Allison Oster
Public Relations Manager
(626) 815-4518
New Center Supports Students Pursuing Full-time Ministry
December 5, 2007
AZUSA, Calif. –
Azusa Pacific University announces the opening of the Kern Center for Vocational Ministry, a new resource center for students interested in pursuing a career in full-time ministry. The center exists to encourage and equip students by providing them with mentors, scholarships, and other programs in preparation for a career in Christian ministry.
The center, housed within APU's School of Theology, is a proactive program dedicated to developing experienced and knowledgeable Christian leaders. Today, many men and women are entering the field of ministry at a later age after pursuing a different career. Because of this, it is predicted that this group of second-career pastors will not be able to replace the number of pastors who will retire over the next 10 to 15 years. The Kern Center for Vocational Ministry is one such strategy that will increase the number of men and women entering the field of full-time ministry.
“Reports have also shown that mainline denominations are experiencing an alarmingly low number of pastors under the age of 35 or pastors that can lead multiple staff churches. These Azusa Pacific University graduates will help meet the forecasted demand for senior pastors in the next 10 to 15 years,” said Steve Quatro, newly named director of the Kern Center.
To celebrate the recent opening of the Kern Center, Francis Chan, senior pastor of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, Calif., led two question-and-answer sessions with students interested in pursuing ministry. The center plans to host similar events to allow other pastors to share about their experience in ministry.
“Our desire is to walk with students as they explore and prepare for a career in vocational ministry,” said Quatro. Quatro’s vast experience is drawn from his involvement in full time sports and recreation ministry since 1993. He is joined by Lisa Thompson and Timothy Peck, D.Min., who will provide mentorship to students in order to help clarify their calling and giftedness. Thompson previously served at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena as the resident team and program coordinator. Peck has served as lead pastor of Life Bible Fellowship Church in Upland for 16 years.
For more information, contact Quatro at (626) 387-5749.
Featured in TIME magazine and ranked as one of the nation’s best by U.S.News & World Report and The Princeton Review, Azusa Pacific is a comprehensive, Christian, evangelical university, committed to God First and known for excellence in higher education. Azusa Pacific’s main campus lies just 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles in the San Gabriel Valley, while its seven Southern California regional centers bring convenience and extend quality programming. The university offers more than 50 areas of undergraduate study, 23 master's degrees, and 7 doctorates to a total student population of more than 8,100.
