Warner Pacific University has appointed Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Balzer, D.Min., as Assistant Professor of Pastoral Studies and Program Lead for the University’s new Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies, launching in fall 2026. Rev. Dr. Balzer currently serves as the ordained pastor of River Street Church of God in Newberg, Oregon, part of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) movement, where “Jesus is the subject.”
His call to ministry led him to earn a Bachelor of Arts from New Hope Christian College, followed by advanced degrees from Portland Seminary: a Master of Arts (2008), a Master of Divinity (2009), and a Doctor of Ministry in Semiotics and Future Thought (2012). His scholarship explores the intersection of theology and culture, inviting students to discern the sacred signs of God’s presence in everyday life.
Rev. Dr. Balzer will lead the University’s new Bachelor of Arts in Pastoral Studies, which was developed during the 2025–2026 academic year by an advisory group of Church of God pastors, former pastors, Christian ministry scholars, and university academic leaders in response to the growing need for well-equipped pastors throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Students pursuing the Pastoral Studies major will engage in theological study, spiritual formation, and leadership development through a curriculum intentionally designed for the realities of pastoral ministry. In addition to their academic coursework, students will gain hands-on experience through a variety of church and community ministry settings. Eligible students may also qualify for special scholarships to help support their studies at Warner Pacific University.
The degree is also built on collaborative relationships with Mid-America Christian University (MACU), the Leadership Focus program, and other associations, movements, denominations, and local churches. These partnerships expand opportunities for ministry experiences while supporting students who are pursuing Church of God ministerial credentialing pathways.
Rev. Dr. Balzer will join the Warner Pacific University faculty in the College of Arts & Sciences on July 15, 2026.