William Jessup University recently hosted over 350 Northern California regional pastors during the university’s annual pastors lunch typically held during pastor appreciation month in October.  Keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Samuel Rodriguez.

This event speaks to our mission as a university,” said Jessup’s President, Dr. John Jackson. “In partnership with the Church, the purpose of William Jessup University is to prepare Christians for leadership and service in church and society, through Christian higher education, spiritual formation, and directed experiences.”

 Dr. Rodriguez is a friend and partner with the growing university.  He is the current President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (The Hispanic Evangelical Association), America’s largest Hispanic Christian Organization with 30,621 member churches. Rodriguez leads an organization identified as the Hispanic faith leaders in support of life, family, Great Commission, stewardship, education, justice and youth.

“Dr. Rodriguez delivered a stirring, enthusiastic, and brilliantly crafted message of hope to the pastors in attendance,” said President Emeritus, Dr. Bryce Jessup.  “He spoke directly into their lives by evaluating our confused and often contradictory value systems in our culture and pointed them to the source of truth and transformation in the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.”

Pastors in attendance gave Rodriguez’s message a standing ovation when he concluded.

New to the format of the event this year, the university offered a complimentary morning seminar entitled, “Behind the Scenes” to pastors. Presented by faculty members Dennis Nichols, Dr. Ken Logan and Dr. Jeff Stone the event provided fast-paced lectures and breakout discussion opportunities among peers.

Topics focused on the grief and loss process and how it impacts pastors; dealing with emotions in ministry and setting boundaries with self, staff and parishioners.