![Daniel_Arroyo](https://www.sum.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Daniel_Arroyo-e1684172895358.jpg)
Daniel Arroyo, M.Div.
M.Div., Western Seminary (2021); B.S. in Religion, Liberty University, Virginia (2018).
Daniel was born in Lodi, California to immigrant parents. His parents immigrated from Mexico and became Christians once they settled in the States. As Christians, they raised Daniel in the church. Before Daniel became a teenager his family left the church. In his late teens, Daniel’s family was going through tumultuous times, but thankfully, Daniel and his family returned to Jesus, who brought restoration. At this time, Daniel began taking his faith seriously. He began serving his local church as a youth leader, Bible study teacher, and small group director. Since he wanted to serve his church best, he began to undergo formal theological training. Daniel attended Liberty University and Western Seminary. While attending grad school, Daniel sought opportunities to teach and serve: He taught as an elementary school teacher and a Spanish teacher and served as a spiritual care volunteer at Kaiser Permanente and social media ambassador for Christianity Today. Furthermore, he currently serves as the teaching pastor for Encounter Church of Lodi, a church plant that he and his team founded. In 2021, he married his wife, Alyda. They have a dog named “Theophilus.”