Caribbean Theological College
Ruben Figueroa
Taking theory to the pulpit

As senior pastor of Templo Oásis in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico, Ruben Figueroa relies on his training at Colegio Teológico del Caribe (Caribbean Theological College) in Bayamon to lead his flock. And he’s going at his own pace — three classes a semester — until his degree in theology is completed in May.

“I was called to be a senior pastor so I started studying,” says Figueroa, 39, who also earned a Certificate in Bible from the Spanish Eastern District’s Bible Institute in 1994. “I knew I needed to be more prepared for what was ahead of me.” Figueroa, who was born in Puerto Rico, moved back to his homeland seven years ago after serving as youth pastor at Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer A/G in Bay Shore, N.Y. He began pastoring Templo Oásis five years ago. Figueroa says attending college in Puerto Rico is crucial to his ministry.

“In Puerto Rico, many people go to universities,” Figueroa says of Puerto Rico’s culture. “We need to keep up with the demand of the society we have here.”

Figueroa says the knowledge he has gained as a CTC student and his years as a senior pastor have been valuable.

“I have an advantage over other students because I’ve been able to put into practice what I learn right away,” says Figueroa, noting Templo Oásis has grown from 38 to 132 active members in the last five years. “When my professors teach me methods of teaching or church administration, I put it to work right away and I’ve seen the difference.”

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