Rev. Dr. Benjamin Espinoza is passionate about developing the next generation of leaders for the church and society. His passion extends to many areas of leadership, ministry, and scholarship. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York. As VP of the Seminary, Ben is responsible for providing leadership for academic affairs, marketing, enrollment, and external relations for the Seminary.

Previously, Ben served as Associate VP of Adult and Online Education, Executive Director of Seminary Administration, and Special Advisor to the President for Diversity and Belonging at Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary in Rochester, New York. In these roles, he expanded access to Christian higher education for racially and ethnically minoritized students, successfully obtained numerous grants, increased student retention, and developed several new online programs. Ben also served as the Associate Director of Curricular Planning for the Spanish Ministry Education & Formation department of The Wesleyan Church. He is active in the Association for Hispanic Theological Education and serves on the board of Teaching Like Jesus Ministries. He previously served on board of directors for the Association of Youth Ministry Educators  and the Children’s Spirituality Summit

An ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church, Ben has several years of ministry experience. He served as a youth pastor, community life pastor, and lead pastor at a vibrant, missional church in Bowling Green, Ohio. Most recently, Ben was the college pastor at Faith Church in Lansing, Michigan, where he worked with students from Michigan State University and Lansing Community College. He is a member of the St. Peter Fellowship of the Center for Pastor Theologians.

In addition to several leadership roles and years of ministry experience, Ben publishes regularly in the areas of Christian education and youth ministry, theological education, theology and popular culture, with an eye toward strengthening the church’s witness and impact on the lives of individuals and communities. He teaches courses in ministry, leadership, and research methods.