Life Pacific University: A Legacy of Faith-Centered Education

In a landscape where many colleges face enrollment challenges and declining public confidence, Life Pacific University (LPU) distinguishes itself as an institution fostering growth, clarity, and profound personal transformation. Established in 1923, LPU has evolved into a fully accredited Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate programs. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith-based education in the 21st century.

A Holistic Approach to Student Formation

One of the defining benefits of LPU is its holistic approach to student formation. The university is deeply committed to developing the whole person spiritually, academically, mentally, emotionally, and even physically. Faculty members view their roles as a calling rather than a job, investing in students not only as learners but as individuals with God-given purpose. Small class sizes, accessible faculty, and intentional mentoring create an environment where students are personally known while being challenged academically.

A Community of Belonging

A sense of belonging is another hallmark of the LPU experience. Students consistently express that they feel genuinely known, seen, and valued from the moment they arrive on campus. In a world where loneliness and isolation are at an all-time high, especially among college-aged students, LPU offers something rare: a close-knit, Christ-centered community that fosters connection and support. Professors, staff, and peers walk alongside students in meaningful ways, creating relationships that often become lifelong anchors. This strong relational culture directly supports students’ mental and emotional health, an area of increasing importance in higher education. National trends continue to highlight the positive role faith-based environments can play in student well-being, and LPU reflects that reality in daily campus life. By nurturing community, offering accessible support services, and surrounding students with mentors who care deeply about their growth, LPU reduces the isolation that often fuels anxiety and discouragement.

Discovering and Pursuing Your Calling

Equally important, Life Pacific University helps students discover and confidently pursue their calling. More than ever, young adults want clarity about who they are and why they are here. LPU’s academic and spiritual environment emphasizes critical thinking, discernment, and values formation rooted in biblical truth. Students graduate not just with a credential, but with a strengthened sense of moral clarity, purpose, and direction.

Historical Roots and Enduring Mission

Life Pacific University (LPU) is a private Christian university endorsed by the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel and located in San Dimas, California. LPU serves as the denomination's flagship institution for higher education. The roots of Life Pacific University are undeniably intertwined with the founding of Angelus Temple and the beginnings of The Foursquare Church. In 1921, famed evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson traveled cross-country to southern California by automobile and established a large, vibrant and fast-growing evangelistic center in Los Angeles. Mrs. McPherson and the congregation's leaders soon realized the need for permanent facilities, and consequently Angelus Temple, The Foursquare Church's first place of assembly, opened in Los Angeles on January 1, 1923. Just five weeks later, about one hundred ministerial students enrolled in classes at the Echo Park Evangelistic and Missionary Training Institute. The institution's enrollment quickly grew, with plans laid to construct a new education facility. In 1926 the institute moved to the newly constructed five-story complex next door to Angelus Temple. Following a short period operating as the International Institute of Foursquare Evangelism (IIFE), the institution was renamed L.I.F.E. (Lighthouse of International Foursquare Evangelism) to better represent its overarching objectives.

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Life Pacific University traces its origins back to 1923 when it was established as Echo Park Evangelistic and Missionary Training Institute by Aimee Semple McPherson in Echo Park, Los Angeles, California. The name was changed to LIFE Bible College (LIFE standing for Lighthouse of International Foursquare Evangelism) in 1926 when it moved into a newly constructed five-story complex next door to Angelus Temple.

Life Pacific University's (LPU) historic and continuing mission is the preparation and education of leaders entering ministry, including pastoral, missional, bi-vocational, non-traditional, and marketplace ministry. As a contemporary and progressive Bible college, LPU supports the education and development of men and women in the Body of Christ in the church and marketplace.

Expansion and Growth

Establishing "Carry On!" as its slogan and yearbook name, the college positioned itself to better serve the now-stabilizing Foursquare congregations of the 1930s by expanding to a three-year diploma program. In the 1940s, the college added a four-year program, culminating in the development of the Bachelor of Theology and Bachelor of Religious Education degree programs in the 1950s. For several years in the late 40s and early 50s, the college offered a fifth-year Doctor of Theology program. Traveling music and choral groups had been in place almost since the founding of L.I.F.E. In 1950, intercollegiate sports-including basketball and baseball-commenced.

