Lorica Ministries equips individuals, leaders, and congregations to experience spiritual vitality and intentional living through practical resources and dynamic support in curriculum, coaching, consulting, cohorts, and certification in spiritual coaching and direction.
We envision Lorica’s resources producing observable life-change in individuals, churches, and ministries worldwide. We pray we will become a global resource to awaken and sustain Christian spiritual formation, connecting people with God’s pace, presence, perspective, power, and purpose.
because God is glorified by people fully alive in Christ.
because a renewed mind generates a transformed life.
because Jesus died, rose, and reigns to do more in and through us than we could ever ask or imagine.
because spiritually healthy people can spread gospel power and positive change to every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.
Our Name: Lorica is the Gaelic (Irish) word for “breastplate,” referring to the piece of armor that protects the heart and vital organs.
“The Lorica” is one of the names given to St. Patrick’s Prayer which includes these well-known words:
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
The breastplate references at least two biblical passages.
In Ephesians 6:1-18, the Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to be dressed in the full armor of God, including “the breastplate of righteousness” to protect themselves in the spiritual battle.
Proverbs 4:23 calls God’s people: “Above all else, guard your heart for from it flow the springs of life.”
We choose the name Lorica because our calling is to bring Jesus Christ and the power of the gospel into every aspect of life, for both individuals and faith communities. We equip Jesus’ apprentices to guard their hearts and care for their souls as they bring faith into all of life.
Doug’s greatest joy in ministry is equipping people to experience Christ’s abundant life through spiritual vitality and intentional living. He founded Lorica Ministries in 2022 with the mission of making spirituality practical and assessable for individuals, groups, congregations, and organizations.
A Certified Navigator for the Auxano group in both Church Unique and God Dreams, Doug is also a certified coach and master trainer for Younique: A Gospel-based Life Planning Course, and is currently obtaining his Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the Professional Christian Coaching Institute, accredited by the International Coach Federation.
Doug received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, CA) and earned his Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (S. Hamilton, MA), graduating summa cum laude as valedictorian. He graduated magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Miami University, (Oxford, Ohio).
Ordained as a pastor in 1978, Doug has served in Presbyterian churches since 1983. Most recently he was Lead Pastor of Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Santa Ana, California from November 2006 until his retirement from pastoral ministry in July 2022.
Doug and his wife, Sarah, have been married since 1974. They currently live in southern California, and have four adult children and five grandchildren.
Doug’s blog, “Heart and Mind: A Spiritual Journal” can be found at www.dougrumford.com and his profile can also be seen at LinkedIn.com. (add a link to Doug’s page on LinkedIn)
Additional books written by Doug Rumford can be found in the Resources section of this website.
