Life Pacific University will host the GAFTE SoCal Gathering on July 22, 2026, bringing together ministry education leaders for a day of training, connection, and conversation around the future of Foursquare theological education.
GAFTE, the Global Association of Foursquare Theological Education, is a global initiative created to strengthen and support theological training across the Foursquare movement. Its work centers on promoting high-quality, biblically grounded theological education in the Foursquare Pentecostal tradition while supporting educators, institutions, and students around the world.
The SoCal Gathering is designed for leaders of Schools of Ministry, Bible Institutes, and Educational Sites, as well as pastors and ministry leaders who are interested in starting, developing, or certifying a ministry training program.
Register for the GAFTE SoCal Gathering
Throughout the gathering, participants will learn how to start or certify an institute, connect with other leaders, and explore best practices and next steps for strengthening ministry education in their local context. Attendance at the gathering fulfills the 2026 training requirement for certification.
GAFTE’s mission is built around community, certification, and collaboration. Through regional gatherings, networking opportunities, professional development, and certification pathways, GAFTE helps create stronger connections between churches, educators, and ministry training institutions. The goal is to equip leaders with resources, relationships, and clear pathways that support discipleship, leadership development, and Spirit-filled theological education.
Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost of Life Pacific University and Chair of GAFTE’s Steering Committee, described the initiative as an important step forward for Foursquare theological education.
“GAFTE is a needed arm of Foursquare Global that will elevate the potential for discipleship, leadership development, and educational transformation,” Ruarte said.
For LPU, hosting the GAFTE SoCal Gathering reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to theological education, ministry training, and global partnership. As a Foursquare institution with a long history of preparing leaders for ministry, Life Pacific University is grateful to serve as a gathering place for educators and church leaders who are helping shape the next generation of pastors, ministers, and Kingdom leaders.
The formation of GAFTE was announced as a global Foursquare initiative to strengthen theological education and encourage collaboration among educators and institutions across the movement. Learn more through Foursquare’s GAFTE announcement and LPU’s article, Announcing the Launch of GAFTE: A Global Foursquare Initiative to Elevate Theological Education.
The GAFTE SoCal Gathering will take place at Life Pacific University in San Dimas, California, beginning at 9:00 a.m. on July 22, 2026.
Leaders of Schools of Ministry, Bible Institutes, and Educational Sites are invited to attend. Those interested in starting or certifying an institute are also encouraged to participate.
