Robert Lopez

New Mexico, United States

For Robert Lopez, coming to Asbury's Beeson program was like coming home. Robert completed his M.Div. at Asbury, and he always felt a connection to the people and the principles. "It simply felt like home, loving people and a passion for loving God and higher academia," says Robert.

But even after his initial time at Asbury, Robert thought there was room to grow. "I chose to look into the Beeson program because I felt I still had much to learn with respect to ministry. God was still forming me and shaping my ministry, so I decided to do this in a more formal academic setting like the Beeson Pastor program."

One of the best parts about the program for Robert is the family atmosphere. "I am surprised how well and easily me and the other Beeson Pastors and our families have united and supported one another," Robert explains. "The sense of the Kingdom of God and God's people living out care and community has been wonderful."

Robert's dissertation focuses on autism and ministry, a topic that may seem narrow in scope. But through his studies he has learned a global lesson. "There is a very large ministry world out there. My focus has been too narrow and God is asking me to broaden my influence for Him and for His glory."