Life Pacific University is pleased to announce that Dr. A.J. Swoboda will join LPU Seminary as Scholar in Residence, bringing his deep theological scholarship, pastoral leadership, and long-standing commitment to Spirit-empowered ministry to the university community.
A respected pastor, theologian, author, and educator, Dr. Swoboda holds a Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham and has served Life Pacific University for many years as an adjunct faculty member. He now steps into a formal role that will help shape the future of theological education at LPU.
In this role, Dr. Swoboda will teach theology in LPU Seminary and help shape core theology courses for LPU’s undergraduate programs.
“We are thrilled to welcome A.J. Swoboda, Ph.D., a Foursquare pastor, respected theologian, and prolific author, into this formal role as part of our core faculty team,” said Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Dr. Swoboda has served LPU faithfully for many years as an adjunct faculty member while making significant contributions to the Church and the academy. We honor his work as a theologian, educator, and senior pastor of Faith Center in Eugene, Oregon. I consider him one of the leading theological voices in the Foursquare movement, and the Scholar in Residence role is a natural fit. He will contribute to the present and future of our institution through teaching and other strategic academic assignments. Life Pacific University is writing a compelling story, and we are grateful to shape that future alongside gifted academic practitioners like Dr. Swoboda.”
“LPU has proven to be a generative, Spirit-led, inspiring space for Kingdom ministers and leaders to find their calling, sharpen their skills, and build life-changing relationships,” said Dr. Swoboda. “I’m honored to teach Pentecostal theology to Pentecostals who love God with their lives and their minds.”
President Angie Richey affirmed, “Dr. A.J. Swoboda reflects what LPU deeply values: thoughtful scholarship, Spirit-filled practice, and love for the local church. He is relatable, humble, and engaging, with a voice that resonates across traditions and helps form faithful followers of Jesus.”
Dr. Swoboda’s role is effective July 1, 2026.
A.J. Swoboda
About Dr. A.J. Swoboda
Rev. Dr. A.J. Swoboda holds a Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham and serves as the lead pastor of Faith Center in Eugene, Oregon. He is also Associate Professor of Bible and Theology at Bushnell University and lead mentor of the Doctor of Ministry program in Christian Formation and Soul Care at Friends University. He is the author of several books, including The Gift of Thorns Zondervan, After Doubt Brazos, and the award-winning Subversive Sabbath Brazos. He hosts the Slow Theology podcast with Dr. Nijay Gupta and writes the widely read Low-Level Theologian Substack. A.J. lives and works on an urban farm with his wife and son in Eugene, Oregon.
To learn more about Dr. A.J. Swoboda, visit: https://ajswoboda.com/
