Rev. Dr. Benjamin Espinoza

Men’s Luncheon | Thursday Afternoon

Rev. Dr. Benjamin Espinoza is an ordained Wesleyan minister, educator, and executive leader with more than 15 years of administrative and pastoral experience in the church, higher education, and nonprofit sectors. He serves as Lead Pastor of Riverstone Church in Avon, New York, where he provides strategic, organizational, and spiritual leadership to a revitalized and growing two-campus congregation. Under his leadership, Riverstone has experienced sustained growth in attendance, expanded ministry offerings, increased engagement among young families and young professionals, and strengthened its culture of discipleship, hospitality, and community impact.

Before serving at Riverstone, Ben spent several years at Roberts Wesleyan University, rising through the ranks from roles in academic administration to senior executive leadership. He served as Associate Vice President of Adult and Online Education, Executive Director of Seminary Administration, and Special Advisor to the President for Diversity and Belonging before being appointed Vice President of Northeastern Seminary. In these capacities, Ben oversaw adult and online program development, diversity and belonging initiatives, academic innovation, enrollment management, marketing, and seminary external relations. His tenure was defined by strategic vision and measurable results, including gains in student enrollment and retention, increased national visibility, strengthened partnerships, expanded diversity initiatives, and the launch of fully online academic programs. He also secured the largest grant in Seminary history—a $1.23 million Lilly Endowment award to develop bilingual spiritual formation programs for families and congregations across the country.

Ben also serves as Publisher and President of Aldersgate Press, a global publishing initiative equipping pastors, leaders, and churches. He serves on the boards of Houghton University, Aldersgate School of Ministry, the Wesleyan Holiness Connection, and Teaching Like Jesus Ministries, Inc., and is a member of the St. Peter Fellowship of the Center for Pastor Theologians. He holds a Ph.D. in Education and is deeply committed to developing the next generation of Christian leaders with wisdom, creativity, and courage.