In 1990 the college relocated to its current home in San Dimas, California. In 1957, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, sister college Mount Vernon Bible College was founded, relocating to Christiansburg, Virginia in the 1980s. The name was changed to LIFE Bible College East in 1988. In 2003 LIFE East closed for financial reasons and its records were transferred to Life Pacific.

In the 70s, L.I.F.E. began to consider the need to relocate. After receiving a multi-million-dollar gift earmarked for moving the campus, the college investigated a number of sites in Southern California, finally settling on a property in San Dimas, CA. Construction began in 1989. L.I.F.E. moved to the new San Dimas campus in 1990. This campus remains the current home of the college. Further development of the campus since 1990 includes the addition of three more residence halls and extensive landscaping.

As LPU neared its century mark, the university knew its potential impact was far greater than just the West Coast, and started the process of expanding east. While San Dimas remains vital, LPU is now much more than the California campus. The LPU experience is now available through five branches: the undergraduate program in San Dimas, the Spanish program, Life East, an online program that includes certificates and an online master’s program.

LPU’s “graduation” to a university comes as it not only expands its educational opportunities in the United States, but also extends its reach overseas. Launched as an immersive discipleship program 10 years ago as Ignite, Life Pacific University-Virginia is exploring the addition of four-year degree programs, with around 70 students at the Christiansburg campus. Next up for LPU? They began more than five years ago with a partnership with TCA College in Singapore. Angie adds that Provost Daniel Ruarte, Ed.D., who also serves as vice president of academic affairs, has recently “engaged a partnership with Foursquare’s South Pacific and Southeast Asia Regions led by Global Associate Director Jerry Stott,” Angie says. “We’re not only connecting with their Bible institutes but their churches, as well.

Leadership and Accreditation

The institution has had eleven presidents serve since its founding in 1923. The Roy Hicks, Jr. Founder Aimee Semple McPherson served as the first president. Upon her death, Aimee's son Rolf K. McPherson succeeded to the presidency in 1944, serving as the 2nd president for nearly 30 years, the longest presidential tenure at L.I.F.E., (serving concurrently as president of the church, as did his mother). Several "deans of the college" provided day-to-day leadership through the years, including Dr. William Black as the first dean of L.I.F.E. in its early years. Rev. Harriet Jordan served capably as college dean until 1937, she was succeeded by noted Foursquare pastor Watson B. Teaford. When Teaford assumed the pastorate of Angelus Temple, Dr. Clarence E.

In 1973, the college began the transition to an on-site chief executive officer. Dr. Donald McGregor was appointed as L.I.F.E.'s first and only executive director. In 1976, longtime Foursquare scholar and historian Dr. Nathaniel M. Van Cleave was inaugurated as the college's third president, with Dr. Rolf K. McPherson continuing in office as president of the Board of Trustees. Prominent pastor and author Jack W. Hayford, an alumnus and long-time supporter of the college, served as the fourth president (1977- 1982), during this time L.I.F.E. achieved ABHE (AABC) accreditation (1980). He was succeeded by fifth president Dr. Jack E. Hamilton (1982-1992), who at the time was president of the L.I.F.E. Alumni Association and a Foursquare senior pastor in Santa Maria, California. Under Dr.

In 1992, following Dr. Hamilton, well-known pastor and author Ron Mehl served as sixth president of L.I.F.E. At that time, Dr. Dick Scott assumed the day-to-day operations role of executive vice president, then was inaugurated as LPU's seventh president in 1994. Scott's wide-ranging background and experience as a minister, linguist, missionary and administrator enabled his proficient leadership at the college. His interest and knowledge in computer technology and building improvements, led to the most sweeping changes in the college's history since the construction of the original campus. During his presidency, the college pursued regional accreditation with WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges). With a new location, new dorms, leadership and accreditation, it seemed only fitting to change the name of the college. It was then, that L.I.F.E.

