Life Pacific University is celebrating a significant academic milestone with the recent publication of an article in Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies by Dr. Daniel Ruarte and Dr. Hugo Aldana. Their paper, titled Novus Futurum: Latin American Pentecostals and Formal Theological Education – A Broad View of Past, Present, and Future, offers a comprehensive look into the state of Pentecostal theological education in Latin America and proposes a visionary path forward for the movement.
Dr. Ruarte, LPU’s Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, expressed the deep personal and scholarly significance of the project, highlighting the critical value of the research. He emphasized, “This article represents so much for me and the Pentecostal movement. The research and development were of so much value, as we were able to identify gaps and provide recommendations for the future or, as the title indicates, for a Novus Futurum, a ‘new future.'”
The article explores the evolution of Pentecostal theological education, starting with a historical overview of early Pentecostal efforts to train leaders and pastors. It then shifts to the present, examining the challenges faced by Latin American Pentecostals in formal theological education, such as issues related to educational quality, resource limitations, and access to training.
Dr. Hugo Aldana shares, “I am grateful for Dr. Ruarte’s invitation to be co-author of this article. It has been very special for me, because coming from Guatemala and knowing many Latin American countries, I have experienced first-hand the reality of the Pentecostal movement. Thank God we are now in a position to contribute significantly to the development and success of the movement. I am also very happy to be part of the LPU family from where we can contribute in the best way.
One of the most powerful aspects of the research is its forward-looking perspective. The authors suggest several pathways for the future of Pentecostal theological education, focusing on three main areas:
- Genuine Support in a Globalized World: Recognizing the interconnectedness of the modern world, the paper advocates for global support networks that can elevate the quality of Pentecostal education and address the challenges of an increasingly globalized ministry landscape.
- Contextual Pentecostal Praxis: The authors emphasize the importance of adapting theological education to the cultural and contextual realities of Latin American societies, ensuring that the training provided is both relevant and effective for local Pentecostal ministries.
- Strategic Partnerships: A call for collaboration between theological institutions, churches, and organizations to form alliances that can create more robust and impactful educational opportunities for Pentecostal leaders in the region.
In a statement expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts behind the article, Dr. Ruarte acknowledged Dr. Aldana’s pivotal role in the project. “I want to thank Dr. Hugo Aldana for his incredible contribution and partnership in this project, and Dr. Steven Felix-Jager for his advice and research vision for LPU,” he said.
As the paper notes, a “new future” is emerging from this work, one that aligns with LPU’s global mission to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. The university’s commitment to raising up future Pentecostal leaders remains central to its academic and theological priorities, and this article is seen as a step toward a broader transformation in how theological education can better serve the global Pentecostal movement.
Dr. Ruarte’s vision for the future is rooted in hope and expectation: “Something new is birthing out of this article, and we are so excited about that as we see it come to fruition in the upcoming years.” This publication in Pneuma marks not just an academic achievement, but a prophetic vision for the future of Pentecostal theological education that seeks to impact generations of leaders and believers.
Published on December 18, 2024, the article reflects the ongoing efforts at Life Pacific University to be a beacon of scholarly excellence and a driver of transformation within the global Pentecostal community. Through continued research, collaboration, and innovation, LPU’s academic leadership is committed to equipping Pentecostal leaders for the challenges of the present and the future.
Dr. Ruarte and Dr. Aldana’s work provides a compelling blueprint for how Pentecostal theological education can evolve in Latin America, laying a foundation for the future of a vibrant and growing global church.
