One University. Many Movements. One Mission.
Life Pacific University is expanding accredited, Spirit-filled Spanish-language pathways for pastors, church planters, ministry leaders, and emerging scholars across the United States and around the world.
With nearly 300 Spanish-language students and a growing network of church, ministry, and denominational partnerships, LPU is helping leaders pursue theological education from certificate-level ministry training to associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies.
Explore Spanish-Language Programs
“This is a defining season for Hispanic theological education,” said Dr. Angie Richey, President of Life Pacific University. “More accredited pathways are being created for Spirit-filled Hispanic leaders to grow from certificate preparation to doctoral studies while remaining rooted in their language, context, and calling.”
Since launching its first Spanish-language M.A. in Leadership in 2018, LPU has continued to expand its commitment to Hispanic theological education. Today, that vision includes the Doctor of Ministry in Spanish, undergraduate and graduate pathways, and the historic consolidation of EFM College into Life Pacific University.
“What began as a step of faith has now grown into a broader academic pathway from certificate-level preparation to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies,” said Dr. Daniel Ruarte, Provost of Life Pacific University and founding chair of the M.A. in Leadership Spanish.
The momentum is already visible. This year, Life Pacific University celebrated M.A. in Leadership Spanish graduates in May and EFM College graduates in June, representing more than 10 countries and four Pentecostal denominations.
A Growing Movement of Spanish-Language Theological Education
Founded in 2019 by Pastors Dr. Daniel and Yadira Ruarte, EFM College grew to serve more than 200 students studying in local church contexts across the United States and around the globe. Through an official memorandum of understanding and legal consolidation, EFM College became part of Life Pacific University, strengthening LPU’s ability to serve Spanish-speaking students and partner with local churches, schools of ministry, and denominational networks.
This growing work also connects with partners such as the Hispanic District of Foursquare Churches, Asociación para la Educación Teológica Hispana (AETH), the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), Lilly Endowment , denominations, and many ministry schools such as Angelus Bible Institute.
Discover the Doctor of Ministry in Spanish
The growth of LPU’s Hispanic initiatives is also deeply connected to the leadership of Dr. Hugo Aldana Jr., Global Dean and Director of Hispanic Initiatives, and Professor Meredith Aldana, whose work continues to strengthen partnerships across denominations, churches, regions, and nations.
“As Global Dean and Director of Hispanic Initiatives at Life Pacific University, I am deeply excited about what God can accomplish when mission and theological education work together,” said Dr. Hugo Aldana Jr. “The Hispanic Church holds in its hands an invaluable treasure and, at the same time, a profound responsibility.”
Education Designed for the Church
LPU’s model is built around a central conviction: theological education should strengthen the local church and serve the mission of God.
“If we understand that we are not a church with a mission, but rather a Church called to participate in the Missio Dei, we can raise up a new generation of leaders equipped to disciple, serve, and transform their churches, workplaces, and the world,” said Dr. Aldana.
Founded within the Foursquare tradition, Life Pacific University has long served students and leaders from many Spirit-filled movements. Today, that calling continues through partnerships with leaders and students from the Church of God, Church of God of Prophecy, Assemblies of God, Foursquare, and other Pentecostal and non-denominational communities.
Partners across these movements say the impact is already being seen in local churches and ministry contexts.
“As Executive Director of the Ministerial Training and Theological Education Programs of INTECA–SETEMIN–ITS of the Church of God of Prophecy in California, we are deeply honored by this collaborative partnership with Life Pacific University,” said Dr. Maribel Zacapa. “This alliance represents a significant step forward in preparing missional leaders with both academic rigor and pastoral relevance.”
Rev. Oliver Lora, Senior Pastor of La Red Church in Detroit and a member of Maxwell Leadership, said the partnership with LPU represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen leadership development.
“I have witnessed firsthand the university’s commitment to academic excellence, character formation, and the preparation of men and women to serve effectively in both the Church and society,” said Rev. Lora.
Dr. Hugo Donis, Director of Education for the Church of God Territory in California and Arizona, has already seen the fruit of these pathways among ministerial students in his region.
“Our denomination in this region has been greatly blessed through this ministerial partnership,” said Dr. Donis. “We already have our first graduates completing their bachelor’s degrees, and next year we will celebrate the first graduates of Life Pacific University’s master’s degree program.”
One University. Many Movements. One Mission.
For LPU, this growth reflects more than academic expansion. It represents a movement of leaders being equipped to serve the Church with biblical depth, Spirit-filled formation, and practical ministry preparation.
“This response from leaders reflects the heart of LPU’s mission,” said Dr. Richey. “Life Pacific University is one university serving many Spirit-filled movements with one shared mission: to develop leaders prepared to serve God in the Church, the workplace, and the world.”
The future of Hispanic theological education at Life Pacific University is both academically significant and spiritually urgent. Through accredited pathways, local church partnerships, and interdenominational collaboration, LPU is helping prepare Spanish-speaking leaders for faithful and effective ministry across generations.
“This is the future: Hispanic theological education designed for the Church and delivered in partnership with the Church,” said Dr. Ruarte. “It is education rooted in Scripture, formed by the Spirit, strengthened through accreditation, and mobilized for Kingdom impact.”
One University. Many Movements. One Mission.
By the Numbers
- Nearly 300 Spanish-language students
- Students and graduates representing more than 12 countries
- Four Pentecostal denominations represented in the EFM graduating class
- Pathways from certificates to doctoral studies
- Goal: 1,000 Spanish-language students in the coming years
Academic Pathways
- Certificate-level ministry training
- Associate degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctor of Ministry in Spanish
Partner Network
- Local churches
- Schools of ministry, including Angelus Bible Institute
- Hispanic District of Foursquare Churches
- AETH
- NHCLC
- Church of God
- Church of God of Prophecy
- Assemblies of God
- Foursquare Churches and More