Following Dick Scott's departure in 2003, a presidential search was conducted culminating in the inauguration of Dr. Dan Stewart as eighth president. During Dr. Stewart's able leadership, the college became debt free. In 2008, Dr. Stewart became a full time pastor, leaving a brief vacancy in the president's office at LPU. During the selection process, Dr. Robert Flores began to serve the college in an interim capacity. November 2008 marked the conclusion of that interim status as the board confirmed Dr. Flores as the ninth president of Life Pacific University. Dr. Flores' tenure was marked by renewed emphasis on developing and maintaining relationships with the pastors, churches, and leaders within the Foursquare denomination as well as with other denominations.

Dr. Robert Flores resigned in December 2012 to re-enter pastoral ministry and Dr. Jim J. An alumnus of Life Pacific University (class of '77), Adams earned the Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Southern California. A Foursquare minister since 1977, he served as the youth director for the Western District of Foursquare Churches, and was a familiar presence at Foursquare camps. Furthermore, he is known for his exceptional collaborative leadership and personal qualities serving in his previous role as Executive Director for the Center of Global Learning & Engagement at Azusa Pacific University. He has published numerous articles on topics related to higher education and taught organizational management, research, ministry, and leadership. Following a national search Dr. Adams was elected by the trustees as the tenth President of LPU, and assumed office on July 1, 2013, with inauguration ceremonies on October 18, 2013.

Following Dr. Jim J. Adams departure in 2019, Angie Richey took over as Intermin President while she served as Vice President of Enrollment and Chief Communications Officer. A presidential search was conducted resulting in Angie Richey as eleventh president of Life Pacific University.

LPU is a WSCUC and ABHE accredited university located in San Dimas, California. LPU is ranked amongst the top 10 regional colleges in the west for social mobility! The institution underwent several name changes and organizational developments, eventually adopting the name Life Pacific University. This change reflected a broader vision that included not only theological education but also a diverse range of academic disciplines.

LPU is accredited by the Association for Biblical Higher Education and the WASC Senior College and University Commission. In 2024, the LPU Seminary was granted associate membership in the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). It is an affiliate member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.

Academic Divisions and Programs

Life Pacific University offers a variety of academic divisions designed to meet diverse student interests and career goals. The School of Arts and Sciences provides foundational and advanced coursework across several disciplines, including humanities and social sciences. In addition, the university includes a School of Ministry, focusing on theological education and leadership development for those pursuing vocations within religious contexts. Another significant faculty is the School of Business and Technology, which addresses the evolving landscape of markets and innovation.

LPU now offers 13 associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in its College of Theology and Ministry, and College of Arts and Sciences. The college seeks to improve the provision of workers/graduates to ministry fields relevant to the 21st century church, through programs in areas of transformational and pastoral ministry, strategic leadership, biblical studies, worship arts & media, human development & psychology, business administration (business as mission), communication, and general studies. Additionally, the college partners with LPU-Ignite in Virginia, offering a discipleship-immersion program culminating in LPU's A.A.

Certificates were added to the LPU offerings about five years ago. They are more about education than accreditation, harkening back to the days of Sister Aimee’s original training program. “Now we can offer affordable, self-paced programs where people can learn at their own pace and grow,” Angie adds. In addition to a variety of certificates, LPU’s team has moved ahead with a number of new initiatives. In September 2023, during its centennial year, the university launched the Center for Pentecostal Studies and Practice and LPU Seminary while also dedicating its new prayer chapel. At the same time the McPherson Preaching Institute opened, LPU East in Christiansburg, Va., launched its first four-year degree programs.

