New Campus Pastor Called to Revamp, Revive

The phrase “man of many talents” is an understatement for new campus pastor Vince Beresford, who comes to Vanguard with more than pastoral experience on his resume and a much larger vision than one would expect.After growing up in a challenging family situation, Beresford rose above his circumstances and became a very involved student and athlete at Azusa Pacific University. This has helped him understand where the students at VU are, since he was once there himself.

At APU, Beresford received his bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and his master’s in Pastoral Studies; he is currently finishing his dissertation to achieve a doctorate of Ministry in Leadership and Emerging Culture at George Fox University.

After serving three years as as lead pastor of a church in Pasadena, Beresford was recruited by Spring Arbor University in Michigan to create a Youth Ministry degree program. In the time since its creation, it has developed into the second largest program of its kind in the nation.

Beresford was also voted Coach of the Year for women’s volleyball after rebuilding the team during his first year at SAU.

These are only snapshots of the transformation Beresford has lead and been a part of in his career.

“For much of my ministry career, I’ve been the guy that they’ve brought in to either try to raise something from the dead or start something from scratch,” Beresford said.

Beresford is pleased to have Spiritual Formation working alongside Global Initiatives and Community Integration. He feels that the three are strongly related. Beresford connects the department goals to that of Acts 1:8.

“Judea is us on campus. It’s the chapels and the Bible studies. Then Samaria is the community around us, working with intercity and special needs. And finally, you have the global piece where we are sending kids all over the world,” Beresford said.

He has a huge heart for all three branches of the Spiritual Formation Department.

“My greatest vision is for us to be a campus that is just so in love with God that we’ve decentralized ourselves and realized the purpose for our existence,” Beresford said.

The parents to three daughters, Brinley-12, Brooke-9 and Bailey-5, Beresford and wife, Julia, are happy to be home in Southern California after their years in Michigan.

In addition to the help and encouragement that he has received from co-workers and administration, Beresford feels that the students have also made an impact.

“A lot of students have really made an effort to go out of their way to come and encourage me about a service or a sermon, and that’s just meant the world,” he said.

Vanguard welcomes his talents of speaking, coaching, professing, or maybe even spiking a volleyball over the new net in memory of his glory years.