Life Pacific University Seminary enters a pivotal phase of its accreditation journey, strengthening its commitment to academic excellence, Spirit-empowered leadership, and global ministry impact.

An Update from Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University

I am pleased to share an important update on the continued growth and advancement of Life Pacific University Seminary as we move toward a significant institutional milestone: accreditation with the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).

Since beginning this journey in 2024, our Seminary has made meaningful progress through a comprehensive three-and-a-half-year process focused on academic excellence, institutional effectiveness, student formation, and sustainable growth. This work represents an important investment in the future of theological education at Life Pacific University, partnership with the church, and our mission to prepare leaders for Spirit-empowered service.

Our Seminary’s mission remains at the heart of this effort:

“Life Pacific Seminary exists to develop leaders through Christ-centered biblical and theological education that integrates academic scholarship, spiritual formation, and ministry practice for a lifetime of Spirit-empowered service in the Church, the workplace and the world.”

Advancing a Strategic Vision for the Future

Alongside our accreditation efforts, we are advancing the Life Pacific Seminary Strategic Plan 2026–2030, organized around three institutional priorities:

• Educational and Administrative Excellence: Strengthening academic quality, faculty development, student learning, institutional effectiveness, and accreditation readiness.
• Seminary Enrollment and Growth: Expanding access to theological education through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and new ministry pathways, with a goal of serving more than 250 students by 2030.
• Local Church and Global Impact: Deepening relationships with churches and ministry organizations, advancing Pentecostal scholarship, and equipping leaders to serve in increasingly diverse ministry contexts.

These priorities reflect the commitment to the local church and honoring LPU’s Pentecostal heritage while building a Seminary with broader national and global influence.

ATS Accreditation: Key Milestones

The timeline includes:

• 2024–2027: Three-and-a-half-year accreditation process
• November 1, 2026: Completion and submission of the ATS self-study
• March 22-25, 2027: Scheduled ATS Site Review Team visit
• July 2027: Anticipated accreditation decision by the ATS Commission on Accrediting

A Shared Commitment to Excellence

I want to express my sincere appreciation to our LPU Seminary Accreditation Committee, Seminary leadership, faculty, staff, trustees, and university community for the dedication, collaboration, and thoughtful work that have brought us to this point.

Accreditation is more than an institutional milestone. It represents our ongoing commitment to educational excellence, responsible stewardship, and preparing graduates who will lead with theological depth, spiritual maturity, and practical ministry effectiveness.

The guiding Scripture for the Seminary’s strategic plan, Isaiah 54:2, calls us to “Lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” This captures the season before us: strengthening our academic and institutional foundation while preparing for expanded influence and impact.

We are grateful for God’s faithfulness and confident in the important work ahead.

The future of Life Pacific University Seminary is bright because of our students; leaders whose faith, calling, and commitment to Spirit-empowered service will transform lives, strengthen the Church, and impact communities around the world for generations to come.

With gratitude,

Dr. Angie Richey, Ph.D.
President, Life Pacific University