Pastors Eduardo and Claudia Belmont are lead pastors at IglesiaDios Restaura in Glendale, California. They are leaders who embody the belief that education is crucial for developing future leaders. As a graduate of the Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership Spanish program, Pastor Eduardo Belmont lives by example, continually emphasizing the importance of education in both personal growth and ministry. His conviction is clear: “The better prepared I am, the better I can serve my Lord Jesus Christ and His people.”

This belief is not just something Pastor Belmont preaches; it’s something he practices daily. He is committed to not only encouraging young people to pursue their education but also to actively investing in their academic journeys. “We will go with them, and we will be with them in their academic process,” he shares, reflecting his hands-on approach to leadership and mentorship.

This year, his efforts have borne significant fruit within the Hispanic Foursquare District. Four young leaders from their community including Adrián Medina, Chantelle Belmont, Melanie Ávila and Mari Diéguez have begun their studies at Life Pacific University (LPU). Jacob Gonzalez has enrolled in the Foursquare Chaplains Certificate program, and six other young leaders from Iglesia Dios Restaura including Andrea Moreno, Gilbert Matias, Isaac Leyva, Karen Rivera, Jarett Mendoza and Rebecca Cabrera began the A2 District Cohortand are now enrolled in LPU’s Biblical Foundations Certificate in Spanish. These are tangible results of a pastor who believes in the power of education to transform lives and ministries.

“Churches that invest in the next generation through education see significant fruit in the lives of the students and in their ministries as leaders grow and expand their skills to serve God in the church and the marketplace,” says Angie Richey, president of Life Pacific University. She recognizes the vital role that leaders like Pastor Belmont play in guiding young people toward academic and spiritual growth, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the local church and education in fulfilling the Great Commission.

“In 2019 Pastor Belmont came to my office with a desire to grow as a leader and begin his journey towards earning LPU’s MA in Leadership-Spanish Language (LINK). When he graduated, the Lord opened doors to work at the LA Rescue Mission, I remember him sharing how the team at the mission were looking for strong leadership skills and he was chosen amongst other candidates because of his leadership degree,” shares Dr. Ruarte, Provost and Vice President at Life Pacific University. “He has been such a blessing to that ministry, as well as the ministry at Dios Restaura where he has served in multiple capacities for many years. Now serving as senior pastor Belmont is doing such an incredible job leading the congregation and he recognizes how the MLSP program prepared him well to be a leader and lifelong learner. He is a pentecostal leader who values higher education! Congrats pastor Belmont, we are proud of you!”

Pastor Eduardo Belmont’s leadership is a powerful example of what can happen when a church invests in the education of its future leaders. His dedication to guiding and supporting young people through their academic journeys is not just building up the next generation of church leaders but also strengthening the foundation of the church itself.

Pictured here include young leaders and LPU students, Adrián Medina, Chantelle Belmont, Melanie Ávila and Mari Diéguez.

To learn more about LPU’s programs click here. Churches and leaders are welcome to bring their staff and students to Fall Preview October 24-25. Click here to register.