Date: June 21, 2011
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Luis Fernando Ortiz is the new director of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He is replacing J. Michael Harris.
  
Ortiz says his goal is to equip, encourage and empower Andrews University students to pursue their academic and ministerial goals while experiencing a deeper relationship with Jesus. “We have almost 400 students in the MDiv program representing virtually every division of the world church. What a solemn opportunity and responsibility to impact the world for Christ as we train pastors and missionaries to finish His work,” says Ortiz.
 
Ortiz himself is a graduate of the MDiv program. Following completion of his Bachelor of Theology from Central American Adventist University in 1989, Ortiz studied for a period of time at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary in Sao Paulo, Brazil, before coming to Andrews University. In 1995, he completed his Master of Divinity at Andrews and in 1997, his Doctor of Ministry.
  
“The Seminary community is delighted to welcome Pastor Fernando Ortiz as the new director for the Master of Divinity program. He brings vast experience as a district pastor to this crucial function in the Seminary and his experience will also serve him well as he mentors and guides students who are preparing themselves for various aspects of ministry,” says Denis Fortin, dean of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary.
 
During his 21 years of ministry, Ortiz has worked in a variety of pastoral roles in Honduras and Brazil in addition to the many years spent in Berrien Springs, Mich. From 1995–2000, he served first as the youth pastor and then as senior pastor at the Berrien Springs Spanish Church. In 2000, he relocated to serve as youth pastor and later interim senior pastor at the Battle Creek Tabernacle in Battle Creek, Mich. Since 2004, Ortiz has served as a district pastor for Bloomington and Bedford, Ind. 
 

Luis Fernando Ortiz is the new director of the Master of Divinity (MDiv) program at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. (Photo by IMC photographer Darren Heslop)

Ortiz has a wealth of experience in creating and growing new initiatives in a ministry setting. His work as a youth and young adult pastor led to the creation of several new programs. Most recently, Ortiz developed a church-led campus ministries program at Indiana University and established a senior youth ministry. His work as a youth and young adult pastor led to the creation of several new programs, including "Sabado Joven" (Youth Sabbath) a young adult ministry initiative geared to attract and retain youth in the local church. Later, Ortiz authored a published book by the same title.
 
Ortiz and his wife, Daniela, have a son, Daniel, and are expecting their second child this summer. They enjoy organizing mission trips to different parts of the world, combining their love for travel, languages, preaching and serving God.

-Written by Keri Suarez, media relations specialist, Office of Integrated Marketing & Communication