Assistant Professor of Latino/Latina Christian Ministry
Luis.Penaranda@indwes.edu

Ministerial and Professional Background

Luigi Peñaranda is a bilingual professor specialized in Biblical Studies and Leadership Studies. He was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. From an early age he was actively involved in the ministry life of a local congregation, led primarily by missionaries. The commitment and dedication displayed by many of these foreign leaders, who abandoned the confines of the familiar to venture into the unknowns of cross-cultural ministry, left a profound imprint on his life.

While pursuing a career in Sound Engineering, Luigi sensed the call to vocational ministry. He then embarked on his personal cross-cultural quest by coming to the United States to advance his education. Along with his academic endeavors, Luigi has actively engaged in pastoral ministry. He was a part of the core leadership of a church plant in Radford, VA. He also served as assisting minister in one of the largest Hispanic congregations in the nation located in Van Nuys, CA. Subsequently, he was an assisting minister in a congregation in Eagle Rock, CA, a church that is spearheading a vision known as the Los Angeles Church Planting Movement.

Professor Peñaranda joined the Faculty at Wesley Seminary in July of 2014.

Personal Information

Luigi has been married to Courtney since 2005. They have a son and two daughters. They love going on road trips, fine dining (hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza), and playing and listening to music. Luigi also enjoys watching both fútbol and football.

Education

B.A. in Theology
M.A. In Religion
Ph.D. In Organizational Leadership (ABD)

Research

The Effects of Perceived Influence Tactics on Psychological Attachment Within Church Organizations (2013).
Implicit Leadership Theories in Convergent Cultures: A Comparative Study of Perception of Leadership Among Hispanics in the U.S. and Non-Hispanic Americans (2012).

Presentations

¿Volviendo a Nuestras Raíces? • Azusa Pacific University • Azusa, CA (April, 2013).
The importance of Theological Education among Latinos in the United States • Los Angeles Convention Center • Los Angeles, CA (April, 2009).

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