Life Pacific University is honored to recognize Rev. Dennisa Bumgardner as the 2025 Kingdom Leadership Alumnus of the Year, an award that celebrates faithful, Kingdom-minded leadership. Throughout her life and ministry, Dennisa has exemplified what it means to serve with humility, dedication, and unwavering trust in God’s calling. Whether pastoring, mentoring, or leading behind the scenes, her impact extends far beyond the churches she serves.
The award will be presented at the 2025 Alumni and Friends Luncheon in Denver, CO, on May 28, 2025, where the LPU community will gather to honor a leader whose life and ministry embody Kingdom Leadership in action.
LPU President Dr. Angie Richey shares: “Dennisa’s journey is a powerful testament to the impact of faith, resilience, and servant leadership. From her transformative time at LPU to her unwavering dedication to pastoring, mentoring, and strengthening the Church, she embodies Kingdom Leadership in action. Her story is a reminder that God calls and equips us in unexpected ways, and through every challenge, His faithfulness remains steadfast. We celebrate her commitment to building and empowering leaders who will shape the future of the Church.”
For those who know Dennisa, this recognition feels like a natural outpouring of her calling. As both a co-lead pastor of Elevate Church Hawaii and Pacific District Administrator for the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, she has spent decades pouring into leaders, pastoring communities, and ensuring the Church thrives—not just in her own congregation but across an entire network of pastors and churches.
Pastor Sean Nakamoto, who has worked closely with her, describes her role in the Pacific District: “Dennisa is not only a co-leader of her church, Elevate Honolulu, in Hawaii but is also the Pacific District Foursquare Administrator. She connects all the dots for our 50+ pastors within our district and communicates everything necessary for us local pastors to know what is going on. She builds Kingdom-minded teams and does a great job in catalyzing our district.”
Her leadership is more than just organizational—it is deeply relational. She has a gift for bringing people together, encouraging them, and ensuring they have the support they need to lead well.
A Calling Shaped by Faith and Service
Dennisa’s journey into ministry didn’t follow a traditional path, but it was one that was undeniably directed by God. Raised in Monte Vista, Colorado, in a home where faith wasn’t central, she never imagined that she would one day be a pastor, mentor, and leader within the Church. But at 17 years old, she had an encounter with Jesus that changed everything.
“I grew up in the small town of Monte Vista, Colorado, with three brothers—think of it as a nonstop action movie, minus the explosions (most of the time). Life threw its fair share of curveballs after my parents’ divorce, but those challenges shaped who I am today. Church wasn’t part of my childhood, but at 17, I made a life-changing decision to follow Jesus—a choice that set me on the path I’m on today.”
Determined to pursue this new life with Jesus, she joined a three-year discipleship program that solidified her calling to serve the Church in whatever way God led. What followed was a beautiful, unexpected adventure in ministry. She met and married her best friend and ministry partner, Zach, in 2003, and together they stepped into ministry—first in Denver, then in Greeley, Colorado, where they helped relaunch a young adult discipleship program and served as interim youth pastors.
In 2007, they planted Mosaic Church in Greeley, where they helped build a thriving faith community. But in 2012, God called them somewhere new—Hawaii. They moved to serve at Metro Christian Church in Honolulu, and just three years later, they planted their own church—Elevate Church Hawaii.
Looking back, Dennisa sees God’s fingerprints over every season of her life and ministry. “Looking back, it’s been a wild, faith-filled adventure. Through every twist and turn, our commitment to serving Jesus and His Church has only grown stronger.”
Today, she continues to pastor alongside Zach at Elevate, while also serving as Pacific District Administrator, ensuring that church leaders across the district have the support and resources they need to thrive.
Faith, Family, and Fun
For all her ministry roles and leadership responsibilities, Dennisa’s greatest joy and priority is her family. She and Zach have two amazing children:
- Abigail (19), a freshman at Rochester Institute of Technology, pursuing Electrical Engineering
- Ezekiel (16), a junior at Hawaii Technology Academy, recently inducted into the National Honor Society
And, of course, their four-year-old Shih Tzu, Tito, who has been their family’s loyal companion and “COVID baby”.
Outside of ministry, Dennisa is a creative at heart. She runs a small vintage furniture business, a passion that combines her love for restoration and hidden treasures.
“I can sniff out a hidden gem like it’s my superpower! Give me a good thrift find, and I’m in my happy place.” She’s also a self-proclaimed sunset chaser. Wherever she is in the world, she always takes a moment to pause and soak in God’s artistry in the sky.
A Journey of Faithful Leadership
Dennisa’s leadership has never been about titles or recognition—it has always been about serving people, building up leaders, and following God’s call with unwavering trust. Through every season of life, she has remained steadfast in her faith, navigating challenges with grace, resilience, and a deep commitment to the Church.
“During my final semester at LPU, my world was shaken by the unexpected loss of my father. In that incredibly difficult time, the professors and my cohort rallied around me with overwhelming support and compassion. Their encouragement and care helped me navigate both my grief and my studies, reinforcing the deep sense of community that LPU fosters.”
Her ability to lead with empathy and strength has been shaped by both life’s trials and God’s faithfulness. Whether pastoring at Elevate Church, guiding Pacific District pastors, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, Dennisa carries a spirit of encouragement and wisdom—one that calls others higher while walking alongside them in the journey.
She is a bridge-builder, a mentor, a pastor, a friend—and through it all, a relentless pursuer of God’s purpose. This award is not just a reflection of where she has been, but a celebration of who she is and the countless lives she continues to impact.
Join Us in Celebration
Life Pacific University invites you to celebrate Rev. Dennisa Bumgardner at the 2025 Alumni and Friends Luncheon on May 28, 2025, in Denver, Colorado.
🔗 For more information or to RSVP, visit:
https://lifepacific.edu/events/lpu-alumni-friends-luncheon/
