Life Pacific University is pleased to announce that Pastor Zach Hafner, MABTS, MABL, has been appointed as the new chair of the B.A. in Ministry and Leadership (BAML) online program one of the university’s largest and fastest-growing academic offerings. In addition to his role as chair and assisting professor, Pastor Hafner will serve as the faculty liaison for the Church Partnership Program (Micro-Campuses), working with church-based directors at 17 locations across the country.
Pastor Hafner brings a rich background in pastoral ministry, church planting, and theological education. He currently serves as lead pastor of Ridgeside City Foursquare Church in Yucaipa, California, a church he and his wife, Jade planted in 2024. He has served in a wide range of ministry roles, including teaching pastor, elder, young adults pastor, and high school pastor. His leadership is marked by a deep passion for discipleship, multiplication, and the health of the local church.
In addition to his academic and pastoral responsibilities, Pastor Hafner also serves as a catalyst with Foursquare Multiply, a national initiative of The Foursquare Church focused on church planting and leadership development. His involvement reflects a strong alignment between the mission of Life Pacific University and the broader vision of the Foursquare movement to multiply healthy leaders and churches.
More About Zach
Pastor Zach Hafner has taught extensively at the undergraduate level at Calvary Chapel Bible College and LPU and developed and taught a wide range of biblical and ministry-focused courses, including Homiletics, Christian Theology, Biblical Interpretation, and Acts.
Zach holds two master’s degrees from Western Seminary: the Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies (2024) and the Master of Applied Biblical Leadership (2023). Zach is an avid and passionate snowboarder, surfer, and rock climber whose love for adventure reflects the freedom and joy he’s found in Christ. He is married to Jade, and together they are raising their son, Paxton.
“I’m absolutely stoked to step into this role at Life Pacific University. I believe the local church needs leaders who are theologically grounded, missionally engaged, and emotionally healthy leaders who are passionately committed to serving God’s people and seeing the Kingdom come in their city as it is in heaven. This online B.A. in Ministry Leadership uniquely serves those students – both those pursuing theological education while actively serving in their local church and those training through micro-site partner churches where hands-on ministry and academic formation intersect. I’m honored to invest in equipping leaders whose formation will ripple out to churches and communities across the nation.”
BAML Program Highlights:
- Designed for leaders of all ages
- Focused on real-world application
- Deep spiritual and character formation
- Led by experts and practitioners
The B.A. in Ministry and Leadership program at Life Pacific University prepares students for careers in ministry and the marketplace with strong foundations in Scripture, leadership development, and practical ministry engagement. The program continues to grow and expand, additionally offering students meaningful opportunities at a variety of micro-campus locations. This degree is a desirable pathway for those desiring graduate education and careers in the fields of non-profit, business, counseling, strategic leadership, theology and much more.