Aimee Semple McPherson's Vision

When Angelus Temple opened on Jan. 1, 1923, education was a priority for founder Aimee Semple McPherson. Just two years later, this evangelistic initiative would become L.I.F.E. Bible College. “She believed that training ought to be on the front edge of wherever the gospel is moving to in the world,” explains the former missionary worker. “That was the strategy from the beginning and has been a key to the growth of Foursquare. That’s why education is so vital to Foursquare.

In 1918, famed evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson landed in Southern California after a cross-country road trip. Angelus Temple, The Foursquare Church’s first place of assembly, opened in Los Angeles in 1923, while 100 ministerial students enrolled at the Echo Park Evangelistic and Missionary Training Institute. That institute moved in 1926 to the complex next door to Angelus Temple, and operated as the International Institute of Foursquare Evangelism, before being renamed L.I.F.E. (Lighthouse of International Foursquare Evangelism).

Location and Campus Life

Life Pacific University is situated in San Dimas, California, at 1100 West Covina Boulevard, within the western part of the city. This location provides students with convenient access to the surrounding region, including nearby transport options.

The Life Pacific athletic teams are called the Warriors. The university is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) since the 2017-18 academic year. Life Pacific competes in six intercollegiate varsity sports.

Core Beliefs and Values

LPU is a non-profit institution, so your gift is tax deductible. Gifts can be designated to a specific project, program, or the area of greatest impact. Options for designation are available. Our office manages every gift carefully using best stewardship practices and secure processes.

We believe in biblical truth and affirm the supremacy of Christ in all areas of life. The Holy Scriptures - We believe that the Bible is God-inspired (2 Tim. The Eternal Godhead - We believe that God is Triune: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (2 Cor. The Fall Of Humankind - We believe that humankind is created in the image of God but, by voluntary disobedience, fell from perfection-thereby imbuing humanity with sinfulness (Rom. THE PLAN OF REDEMPTION - We believe that, while we were sinners, Christ died for us-pardoning all who believe in Him (John 3:16; Rom. Salvation Through Grace - We believe that we receive salvation when we come to God through faith in the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. Salvation is God's gift to us (Eph. Repentance and Acceptance - We believe that, upon sincere repentance and a wholehearted acceptance of Christ, we are justified before God (Rom. The New Birth - We believe that a genuine change takes place in people who accept Christ as Savior; believers allow Christ's life to be lived through them (2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. Daily Christian Living - We believe that it is the will of God for believers to walk in progressive sanctification, growing continuously in the faith (Heb. Water Baptism & The Lord's Supper - We believe that baptism by immersion in water is an outward sign of an inward work (Matt. 28:19; Rom. 6:4). We believe in commemorating the Lord's Supper by the symbolic use of bread and fruit of the vine (1 Cor. The Spirit-Filled Life - We believe that it is the will of God that we daily walk in the power of the Holy Spirit (Eph. The Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit - We believe that the Holy Spirit has gifts to bestow upon Christians (1 Cor. 12:1-11) and that we should show spiritual fruit as evidence of a Spirit-filled life (Gal. Moderation - We believe that people who follow Christ should avoid the extremes of fanaticism and pursue lives of balance and moderation, demonstrating gentleness and patience (Phil. 4:5, KJV; Col. Divine Healing - We believe that divine healing is the power of Christ to heal the sick in answer to prayer offered in faith (Jas. The Second Coming of Christ - We believe that the second coming of Christ is personal and imminent (1 Thess. The Final Judgment - We believe every person will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive eternal life or death (Rev. 20:11-15; Heb. 9:27; 2 Cor. Heaven - We believe that heaven is the glorious eternal home of born-again believers (John 14:1-3; Rev. Hell - We believe that hell is the place of eternal torment for all who reject Christ as Savior (Rev. Evangelism - We believe that the church's primary responsibilities are taking the gospel to the entire world and making disciples (Mark 16:15; Matt. Church Relationship - We believe that followers of Christ have a sacred duty to identify with the visible church of Jesus Christ and should meet regularly with fellow believers (Heb. Tithes and Offerings - We believe the method ordained by God for the support and spread of His cause is giving tithes and offerings (Mal. 3:10; 2 Cor. Civil Government - We believe that laws and ordinances come from God's ultimate authority and should be upheld, except when they are in opposition to the revealed will of God (Rom. Marriage - We believe marriage is the permanent, exclusive, legally-binding, covenantal relationship between one man and one woman, established by God for the welfare and happiness of humankind, to mirror his love for us in Christ, to refine our character, to allow for joyful participation with God in the creative process through procreation, to secure the stability necessary for the nurture of children produced by the marital union, and to reflect the unity of the triune God (Gen. 2:24; Matt. Gender - We believe God created humans asabiologically-sexed (male and female) pair, in biological sex at birth as a core distinction between males and females, and an individual's sex at birth as the determiningfactor for gender identity (Gen. 1:26-27; Matt. 19:4; Mark. Humankind's Purpose and Vocation - We believe God's purposes for human beings are set forth in the Scriptures and by faith in His Son through the power and grace of the Spirit, and that this calling must be freely chosen and lived out. We believe denying and living outside of God's purposes leads to self-deception, sin, and idolatry obscuring one's own dignity and disregarding the dignity of others (Rom. The Sanctity and Value of Life - We believe in the sanctity of life and the God-given right of each person to live out his or her full life from conception to natural death (Psalm 139:13-14). We believe all forms of abuse, slander, dehumanization, or oppression toward fellow human beings is an affront against God's sacred image and to God's purposes (Ja. 3:9-10) and enjoins us to respond with love, truth, and grace (Matt. 18:15-20; Gal.

