Life Pacific University is honored to announce Pastor Martín Ruarte as the recipient of the 2026 Entrepreneurial Spirit Alumnus of the Year Award. Through innovative thinking, creative leadership, and a collaborative approach to ministry, Martín has faithfully developed new pathways to share the Gospel and engage emerging communities. His work reflects a deep commitment to advancing the Great Commission across ministry, marketplace, and public arenas, embodying the heart of a Spirit-empowered leader who sees opportunity where others see limitation. The award will be presented at the 2026 Alumni and Friends Lunch on May 26, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

LPU President Dr. Angie Richey (’97) shares, “Martín Ruarte embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of an innovator and bridge-builder, passionately raising up and sending leaders together on mission. From serving the local church as an administrator, pastor, and church planter to his role as District Supervisor, he has faithfully invested in developing leaders and connecting cultures. His partnership with LPU through the A2 Cohorts and leadership certificates has been a game changer in raising up the next generation of leaders. Martín moves with vision and momentum, building teams ready for both action and lasting fruitfulness. It is truly an honor to celebrate him.”

LPU Provost Dr. Daniel Ruarte (MASL ’15) comments, “Martín has been a faithful leader within the Foursquare movement in the United States. He has made significant contributions to the Nextgen pipeline, proven by the investment in Empowered Summit young adult conferences and The Empowered Tours, gathering over 2000 young adults across the nation each year. As an LPU master’s alumnus, his capstone research was key in his formation as a newly elected district supervisor for the National Hispanic District. Out of his capstone, he published a book titled ‘Shared Kingdom Mission,’ which he has used as a framework for cross-collaboration and unity amongst all ethnic groups for shared Kingdom purposes. Congratulations, Martín!”

LPU Trustee Pastor Mario Barahona (MASL ’24), also senior pastor of Angelus Temple Hispanic Foursquare Church, comments, “Transformational leaders possess the following two characteristics: obedience and a deep dedication to the agenda of the Holy Spirit for a community of believers. Pastor Martín is a transformational leader.”

Commitment to Christ, Calling to Ministry

Martín was born in Mendoza, Argentina, and immigrated to the United States in 1999 at the age of 20. Within just three weeks of arriving, he gave his life to Jesus at a Hispanic Foursquare church in Downey, California—an encounter that would redefine the course of his life.

Shortly thereafter, during a midweek service with a visiting Foursquare Missions International (FMI) missionary, Martín was baptized with the Holy Spirit. This pivotal moment was more than just a spiritual experience; it was a defining empowerment that ignited a lifelong dedication to serving others and faithfully fulfilling his calling.

Sensing a call to ministry, Martín attended and graduated from a local church Bible institute. Continuing in his pursuit of the pastoral call on his life, Pastor Martín obtained Foursquare ministerial credentials in 2004.

Driven to expand his knowledge and position himself for all God had, Pastor Martín went on to earn a B.S. in Business with a focus in Accounting in 2012. He also holds a CPA license, which he earned in 2015.

University Connections

It was then that Pastor Martín set his sights on the Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership at Life Pacific University. His MASL program experience significantly shaped his leadership and equipped him to continue leading effectively. Additionally, the research he conducted in his final project provided practical frameworks that he later developed into his book, Shared Kingdom Mission. Pastor Martín’s capstone and program culminated in his graduation from LPU in 2020.

Pastor Martín shares with us that the tools he developed as a MASL student are those that he continues to apply in his ministry and leadership today. Additionally, with a passion to develop and equip other leaders, he has also had the opportunity to facilitate workshops for the MASL residency in Spanish. He also participates in various meetings and events at LPU in his role as Supervisor.

Foursquare Leadership

For over 25 years, Pastor Martín has served in a wide range of leadership roles within Foursquare churches and districts. A willing servant of Jesus, he has held multiple roles across the years, including administrator, youth pastor, worship leader, church planter, lead pastor, co-pastor, district Hispanic and multiethnic director, and associate supervisor.

From his early years serving in the local church to his current role as District Supervisor for the National Hispanic District of The Foursquare Church, Pastor Martín’s life and ministry have been shaped by a deep desire to help others recognize their value and step into God’s calling. He has intentionally created spaces where individuals can grow, be strengthened in their faith, and develop as leaders.

Empowering and Innovating

As his passion grew across the decades, Pastor Martín recognized that the work extended beyond inspiration; it required developing clear pathways to equip leaders with practical tools for effective ministry.

A2 Conference worship

One of the pathways Pastor Martín has developed is Empowered, a community that reminds young adults that they matter, they belong, they are called, and they are empowered to live out God’s purpose. Empowered includes national and regional Hispanic Young Adults Conferences, and Pastor Martín has served alongside many leaders to build a Spirit-filled community within the National Hispanic District.

Pastor Martín’s passion for Empowered has also branched out into new territory with the creation of A2. Through the National Hispanic District’s partnership with Life Pacific University, pastors, and local churches, Empowered A2 was created as a leadership cohort rooted in Acts 2, designed to support young adults serving in their local churches. A2 uses LPU’s certificate in Biblical Foundation to provide a structured journey of biblical foundations, mentorship, coaching, and leadership development.

Pastor Martín’s strategic leadership in this brave new season sees him partnering with LPU, and with support from Lilly Endowment Inc., the development of the NextGen Minister Certification is underway, featuring a strong curriculum, ongoing training, mentorship, and coaching.

A2 Conference ministry time

What began for Pastor Martín as a vision to gather young adults in the national Empowered Summit Conference expanded to multiple Empowered Regional Tours events, and spaces for the young adults to reconnect at Foursquare Leader Conferences (FLCs), and has grown into a movement cultivating identity, confidence, and leadership mobilization in the next generation.

Family Life

Pastor Martín also remains committed to the care of his beautiful family, which currently resides in Denver, Colorado. He and his lovely wife, Angela, have been married for over 23 years. They have three beautiful children: Martín Andrés (21), Natalia (18), and Cristian (17).

Passionate Pursuit

Pastor Martín’s prayer is to see leaders who are not only ready to serve today but are also equipped to disciple others and multiply healthy ministries for the future.

In collaboration with many faithful leaders, Pastor Martín remains committed to stewarding what God has entrusted by building sustainable leadership pathways that strengthen leaders for generations to come. He is passionate about building bridges between cultures and empowering leaders to live out their God-given calling.

Life Pacific University is honored to celebrate Pastor Martín Ruarte as the 2026 Entrepreneurial Spirit Alumnus of the Year, recognizing his innovative and Spirit-led leadership in developing leaders and expanding the reach of the Gospel across cultures and communities. Please join us in honoring Pastor Martín at the 2026 Alumni and Friends Lunch on May 26, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas.

🔗 For more information or to RSVP, visit: lifepacific.edu/events/2026-lpu-alumni-and-friends-lunch/