Outcomes Conference Highlight: Rev. Dr. Benjamin Espinoza

Meet Rev. Dr. Benjamin Espinoza, Pastor of Riverstone Church

Christian Leadership Alliance introduces Rev. Dr. Benjamin Espinoza to the Alliance Community. He will be taking the main stage for the Outcomes Conference Men’s breakfast! We are excited to be part of the launch of his newest book, Good News About Self-Care: How Nurturing Your Soul, Your Self, and Your Sanity Honors God.

In this book, Rev. Dr. Espinoza takes us beyond the surface-level indulgences that dominate today’s self-care culture. Instead, he presents self-care as a deeply Christian practice rooted in our relationships with God, others, and society. This book reframes self-care as an act of faithfulness and stewardship. It shows us that true self-care is much deeper than just pampering ourselves. It’s about loving and caring for ourselves in ways that fuel our mission to love God and neighbor wholeheartedly. The book releases on April 7, 2026.  

A Leader With Diverse Experiences

Rev Dr. Espinoza earned his Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. He combines rigorous scholarship with deep pastoral experience, administrative skill, and a heart for institutional renewal. Rev. Dr. Espinoza is known for leading churches, shaping theological education, building new initiatives, and fostering collaborative partnerships. His leadership cultivates communities where mission thrives, people flourish, and the hope of the gospel is tangibly lived out.

He is a pastor, scholar, and executive leader! Committed to strengthening Christian institutions and advancing innovative mission-driven work in higher education and the church, he embraces every challenge. His career spans pastoral leadership, academic administration, nonprofit publishing, and board governance. Rev. Dr. Espinoza brings a rare blend of strategic vision, operational expertise, theological depth, and relational leadership. He is passionate about renewing communities, cultivating leaders, and building sustainable systems that serve the church’s mission in an ever-changing world.

The Pastor

Rev. Dr. Espinoza currently serves as Lead Pastor of Riverstone Church in western New York. In this assignment, he guided the congregation through a season of crisis and transition. Under his leadership, Riverstone has experienced renewed unity and a 40% increase in worship attendance. The launch of a comprehensive 2030 strategic plan that revitalized discipleship, community engagement, and stewardship. He demonstrated his capacity to lead complex organizations with clarity, courage, and compassion.

The Publisher

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Rev. Dr. Espinoza serves as Publisher of Aldersgate Press. In this executive leadership role, he serves the Wesleyan Holiness Connection’s publishing arm. Under his direction, the Press has emerged from dormancy, secured new financial stability, and published its most successful title to date. He 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.

The Academic

Rev. Dr. Espinoza held senior leadership roles at Roberts Wesleyan University and Northeastern Seminary. Those roles include serving as the Seminary’s Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. There, he oversaw academic affairs, enrollment, operations, strategic planning, accreditation, donor relations, and program development. While in his tenure, he secured the largest grant in university history ($1.2M). His leadership helped modernize the seminary’s academic portfolio. In the end, financial sustainability, increased enrollment diversity, and positioning the institution for a historic merger with the university are the goals. His record demonstrates consistent excellence in managing budgets, leading teams, securing external funding, navigating accreditation, and fostering mission-aligned innovation.

The Theologian

Rev. Dr. Espinosa is a respected practical theologian and educator. He 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. His work reflects a commitment to the formation of wise, Christ-centered leaders who serve both church and society.

Yes, we are extremely excited to have Rev. Dr. Benjamin Espinoza take the Outcomes Conference stage in 2026!

A personal invitation to join us for the Outcomes Conference 2026!