Life Pacific University officially celebrated a new partnership with Jesus Church during an MOU signing on September 8.

The signing took place during the Foursquare Pastors Conference and Heritage Tour, where pastors and ministry leaders gathered for teaching, prayer, fellowship, and conversations about the future of ministry and leadership development.

Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University, celebrated the shared vision behind the new partnership.

“This partnership reflects what is possible when the university and local church work together. We are honored to partner with Pastor Artur Simonyan, Jesus Church, and JC College to equip the next generation of Christ-centered, Spirit-filled leaders,” said Richey.

Through LPU’s growing network of Church Partnerships, the partnership with Jesus Church will create new opportunities for students to pursue accredited Life Pacific University education through JC College, the church’s educational ministry, while remaining actively involved in their local church and ministry community.

During the gathering, LPU leaders shared how the partnership reflects the university’s commitment to bringing together academic preparation, spiritual formation, and practical ministry experience.

Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, spoke about the importance of pursuing both academic excellence and a Spirit-filled life.

“You can believe in instruction, but also in the power of the Holy Spirit,” Ruarte shared. “You can see people being trained and developed, and at the same time, you’re seeing people delivered and filled with the Holy Spirit.”

He described that balance as central to the identity of Life Pacific University: Christ-centered, rooted in Scripture, and Spirit-filled.

Sara Huson, Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing, then introduced LPU’s church partnership model and the opportunity it creates for students to receive accredited Christian education without disconnecting from the ministry life of their local church.

“We’re partnering with local churches around the globe to offer accredited Christian education at a local church,” Huson said.

She explained that LPU prepares students for a wide range of callings and areas of influence, including counseling, business, and pastoral ministry.

The LPU Church Partnership model allows students to complete their academic coursework through Life Pacific University while continuing to serve, receive mentorship, develop leadership experience, and participate in hands-on ministry within their local church community.

Huson also invited those gathered to experience LPU firsthand.

“You’re always welcome to come visit our campus and be part of what we’re doing,” she said.

For Jesus Church, the partnership builds upon an existing commitment to biblical education, discipleship, ministry training, and leadership development. The church serves a Slavic and multicultural community in Florida and is led by Pastor Artur Simonyan, whose ministry extends through Artur Simonyan Ministries and a broader network of churches and Christian leaders.

JC College serves as the educational ministry connected to Jesus Church and will serve as the local LPU Micro Site, creating a setting where students can grow academically, spiritually, and practically while remaining closely connected to the local church.

Left to right: Paul Petrovets, MSW, MACS, MACL., D.Litt, Nataliya Ivanovna MBA, MACL and Sara Huson, MAEd, MS

Paul Petrovets, who will serve as JC College Site Director, has worked alongside LPU throughout the development of the partnership and its recruitment and ministry opportunities.

Even before the formal signing, Life Pacific University had established Jesus Church within its admissions system, allowing prospective students to begin requesting information and applying through the new church partnership site. Students interested in studying through the partnership can begin through LPU’s application process and select the church partnership pathway for LPU @ Jesus Church.

The September gathering also gave pastors and ministry leaders an opportunity to learn more about Life Pacific University and how accredited higher education can work alongside the mission of the local church.

The signing concluded in prayer over the new partnership, its leaders, and the students who will be impacted by it. The prayer focused on a growing desire for education among young people, preparing future leaders for places of influence, and churches working together to bring spiritual renewal and meaningful change to communities across the United States.

The moment reflected the larger purpose behind the agreement: creating pathways for students to grow in knowledge, calling, leadership, and faith while remaining connected to the churches and communities where they are already serving.

That vision closely reflects LPU’s mission to develop students into leaders prepared to serve God in the Church, the workplace, and the world.

For Life Pacific University, the new partnership with Jesus Church represents another step toward making accredited, Christ-centered higher education more accessible through the local church and equipping leaders to serve wherever God has called them.

Interested in Becoming an LPU Church Partner?

Life Pacific University partners with churches to create Church Partnerships and Micro Sites that provide access to accredited Christian higher education while keeping students connected to their local church, ministry leaders, and community.

Churches interested in creating an educational pathway for their students and emerging leaders can learn more about LPU Micro Sites and partnership opportunities or explore LPU’s growing network of Church Partners.