Rev. Dr. Benjamin D. Espinoza is a pastor, scholar, and executive leader committed to strengthening Christian institutions and advancing innovative, mission-driven work in higher education and the church. With a career spanning pastoral leadership, academic administration, nonprofit publishing, and board governance, he brings a rare blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, theological depth, and relational leadership. His work consistently centers on renewing communities, cultivating leaders, and building sustainable systems that serve the Church’s mission in an ever-changing world.
Dr. Espinoza currently serves as Lead Pastor of Riverstone Church in western New York, where he was called to guide the congregation through a season of crisis and transition. Under his leadership, Riverstone has experienced renewed unity, a 40% increase in worship attendance, and the launch of a comprehensive 2030 strategic plan that revitalized discipleship, community engagement, and stewardship. His ability to rebrand and reposition the church, rebuild trust, develop emerging leaders, and move a multi-site ministry toward long-term health reflects his proven capacity to lead complex organizations with clarity, courage, and compassion.
In addition to his pastoral ministry, Dr. Espinoza serves as Publisher of Aldersgate Press, providing executive leadership for the publishing arm of the Wesleyan Holiness Connection, an international network representing more than 10 million constituents. Under his direction, the Press has emerged from dormancy, secured new financial stability, published its most successful title to date, and built strategic partnerships across denominations and institutions. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for the Aldersgate School of Ministry, guiding its rapid expansion, international partnerships, and development of formative, accessible theological education for the global Church.
Previously, Dr. Espinoza held senior leadership roles at Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary, including serving as Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the Seminary. There, he oversaw academic affairs, enrollment, operations, strategic planning, accreditation, donor relations, program development, and the successful advancement of the largest grant in university history ($1.2M). His leadership helped modernize the seminary’s academic portfolio, strengthen financial sustainability, grow enrollment diversity, and position the institution for a historic merger with the university. His record demonstrates consistent excellence in managing budgets, leading teams, securing external funding, navigating accreditation, and fostering mission-aligned innovation.
A respected practical theologian and educator, Dr. Espinoza has taught at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Fuller Theological Seminary, and other Christian colleges. His research and publications span Christian formation, theological education, leadership, mission, and the experiences of Hispanic faculty and students. He is a Senior Fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians and serves on multiple boards, including Houghton University and Teaching Like Jesus Ministries. His work reflects a commitment to the formation of wise, Christ-centered leaders who serve both church and society.
With a Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University, Dr. Espinoza combines rigorous scholarship with deep pastoral experience, administrative skill, and a heart for institutional renewal. Whether leading churches, shaping theological education, building new initiatives, or fostering collaborative partnerships, he is dedicated to cultivating communities where mission thrives, people flourish, and the hope of the gospel is tangibly lived out.
benespinoza.com 