Life Pacific University celebrates the launch of its four-year 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 East or LPU East. It is located on the same site where Life East began in the 1980s and resides alongside The Bridge Foursquare Church and Center for Spiritual Renewal East 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.
“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”, says 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.
Notably, new student, Daniel, 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.
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 reduced tuition rate. This scholarship is a significant step toward ensuring students from around the world can come and prepare for ministry, especially at a time when theological training is increasingly vital worldwide.
With the upcoming Preview event on November 1-2, LPU East is excited to welcome a large group of prospective students, NextGen ministries, and teams for a weekend of connection, worship, and dreaming about each student’s future. 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 Supervisor 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.”
For more information about LPU East and the upcoming Preview event, please click here or visit LPU east webpage.
