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Faculty Spotlight: Benjamin Espinoza, PhD (Vice President of Northeastern Seminary & Assistant Professor of Practical Theology)
“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in studying the Bible! I remember when mi abuela (“grandmother” in Spanish) first read the Bible to me when I was a kid and I’ve been hooked ever since.”
Dr. Benjamin Espinoza has served the Roberts community since 2020. Over the years, he’s served in many roles – and most recently, helping launch the University’s Associate Degree in Biblical Studies.
What brought you to Roberts?
The Lord made it happen!
My wife, Dr. Hannah Espinoza, grew up in North Chili, where the campus is located. When the opportunity came to serve as Associate Vice President for Adult and Online Education in January 2020, I knew I had to apply so that we could be closer to family.
Since then, I’ve had many roles, but I now serve as the Vice President of Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University. The Lord (and my wife’s family) brought me to Roberts, but the amazing community keeps me here.
When did you start becoming interested in studying the Bible?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in studying the Bible! I remember when mi abuela (“grandmother” in Spanish) first read the Bible to me when I was a kid and I’ve been hooked ever since.
What is your vision for the Associate Degree in Biblical Studies?
The program is designed to give students a robust understanding of biblical truth that will serve as a foundation for further study in a student’s chosen vocation.
The vision that we have for the A.A. in Biblical Studies is that students from all backgrounds can not only learn more about the Bible, but they will be prepared to enter into one of our many bachelor’s degree programs and prepare for a lifetime of fruitful work.
There is a deep need for folks in the workforce who know how to integrate biblical principles into their occupations, and I am confident that the program will serve this purpose.
My prayer is that students will walk away with a strong understanding of how Bible and culture intersect, and how they can faithfully serve the church and the world the vocation to which God has called them.
Interested in learning more about the program? Click here!
If you could make everyone understand one thing about studying the Bible, what would it be and why?
The Bible is so much more complex than we sometimes imagine.
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Philippians 1:9-11 says, “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
I love the inherent connection between love, learning, and growth in Christ in these verses!
What is an interest you have outside of teaching?
One interest I have is learning more about, and practicing, the art of self-care.
Our society is so preoccupied with busyness and productivity, yet as Christians, we know that we are worth more than what we produce. I believe that Christians must prioritize self-care if we are to care for others.
So outside of teaching and work, I really do try to prioritize spending time with my family and friends, mindfulness, rest, and “wasting time with God.” I have dreams of writing a book about self-care one of these days!