LPUVA Staff Feature: Ryan Lytton

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University, Virginia

July 21

Life Pacific University Virginia offers godly, high-quality faculty who are committed to empowering and educating LPU undergraduate students at our Christiansburg, Virginia campus. Assistant Professor and Director of Academic Services, Ryan Lytton, M.A., is a proud alum after he started his education at LIFE East Bible College and continued at Life Pacific University where he graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies. He completed a Master of Arts in Christian Thought from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he focused on how the Bible was interpreted in the Patristic Period (100-800 AD). He’s currently pursuing a Ph.D. through Ridley College, continuing his study of Patristic Exegesis by looking at the reception of Proverbs 8:22-31 up to 381 CE.

Professor Lytton has been married to Samantha (also a Life Pacific graduate, class of ‘08) since 2008. Their first child, Marshall, was born in 2014, and their second, Amelia, was born in 2016.

Recently, Professor Ryan Lytton had the opportunity to lead a workshop at the 2023 Foursquare Connection in Anaheim, California discussing Women in Ministry Leadership as understood through the lens of Paul. His session “Has Paul Really Said…?” looked into the cultural context behind Paul’s verses regarding women in ministry leadership. You can watch his workshop here.

We appreciate Professor Lytton’s commitment to the students of LPUVA and his contribution to Life Pacific University on our Virginia campus. He is a gift to the LPU community.

Learn more about LPUVA here.

University

Life Pacific University Welcomes Dr. Bill Oliverio as Graduate Scholar Advisor

August 29

Life Pacific University is pleased to announce that Dr. Bill Oliverio has been appointed as Graduate Scholar Advisor, bringing with him a wealth of academic expertise, ministry leadership, and a deep commitment to Pentecostal scholarship.

University, Alumni

Lindsey Barrios (Walz ’14): Grounded in Faith, Thriving in Law

August 20

From the small campus of Life Pacific to the bustling legal field of Hawaii, alumna Lindsey Barrios (Walz ’14) has carried her faith into every season of her journey. A Transformational Ministry graduate who went on to earn her law degree, Lindsey is now a senior associate at Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel LLP. With a thriving career, a growing family, and a steadfast commitment to Christ, she embodies what it means to live out your calling—on purpose, with purpose.

University, California, Virginia, Online

New Online Course: Foursquare Culture & Doctrine – The Ministry Licensing Pathway

August 20

Life Pacific University is excited to offer Foursquare Culture & Doctrine—the Ministry Licensing Course—now available online. This 16-week course equips students academically, spiritually, and practically for ministry leadership while completing all requirements for Foursquare licensing. With professor-led coaching, a supportive cohort community, and exclusive financial benefits, this course provides a clear and guided pathway to becoming a licensed Foursquare minister.

University

Announcing New Chair for Ministry & Leadership

August 14

Life Pacific University is pleased to announce that Pastor Zach Hafner, MABTS, MABL, has been appointed as the new chair of the B.A. in Ministry and Leadership (BAML) online program one of the university’s largest and fastest-growing academic offerings. In addition to his role as chair and assisting professor, Pastor Hafner will serve as the faculty liaison for the Church Partnership Program (Micro-Campuses), working with church-based directors at 17 locations across the country.

University, California

Transformative Moments: Inside Life Pacific University’s Graduate Residency Experience

August 4

Life Pacific University recently welcomed its largest-ever graduate class, over 100 students, to campus for a week of immersive learning, community-building, and spiritual renewal during the annual Graduate Residency.

University, California

Hearts on Mission: Students Serve Across the Globe

July 30

This summer, our students boldly stepped out of their comfort zones and into the calling of Christ, spreading His love across the globe through a variety of impactful missions trips. From local outreaches to international service, each team carried a spirit of compassion, humility, and faith—bringing light to communities in need.

University, Online

Dr. Gretchen Abney Named Director of Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership Program at Life Pacific University

July 17

Life Pacific University is pleased to announce that Dr. Gretchen Abney has been appointed as the new Director of the Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership (MASL) program, effective July 2025. Dr. Abney brings nearly three decades of ministry experience, a deep connection to LPU’s mission, and a strong academic foundation that uniquely qualifies her to lead the university’s flagship graduate program.

University

Life Pacific University Expands Access to Higher Education with New Online Dual Enrollment Program for High School Students

July 9

San Dimas, CA – Life Pacific University (LPU), a regionally accredited Christian university, is proud to announce the launch of its Online Dual Enrollment Program, designed to provide high school students with early access to college-level courses and credit. The program is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE).

University, California

LPU Celebrates Successful Launch of McPherson Preaching Institute Mentorship Program

June 24

Life Pacific University’s School of Theology and Ministry is proud to announce the successful completion of the inaugural McPherson Preaching Institute Mentorship Program.

University, California, Virginia, Online

Life Pacific University Celebrates Class of 2025 with Inspiring Commencement Events

June 24

Life Pacific University proudly celebrated its 2025 Commencement, honoring the achievements of almost 150 graduates across undergraduate and graduate programs.