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. As one of the most anticipated events of the academic year, residency goes far beyond academics. It is a sacred rhythm in the life of every LPU graduate student, where head knowledge and heart transformation meet.
A Unique Learning Environment
The residency experience is designed for graduate students who serve in full-time ministry, work and leadership roles around the world. While much of their coursework is completed online throughout the year, residency offers a powerful in-person component that deepens learning and connection.
Throughout the week, students engage in dynamic lectures, collaborative workshops, research presentations, and theological reflection. Faculty members lead not only with academic excellence, but with pastoral care, equipping students with the tools to lead effectively in a complex world. As Dr. Gretchen Abney, Director of the M.A. in Strategic Leadership, shared, “Residency becomes a catalytic moment for students, sharpening their vision and strengthening their resolve to lead with wisdom, courage, and a Christ-centered purpose.”
Community, Connection, and Calling
What sets LPU’s residency apart is the powerful sense of community it fosters. Many students meet their professors and peers face-to-face for the first time during this week. Through prayer circles, late-night discussions, worship, and shared meals, meaningful relationships are formed, relationships that become a foundation for spiritual and professional support far beyond graduation.
Dr. Ken Bringas, Director of Life Pacific Seminary, described this year’s residency as filled with “awe and wonder” as students vulnerably shared their stories and bonded as colleagues. “This is not just Christian grad school,” he said. “It is Spirit-filled seminary education and formation for a lifetime of ministry.”
First-year MATS student Ed Valdez echoed this sentiment: “I am looking forward to becoming more confident in biblical studies and to take what I learn back to my home church.”
A Spirit-Empowered Formation
True to LPU’s identity as a Spirit-empowered institution, each day of residency begins with devotion and worship. Students participate in practices that integrate faith and learning, experiencing prophetic ministry, silent retreats, and spiritual disciplines that root their leadership in the presence of God.
In the words of first-year MLSP student Diego Bermudez, “I hope God uses me as a tool to bless my congregation, community, and to speak to the entire world.”
Whether students are pursuing the Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership (MASL) in English or Spanish, Master of Arts in Theology (MATS), Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC), or preparing for the new Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program launching in 2026, the heart remains the same: to send out biblically grounded, spiritually vibrant, and missionally focused leaders.
MAC Residency: Soul-Care and Skill Development
The 2025 MAC Residency Week was a powerful example of LPU’s commitment to holistic formation. We welcomed 28 counseling students from both first- and second-year cohorts for a week of academic rigor and personal renewal.
First-year students began with Dr. Richey’s immersive course on Spiritual Disciplines in Counseling, while second-year students tackled live counseling roleplays in Dr. Gilmore’s Advanced Counseling course. One student reflected, “This residency gave me a powerful foundation, not only in counseling skills, but in integrating spiritual disciplines into practice.”
A highlight of the week was a field day at Mater Dolorosa, where students walked through nature and practiced silence, solitude, Lectio Divina, and Soaking Prayer. One student shared, “Experiencing silence and solitude together deepened my commitment to mindfulness and self-care as a future therapist.”
Leadership Highlights and Milestones
This year’s residency was also a time of celebration and growth across our graduate programs. Dr. Jeffrey Tolle, Dean of the School of Theology and Ministry, noted, “We welcomed Dr. Gretchen Abney as the new MASL director and celebrated record enrollment in our School of Theology and Ministry. But most importantly, we experienced God’s presence in our gatherings and classrooms in powerful ways.”
Carissa Hawksworth, Dean of Arts and Sciences, emphasized the value of relationship-building during Master of Arts in Counseling Residency: “Students, staff, and faculty gathered for dinners that encouraged deep connection and built a strong network of support for years to come.”
Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Daniel Ruarte, summed it up best:
“I want to thank the deans, directors, guest faculty, and the entire staff team that helped us have one of the best graduate residencies so far. From live worship to classroom excellence, the effort to make our students feel at home does not go unnoticed. We pray and wish the best to our over 100 new graduate students. Welcome to LPU!”
Looking Ahead
Residency is not just a degree requirement, it is a transformational moment that marks the graduate journey at LPU. It is where vision is clarified, leadership is refined, and spiritual callings are renewed.
As we look ahead to the Spring 2026 cohort, we do so with hope and expectation. God is raising up a new generation of leaders, and through events like Residency, Life Pacific University continues to be a launching pad for Spirit-empowered impact in churches, communities, and across the world.
📽️ Watch the Residency Recap here.
