Emanuel Padilla

Credentials: BA, Moody Bible Institute / MA, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School / Ph.D., Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (Present)

Denomination: Evangelical Free Church of America

Specific Field: Ethics and Social Theory

Biography: 

Emanuel (Ricky) Padilla, shaped by the diaspora of Puerto Ricans in Central Florida, felt called to theological education amid a dearth of equipped leaders in his community. Discovering accredited undergraduate programs, he pursued Biblical studies before advancing to a master’s in systematic theology. His doctoral research explores Puerto Rico-US dynamics through the lens of Orlando E. Costas’s “cycles of conversion” and Black Caribbean theories of identity and “disalienation.” Committed to non-traditional education, Padilla serves migrant church leaders, addressing intergenerational, racial, linguistic, and cultural conflicts. He aims to help congregations navigate identity struggles, embracing a diasporic identity that fosters belonging without erasure. Padilla also serves as president of World Outspoken, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering in-between communities through education and training.