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations

The Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations advances LPU among alumni, friends, churches, organizations, and communities across the nation. Curious about your alumni benefits or want to shop for some LPU gear? Between jobs? Looking for a new job or to make a career shift? Let’s stay in touch! We are here to serve you as God’s plans continue to unfold in your life. Please let us know when you secure a new job or title, get married, have a baby, move to a new home, or retire.

Alumni events are listed on the LPU Events page and on our social media platforms. We would love to visit your church or school! For more information about how to schedule an LPU representative, call the Office of Admissions at (877) 886-5433 ext.

Looking to the Future

Life Pacific University emphasizes a holistic approach to education that integrates spiritual development with academic rigor. The institution is committed to equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve their communities and the wider world effectively. The university envisions cultivating graduates who are well-prepared to contribute positively to society through compassionate service and informed decision-making. It aims to create an environment that encourages intellectual inquiry while nurturing character and a sense of responsibility.

LPU continues to equip and prepare the next generation. “Education has to stay in step with what we call ‘lifelong learning,’” Ted explains. “For me, it’s LPU looking to the growth edge of where the gospel needs to go. They’re meeting with other groups who are looking to expand and saying, ‘How can we help you grow? How can LPU help you to reach your city?

“It’s miraculous,” LPU President Angie Richey, Ph.D., says of the 21 percent increase in enrollment for 2024-2025. The number includes 619 degree-seeking students and 300 more in certificate programs. “Our online campus consists of almost 52 percent of our entire student body population,” Angie states. LPU students attend Convocation Chapel.

LPU’s new season will unfold under new leadership, as Jim will step down at the end of the year. Foursquare President Glenn Burris Jr. welcomes LPU’s new status. “This is about much more than merely a name change,” he affirms. More than 27,000 students have completed some form of study at LPU during its history, although not all earned degrees.

In Angie’s eyes, Christian higher education has never been more important. “This is our moment, for the church to rise up,” Angie asserts. “That’s why I do this work. It’s urgent. Students who come to LPU want a Christ-centered, Spirit-filled education. That’s what’s making a difference. “It trains people in balanced Pentecostalism and emphasizes everybody in leadership- including women,” Ted says. “Overall, the graduates of LPU tend to do very well in ministry. Because of its fruitfulness historically and currently, the world really needs LPU. As we turn to focus on our future generations, we believe having a school that trains in our doctrine and transmits our values is vital.

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