EMI president

Rev. La Torre is the Founder of the Educational Ministerial Institute. Rev. La Torre understood the need in his church and the area he served, that most institutes in this area were in Spanish and were not offering an English institute of excellence, quality, and affordability. 

EMI was birthed in the heart of Rev. La Torre with a passion to develop a proper curriculum that would benefit laity, church leaders, develop ministers. EMI was launched  in 2017 .  Rev. La Torre is truly passionate to see people transform by the power of Christ through biblical truth.

Rev. La Torre is the Lead Pastor of Living Water Church in Woodland Park, NJ since 2008. His leadership alongside his wife Rev. Dinora La Torre created a culture and a church of multi cultural nations. 

Rev. La Torre is the official Sworn Chaplain of the Woodland Park Police Department. Rev. La Torre serve the 35 men and women department since 2012.  His passion to help Law Enforcement is evident in the testimonies his officer share with others.  

• BA in Theology 
• New York Theological Seminary, Masters Pastoral Care
• Certificate in Bible and Theology (Church of God - Hispanic Bible Institute)
• ITHIRST Spiritual Companionship Certificate, Seton Hall University   
• Certificate The NJ Police Chaplain Program - NJ State Police
• Certificate Police Resiliency Officer - State of NJ Attorney General DOJ
• The International Conference of Police Chaplains, Member

In 2016 Rev. La Torre was awarded the highest honor that can be bestowed to a civilian. He was awarded the NJ STATE PBA Silver card. The State PBA Silver card is awarded to those who have demonstrated support to the Police Department. A Silver card holder is a highly coveted membership.  A silver card holder is treated with the upmost respect withing the Law Enforcement community.

Rev. La Torre is married to his high school sweet heart for over 25 years, Rev. Dinora La Torre, and together they have three wonderful girls; Alyssa, Janessa, and Emeli. 

Elder Andy Suren is the Teaching Pastor at Living Water Church. Elder Andy plays a vital role in spiritual formation and discipleship by overseeing both FlowTrack and LWGroups. 

This role ensures that biblical teaching and relational connection remain central to the growth and maturity of every believer.  Elder Andy has a true passion to lead people from first-time connection to spiritual maturity through biblical teaching, relational discipleship, and purposeful engagement, all rooted in the power and presence of Jesus Christ. 

Church Board Elder from 2023 to Present.

Since 2024 overseeing both FlowTrack and LWGroups at LWC.

• Certificate in Bible and Theology (Church of God - Hispanic Bible Institute)

Elder Andy was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is happily married to his wife Darlene and they are blessed with 6 Children. 

Dr. Micheal Spencer is the founder and CEO of His Tabernacle Family Church in Horseheads New York, which was established in 1998. The church was launched with five people, and today has an attendance of 1100 in a community of 6500 people. 

Area of Ministry:
Under Construction

• Master of Theology degree,
• Doctorate of Christian Leadership
• Doctorate in Theology with Destiny College International. 

Dr. Spencer is married to Lucie Spencer who serves alongside of him in various parts of the ministries. 

We are proudly to announce that Dr. Héctor De Ycaza has joined as a  member of the Board of Regents here at EMI. 

Dr. De Ycaza is the Dean of Church of God Hispanic Educational Ministries for USA and Canada. 

Area of Ministry:
Adjunct professor at the Central American Biblical Pentecostal Seminary (SEBIPCA) in Guatemala from September 2021 until the present. A member of the Board of Ministerial Credentials for the Church of God New England Hispanic Region. The lead pastor of the Church of God in Worcester, New England Hispanic Region. 

• Pentecostal Bible College in Saint Just, Puerto Rico - B.A.
• Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX - M.Th.
• Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY - M.Div.
• Pentecostal Theological Seminary, Cleveland, TN - D.Min. 

Dr. De Ycaza was born in Panama. He is happily married to his wife Raquel and they are blessed with two children Héctor I. and Naomi.