My Seminary Journey, My Calling, and My Mission to the Stars

B. H. Carroll Memorial Building, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary's main administrative building

For years, I carried a desire to understand my faith more deeply. That desire eventually led me into a seven‑year seminary journey that challenged me, strengthened me, and reshaped the way I see God, the Church, and my calling.

On December 5th, 2025, I graduated with a Master’s in Theological Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary—a milestone that represents far more than academic achievement. It marks the culmination of a long road out of theological confusion and into clarity, conviction, and purpose.

This blog post is my attempt to share that journey: how I went from the Armstrong Church of God community to a Christian seminary, what I discovered along the way, and why I now encourage others to pursue a Bible‑based education with confidence.

Leaving the Living Church of God

My story begins in 2005, when I became a member of the Living Church of God (LCG), part of the Armstrong Church of God community, and a break-off from Herbert W. Armstrong’s Worldwide Church of God. For ten years, I was immersed in their teachings. My wife, Casey, had been involved for decades, and together we lived within that system.

But by 2010, I began questioning their doctrines, traditions, and theology. I noticed contradictions from the pulpit and their publications, and was challenged by a close friend to examine what I believed and why. That challenge sparked a deeper journey.

The Living Church of God and the Armstrong community often criticize mainstream Christianity, claiming seminaries are “cemeteries” where faith dies and a counterfeit Christianity is being taught. They insist that only they have the truth, while mainstream Christians are deceived. They dismissed accredited seminary education, promoting their own unaccredited “Living University.” I refused to pursue it, recognizing that without accreditation, such a degree held little value.

A Desire for Structured Study

Despite their rhetoric, I was inspired by stories from LCG congregants that were former Ambassador College students. They spoke fondly of their Bible classes and experiences. Even though their theology is false, their enthusiasm planted a seed in me. Having already earned a bachelor’s in Information Technology, I wanted a Bible‑based education too.

For those who aren’t familiar, Ambassador College was a liberal arts college by the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) with campuses in Pasadena, CA, and Big Sandy, TX, which closed but evolved into Ambassador University before ending its mission.

By 2015, I left the Living Church of God. My wife remained until 2019, but she began attending other churches with me, including Sagemont Church in Houston. It was there that we encountered representatives from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. I applied, received a scholarship, and began my studies in August 2018.

Seminary as a Blessing

Seminary was a true blessing from God. I chose the Master of Theological Studies track because it was shorter than the M.Div., and I paced myself with one class per semester. My goal was not necessarily to become a pastor, but to equip myself for Christian apologetics and counter‑cult ministry—helping those caught in groups like the Armstrong Church of God, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, Hebrew Roots movements, and others.

I wanted to investigate claims I had heard: accusations of pagan influence in Christianity, questions about the Trinity, and allegations about Constantine’s role in church history. In a structured environment, I discovered that most of those truth claims made by the LCG and others had no validity.

Refuting the “Cemetery” Myth

The Living Church of God taught that seminaries killed faith, turning students into tools of Satan. That was false. My seminary experience strengthened my faith. Yes, seminary can be challenging—church history reveals troubling episodes, such as Christians persecuting one another over doctrine. Some people wrestle with these realities and even walk away from faith. But for me, seminary deepened my conviction.

Even outside my seminary, I saw how academics sometimes discredit those who challenge popular views. Yet my professors were gracious, encouraging dialogue rather than conformity. Ultimately, and even before I began attending seminary, I learned to look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith, for strength and stability.

A Beautiful Experience

For the first year, I attended classes at the Houston satellite campus before it closed due to financial constraints. I then continued online, which was perfect for my situation not only as a husband and father of three, but also as an HR professional. The Fort Worth campus is beautiful, and I would have loved to study there in person, but the online experience was still wonderful.

Through it all, the Word of God was faithfully taught. I cherished every moment, and I am grateful for the professors who encouraged us to continue learning. While I am content with my Master’s degree, I remain open to wherever God may lead—whether pastoral ministry or continued apologetics.

Looking Ahead

I pray that God will use my education to help others, especially young people transitioning from high school to college. That is often when faith is tested, and without a strong Christian foundation, many are vulnerable to false teachings and negative influences. My hope is to guide and encourage them toward Christ Jesus and sound theology.

Beyond this, I feel called to serve as a bridge between the Church, the Messianic Jewish community, and the Jewish people. To fulfill this calling, I plan to pursue further research and studies in these fields so I can minister effectively in these areas. I also want to learn from seasoned Christian pastors, apologists, and theologians the art of conducting public debates and discussions, equipping myself to promote and defend the faith with clarity and grace.

Because I’ve worked in the healthcare industry for over 25 years, I am also prayerfully considering becoming a certified chaplain. Serving patients, families, and medical staff in moments of crisis and vulnerability is a natural extension of my calling, and chaplaincy would allow me to bring comfort, Scripture, and the hope of Jesus Christ into some of life’s most difficult moments.

My journey has also taken an inspiring new path—pursuing my dream of becoming an astronaut while exploring the intersection of Christian faith, science, and space. This vision has led to Providence One, my faith‑driven mission blending Christian theology with space exploration and STEM to inspire discovery and promote faith‑centered exploration. Guided by Psalm 19:1—“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands”—and my mission slogan, Guided and Driven by God to Inspire, Explore, and Discover, I seek to bridge faith with the wonders of the cosmos.

Through Providence One, I strive to: 

✅ Work toward becoming a citizen astronaut 

✅ Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ while exploring the intersection of the Christian faith & worldview, and space exploration 

✅ Advocate for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research to support my wife and others battling MS 

✅ Promote civilian astronaut programs, space exploration, and STEM education 

✅ Participate in space medicine and bioastronautics research

I am committed to discovery—both spiritual and scientific—driven by faith and a desire to inspire. Whether through ministry, research, or space exploration, I aim to serve, lead, and make an impact.

Lastly, I am also currently competing for a seat aboard the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket through the SERA competition. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my Providence One mission, and I’m inviting others to support this journey as I work toward becoming a citizen astronaut and representing the Christian faith, science, and exploration on a global stage.

To support me and my mission to become an astronaut, download Telegram and tap my referral link below to join my Providence One Team.

·         SERA Space Referral Link | Support Mario Espinosa

Conclusion

Seminary was never the “cemetery” I was warned about—it was a place of life, growth, and renewal. It strengthened my faith, sharpened my understanding, and opened doors I never imagined God would lead me through.

As I continue forward in ministry, apologetics, and my Providence One mission, my hope is that this story encourages others to seek truth boldly, study Scripture deeply, and follow God’s calling wherever it leads.

If my journey can help even one person step into a deeper walk with Christ Jesus—or inspire someone to pursue theological study, explore the intersection of faith and science, or simply ask better questions—then sharing it will have been worth it.