By President Dr. Angie Richey

From churches across the United States to Korea and Barbados, more than 50 pastors’ kids are discovering their own faith, finding their voice, and stepping boldly into God’s calling.
They inherited a legacy of faith. Now, they are discovering the courage to write their own stories.

From the islands of Hawaii and Barbados to churches across the United States and missionary families in Korea, a remarkable generation of young leaders is finding its way to Life Pacific University (LPU).

They arrive carrying stories of faithfulness, sacrifice, prayer, and ministry. They have watched their parents preach, lead, serve, and love their communities. Many have experienced both the blessings and challenges of growing up in a ministry family.

But at LPU, something beautiful is happening.

The faith they inherited is becoming their own. And the calling they witnessed in their parents is taking shape in new and unexpected ways.

Today, more than 50 pastors’ kids (PKs) are enrolled at Life Pacific University. Among them, 34 students in the on-campus School of Theology and Ministry receive full-tuition scholarships, reflecting LPU’s commitment to investing in ministry families and the next generation of Spirit-empowered leaders.

Behind these numbers are extraordinary stories of becoming.

From Inherited Faith to Personal Calling

For Esther Park, whose parents served as pastors and missionaries in Korea, coming to LPU meant more than pursuing a degree in Biblical Theology and Ministry. It meant discovering her own relationship with God and a community that would help shape her future.

“I didn’t just leave home; I found one here.” -Esther Park

Her dream is to become a missionary, sharing the love of Christ around the world. At LPU, she is learning that her calling involves not only proclaiming the Gospel but also loving people deeply.

“I am learning what it means to be a servant leader, how humility and confidence can coexist, and how my life can align with God’s calling through obedience.”

For Bella Cooper, from Life Foursquare Church in Decatur, Illinois, the journey has been one of restoration and discovery. She arrived at LPU during a season of personal rebuilding, uncertain about the direction of her future.

Through relationships, spiritual formation, and academic experiences, Bella has discovered a growing passion for missions and reaching unreached people groups. She has also learned,
…that while I can deeply value the example my parents have set for me, my calling does not have to look exactly like theirs.”

“My calling does not have to look exactly like theirs.” – Bella Cooper

Rebekah Price, from Mount Zion Missions Barbados Foursquare Church, is discovering that same freedom. A Worship Arts and Media student, Rebekah dreams of becoming a worship pastor who helps young people understand that worship is more than music—it is a sacred response to God.

Growing up as a pastor’s kid brought expectations and responsibilities. At LPU, she has found space to grow in confidence, deepen her theological understanding, and express her passion for worship. Her guiding conviction captures the courage of this generation: “Your Yes Keeps People Alive.”

A Place to Be Strengthened, Equipped, and Sent

For some students, the greatest transformation begins when they discover that they do not always have to be the ones pouring into others.

Makenna Pfeifer, from New Life Church in Frederick, Maryland, grew up serving people through her family’s ministry. Yet she recognized that years of giving could sometimes leave her spiritually depleted.

At LPU, she has experienced something different: a community where professors, staff, and fellow students invest in her. “Being able to receive has allowed me to feel more ready and equipped to do what God has called me to,” Makenna shares.

Joshua Lambie, from Christ Family Foursquare Church in La Salle, Illinois, describes his journey of saying yes to God as one that has not always been easy. “I’ve grown in my reliance on the Lord, my identity as a child of God, and in my knowledge of biblical truths!” he shares.

Jael Brattrud, from Riverside Christian Assembly, is already applying what she learns in Biblical Studies and Human Development Psychology to her ministry at home. Her experience has strengthened her spiritual sensitivity and renewed her appreciation for the sacrifices her parents made in following Christ.

“My time here at LPU has transformed the way I minister and serve weekly back at my church,” Jael shares.

For Noah Danganan, from New Hope Community Church in Honolulu, Hawaii, transformation is happening through everyday campus life—friendships, late-night conversations, prayer, worship, and academic discipline. “Everyone I’ve met at the school has been so in love with Jesus and really walking in step with the Holy Spirit,” Noah shares.

And for Benjamin Accetturo, from Oak Harbor, Washington, the impact has been immediate. As a Biblical Theology and Ministry major, Benjamin dreams of becoming a pastor whose life reflects Jesus wherever God sends him.

“For the short time I’ve been at LPU, my life has changed so much,” Benjamin shares. He also embraces the academic challenge, recognizing that growth requires stretching beyond what is familiar.

“The spiritual environment on campus is so refreshing and life-giving.” – Benjamin Accetturo

These students are discovering that LPU is more than a place to earn a degree. It is a community where they are challenged academically, strengthened spiritually, and encouraged to become who God has called them to be.

Different Dreams. One Extraordinary Purpose.

Not every pastor’s kid is called to become a pastor. And that is part of what makes their stories so compelling.

David Ruarte, from Casa de Su Presencia in Long Beach, California, is studying Biblical Studies while dreaming of a future that combines service in the Church with work in the sciences. “I’ve enjoyed classes that teach me so much about God and His Word, all while being surrounded by peers that love to learn and professors that put much care into what they do,” David shares.

Eliza Rich, from The Bridge Messianic Congregation in Idaho, is pursuing Worship Arts and Media with a bold dream of publishing a Messianic women’s magazine. “This has been a solid, safe place for me to dig deeper into my faith and learn why I believe what I believe,” Eliza shares.

Caeden Turbedsky, from Harvest Concord in North Carolina, is growing as a worship leader while learning important lessons about perseverance, identity, and ministry. His discovery is profound: “Worship is not my identity but my calling.”

And Madison Fuller, also studying Worship Arts and Media, finds tremendous joy in the spiritual community surrounding her. “What an honor it is to be here where God called me and see the call He has put in others’ lives come to fruition real time!” she shares.

These students are preparing to serve as missionaries, pastors, worship leaders, educators, entrepreneurs, scientists, ministry leaders, and professionals.

Their dreams may look different, but their shared desire is unmistakable: to love God, serve others, and make their lives count for His Kingdom.

Honoring the Legacy. Investing in the Future.

As President of Life Pacific University, I am deeply proud of these remarkable students.

I am equally grateful for the pastors, missionaries, and ministry families who have faithfully served their churches and communities, often making tremendous personal sacrifices along the way. Their faithfulness has helped shape the next generation.

We celebrate where they have come from. But even more, we celebrate who they are becoming. – Dr. Angie Richey

And now, we have the extraordinary privilege of witnessing and investing in what God is doing in their children’s lives. We celebrate where they have come from. But even more, we celebrate who they are becoming.