Life Pacific University is expanding its national network of ministry partners through two newly signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that strengthen the bridge between local churches and Christian higher education. In two separate celebrations recenty, LPU welcomed Sterling Foursquare Church in Sterling, Colorado, and Ridgeside City Church in Yucaipa, California, into formal partnership as micro campuses.

Both signings affirmed a shared commitment: raising up the next generation of Christ-centered leaders through innovative, church-based education.

A Celebration at Preview: Sterling Foursquare Joins the LPU Family

The first signing took place during LPU’s recent Preview event, where prospective students and families packed the campus to experience the heartbeat of the university. In the middle of that energy, Lead Pastor Ben Hackbarth of Sterling Foursquare Church joined President Angie Richey on stage to officially establish the partnership.

The moment reflected the growing connection between LPU and Sterling’s vibrant church community in Colorado. Pastor Hackbarth shared his vision for equipping students with both spiritual depth and practical ministry skills, explaining that his church has been seeking ways to help members align with their kingdom calling.

“We’ve gone all in on trying to help people be aligned with their assignment to the kingdom, finding any and every avenue to help shape them, encourage them, help them grow and develop them,” Pastor Hackbarth said. “We’ve got so many people who have got to this area in their walk where there’s something next, and they believe that there’s a formal step. And rather than us having to manufacture something, create something from scratch, we’re like LPU is already killing it in this space. How could we partner with you?”

President Richey emphasized the significance of the moment, saying, “This signing is not a contract. It’s a covenant and we are honored to be part of this with you.”

Strengthening Local Ties: Ridgeside City Church Signs at All Staff

A few weeks later, LPU staff gathered for their regular All Staff Meeting, unaware they were about to witness the university’s next partnership milestone. Pastor Zach Hafner, Lead Pastor of Ridgeside City Church, stepped forward to sign an MOU with President Richey, marking a new chapter in a relationship already rich with connection.

Pastor Hafner serves as chair of LPU’s B.A. in Ministry and Leadership (Online) program, investing directly in students across the country. His dual role as pastor and academic leader makes this partnership especially significant, bridging classroom learning with real-world ministry.

Ridgeside City Church, planted in Yucaipa in the eastern part of the Inland Empire, is just over a year into gathering on Sundays and has grown to 80 to 100 members. Many of them are in their twenties with unfinished degrees and a desire to pursue ministry training.

“A bunch of [young adults] have actually not finished degrees, and so they were all very interested in the fact that I teach here,” Pastor Hafner explained. “A lot of them don’t want to leave this church community that we’ve built, and so it just made sense. It just made so much sense for us to be able to train and equip students for ministry while doing ministry in our local church.”

During the signing, Pastor Hafner spoke about the shared vision between Ridgeside and LPU: forming healthy leaders who are spiritually grounded, academically prepared, and ready to serve their communities. President Richey expressed gratitude for Ridgeside’s ongoing support and emphasized the mutual benefit of the partnership.

“We absolutely need each other, and the churches are growing, and we need more leaders equipped to be disciple makers,” President Richey said. “So we are so honored to have our alumni here and to support you and your church. And this is the dream come true.”

A Growing Network of Ministry Partners

These two new MOUs reflect LPU’s broader effort to build strong, meaningful partnerships with churches who believe in preparing future leaders for kingdom impact. Through the micro campus model, students gain access to real ministry environments, mentorship, internships, and hands on opportunities that enrich their academic journey, all while remaining rooted in their local church communities.

LPU is honored to welcome Sterling Foursquare Church and Ridgeside City Church into our growing family of partners. Together, we are creating pathways for students to discover their calling, deepen their faith, and step confidently into leadership.

For more information on our micro campuses, click here.