, and Dr. Doretha O’Quinn. The speakers focused on providing attendees with practical insights, innovative techniques, and inspiring reflections on the art of preaching.

“We are thrilled by the turnout and the feedback from our attendees,” said Dr. Tim Lee, Chair of Ministry and Theology at LPU. “The MPI Preaching Conference was designed not just as a learning opportunity, but as a means to foster unity among church leaders who are passionate about their call to preach. Seeing so many come together—whether here on campus or online—is a powerful reminder of the shared mission that binds us.”

President Randy’s keynote sessions highlighted the importance of preaching in a way that is rooted in the Word of God - letting Scripture influence our preaching rather preaching influence Scripture. All the MPI Preaching Conference speakers effectively empowered attendees on how to preach toward unity, especially in this divisive world.

Workshops delved into the practical and theological facets of preaching, exploring everything from sermon structure and delivery to engaging diverse audiences in a multicultural world. Each session encouraged open dialogue, allowing pastors and leaders to share insights and experiences that reflected their unique congregational challenges and victories.

Online participants found the conference equally enriching, with a livestream offered in real time. This hybrid model allowed the conference to reach pastors and leaders who couldn’t attend in person, extending the MPI’s vision of uniting Christian leaders globally to further the art and impact of preaching.

Dr. Jeff Tolle, the Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry at LPU, also shared his thoughts on the significance of the conference, saying, “This gathering is more than just learning techniques; it’s about creating a community of pastors and leaders who are dedicated to supporting each other in the sacred work of preaching. We are called to lift each other up, challenge one another, and refine our approach to proclaiming God’s word with clarity and conviction.”

The success of this inaugural conference has sparked plans for future MPI gatherings and resources, reinforcing LPU’s commitment to equipping ministry leaders with tools that are both spiritually enriching and practically applicable. Through events like these, Life Pacific University continues to fulfill its mission to empower pastors and leaders to impact their communities in meaningful, lasting ways.

As the MPI Preaching Conference concluded, attendees departed with renewed vision and a toolkit of strategies to enhance their preaching, fueled by a strengthened sense of purpose and community.

Since the very first day of my enrollment, resilience has characterized every person I have met under Life Pacific University. Every student, every professor, and every board member or partner—I have been thoroughly inspired by the leaders and leaders-in-the-making that I have met in my time at this school. And, as we were privileged to host Foursquare Fall Leadership Conference 2024 for the Atlantic District, it is my understanding, as well as my hope, that every guest that stepped onto this campus was equally impressed by the resilience, flexibility, and enthusiasm of my cohort. If I may, I would like to give you a glimpse, dear reader, behind the scenes and into the lives of the students which attended and stewarded Foursquare Leadership Conference (FLC).

Students of LPU-East are natural servants, and as hosts of this year’s FLC they did not cut any corners in preparing for our brothers and sisters who would soon visit our campus. I could detail to you the weeks of meetings that went into planning all of our student-led events and preparations, or describe the hours of physical labor that went into setting up our soon-to-be shared spaces. But what awed me the most in the weeks leading up to the day of the event was the amount of intentional, passionate prayer that was exercised by our student body.

Students across all our classes joined with one another, praying and prophesying together as if to fill up our own cups before pouring into others’. In fact, it is my belief that because of this fervent prayer that we experienced several spiritual attacks on our campus, including but not limited to a demonic encounter. “Thieves don’t break into empty houses,” as the saying goes. However, on October 2, two days before the event, I believe I was blessed with a vision: a throng of angels descending onto our grounds, circling my classmates and me. As I looked past them, I saw many more deploying from our campus. They flew one by one shrouded in light as they followed our guests home, carrying with them the blessing of God, imparted by the speakers and servants of the coming conference. It is my hope that this vision is an affirmation for at least one person out there, delighting in “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

One might expect prayer or like spiritual disciplines to be second nature for a Bible college student, but we are also human. We experience seasons of questions, doubts, distractions, and even resistance in our faith, and in this I hope you are able to find some likeness with us students, dear reader. James 1 tells us that the testing of our faith makes it stronger, and so I take no discomfort in admitting the exceptionality of the spiritual phenomenon which we observed here. It is, in fact, because of the spiritual conflict which preceded it that I found the prayer habits of my peers so significant.

FLC: A TRIBUTE TO THE SERVANTS

By Krystopher Guadalupe, Ministry Major, LPU East Campus

I do not believe that the mindset of any servant of the church should be that one must be ‘ready’ on the behalf of others, as this often leads to the build-up of resentment toward those whom we would presume to serve. However, I believe it is accurate to say that the prospect of hosting FLC—this event with the expressed intent of serving the leadership of the church—served as a wakeup call for our spirits. Many of the prayers, prophecies, and preparations which I speak of were indirectly in the service of FLC, expressed through the blessing of our students. Breaking shame, mending relationships, and affirming callings were all experienced in the weeks prior to the event, and it is for the recent reception of such blessings that the students of LPU-East were able to pour out so ardently in their service.

Finally, I cannot speak of the FLC experience without thanking the external leaders who served us as we served the event. We students were only a small part of the workforce which oversaw the execution of the Conference, and it is my genuine pleasure to say that we were not alone. The scheduling of our shifts was left reasonably open for us to sit in on and participate in the sessions of the Conference, so we were allowed to be blessed by the Conference like many of our guests (I was personally delighted to sit in on Ryan Lytton’s Breakout Session about women in ministry). Additionally, while we were not paid traditionally, our leaders made sure to compensate us for our hard work either in meals or simply the small affirmations which we were offered throughout the day. I felt as though my leaders, be it my professors or the pastors and volunteers who also came to serve, saw our efforts and invested in us for it throughout the weekend. They say that working together builds trust, and it pleases me to say that the amount of trust and respect I have for my leaders during FLC has grown tremendously, and for that I have greater confidence in the direction they will lead our district and denomination in their tenure.

If I were to summarize the FLC experience from a student perspective, I have to say that it was enchanting. In every step of the process, I felt the favor of the Lord on my classmates, campus, and our amazing guests, and it was a delight to serve. It was hardly an easy weekend, and perhaps you could imagine the bout of laziness we all fell into on the following day, but it was undoubtedly a blessed weekend. Unfortunately, next year’s FLC is not scheduled to be held at LPU-East (despite the challenges, not having to commute to the Conference was a luxury). However, I am confident in the outstanding ability and giftings my classmates demonstrated this year. It was a genuine pleasure to serve and represent my school in the time we had with our family of the Atlantic District, and I hope that through our diligent work we were able to minister to them—if it be His will, then I pray we get to do it again next year.

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