San Dimas, CA — Life Pacific University (LPU) is honored to share news of a significant development in global theological education: the formation of the Global Association of Foursquare Theological Education (GAFTE). GAFTE is a ministry of the Foursquare Global Council, established under the oversight of the Training and Education Committee, and designed to strengthen and support theological training across the Foursquare movement worldwide.
While initiated through shared vision and prayerful discernment by educators and leaders across the movement, GAFTE is the result of broad collaboration. The GAFTE Steering Committee consists of representatives from Life Pacific University (USA), Asia Life University (South Korea), LIFE Theological Seminary (Nigeria), and Pacific Life Bible College (Canada), reflecting the truly global nature of this effort.
“As Global Education Coordinator, I have had a passion for several years to see our Foursquare family’s ‘formal education’ take a step forward,” shared Gary Matsdorf. “God had already been speaking similar vision to others—especially some leaders at LPU—and now that passion is developing through the launch of GAFTE. I believe this will help shape the future of theological education across our movement.”
The mission of GAFTE is clear:
- Promote high-quality, biblically grounded theological education in the Foursquare Pentecostal tradition
- Support and resource Foursquare educators, institutions, and students worldwide
- Foster collaboration, leadership development, and global community
- Advance certification pathways for Schools of Ministry and accredited institutions
A Threefold Emphasis: Community, Certification, Collaboration
Community: GAFTE will cultivate a global network of Foursquare educators and institutions through regular regional gatherings, networking opportunities, and partnerships with academic bodies such as WAPTE, SPS, CCCU, ABHE, ATS, and FSF.
Certification: GAFTE will serve as a certifying body for Schools of Ministry, Bible Institutes, and accredited institutions. With over 50 certified Foursquare schools worldwide, GAFTE will ensure quality and recognition at all educational levels.
Collaboration: GAFTE will facilitate the exchange of resources, professional development for faculty and administrators, transferability of coursework, and the establishment of multi-institutional partnerships.
“I am honored to work with leaders such as Gary Matsdorf, Angie Richey, Ted Vail, and Hugo Aldana—visionaries who understand the times and discern the opportunities God is giving us,” said Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Chair of GAFTE’s Steering Committee and Provost of Life Pacific University. “GAFTE is a needed arm of Foursquare Global that will elevate the potential for discipleship, leadership development, and educational transformation.”
“It has been globally accepted that education is a human right—and even more so when it comes to the theological education of our pastors and leaders,” said Rev. Dr. Hugo Melvin Aldana Jr., Global Dean at LPU. “GAFTE unites the church and educational centers to work together for the Kingdom of God.”
Looking Ahead
The formation of GAFTE has received preliminary affirmation from the Global Council’s Executive Committee, and final conversations are underway with the Training and Education Committee and other GC members. All details in this announcement remain open to final review and refinement to honor the collaborative governance of Foursquare Global.
