Meet Our Founder

Alex R. Jaramillo, M.A.R, M.A.T.S.

Founder | Director | Researcher | Educational Instructor

Hello and thank you for visiting ICRTS! As the founder and director of ICRTS, it is my goal to help guide this institute to become a quality resource for cultural, religious, and theological studies. I also partake in the research and educational resource development conducted by ICRTS. Our goal is to be a hub where scholars, teachers, religious leaders, and other professionals can work together to cultivate healthy dialogue and awareness in our three main disciplines.

My Story

Growing up in a religious household sparked a deep curiosity in me about the metaphysical realities of life—and how those unseen realities shape our everyday experiences. Although I was raised in a Christian home, I didn’t truly consider myself a Christian until a profound conversion experience later in life.

The first major challenge to my Sunday School faith came when I was in 5th and 6th grade. My teachers had collaborated to introduce our class to Classical Greek mythology. For two years, I was captivated by the epic tales of the Titans, Zeus, the pantheon of gods, and the demi-gods—fascinated by how their stories were interwoven with human affairs. As I entered my teen years, my curiosity expanded to include other religious traditions and their mytho-historical foundations.

As a young adult, everything changed through a life-transforming Christian conversion. At first, I struggled to reconcile my passion for studying other religions with my newfound faith. I didn’t yet understand how learning about other traditions could enrich my love for Christ and His Church—but oh, how wrong I was!

Through a series of circumstances, I was introduced to Christian apologetics. This opened the door to thinking more critically about theology, religion as a whole, and how these forces shape and are shaped by culture.

Shortly after my conversion, I enrolled in the School of Ministry Institute (SMI) offered by the church I was attending at the time. I completed the program, earned a Biblical Teaching certificate, and realized I wanted to continue my education even further. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Philosophy from Grand Canyon University, followed by a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Arts in Religion, both from Liberty University. I am currently pursuing both an Executive Certificate (a doctoral-level certificate) and a Ph.D. in History at Liberty University.

After serving nearly 13 years as both a lay and a licensed and ordained minister, I made the difficult decision to resign from formal ministry at the end of 2023. While that decision came with some hesitancy and for several reasons, it ultimately gave me the freedom to pursue other callings—ICRTS being one of them. I am also currently teaching online high school Bible and theology courses for a private non-profit classical Christian school.

I love studying culture, religion, and theology. Just as importantly, I love being a resource for others who share that same passion. My hope is for ICRTS to become a leading center for quality research and education in these vital areas that lie at the heart of human experience.

Credentials

Degrees:

• *Ph.D. History* (Liberty University; *Currently Pursuing*)

• M.A. Religion (Liberty University)

• M.A. Theological Studies (Liberty University)

• B.A. Christian Studies with an Emphasis in Philosophy (Grand Canyon University)

Professional Development Certificates:

• *Executive Certificate in History* (Doctoral Level Certificate; *Currently Pursuing*)

• Teacher Development Training - Impact of the Bible, Museum of the Bible (Herzog Foundation)

• Graduate Certificate in Hebrew (Biblical) (Liberty University)

• Mental Health Coach Certification (American Association of Christian Counselors)

• Bible Teaching Certificate (Zion Assembly Church of God School of Ministry)

• Non-Profit Essentials, Non-Profit Board Member Essentials, Non-Profit Financial Management Essentials, Non-Profit Grant Seeking Essentials, & Non-Profit Fundraising Essentials (NonProfitReady.Org)

Ministerial/Non-Profit Experience

• Ministerial License (2016-2023; Resigned)

• International Assembly Business Committee Member (2021-2022)

• Evangelism and Discipleship Director, College & Careers/Youth Director, Regional Sunday School Superintendent (Southern California), Local Sunday School Superintendent (Riverside, CA), Adult/Teen Sunday School Teacher, Mental Health Ministry Coach, & Financial Committee Member (2016-2023).

• Regional Media Co-Coordinator (2020-2022)

• Youth Director, Youth Camp Committee Member, Youth Camp Counselor, Teen Sunday School Teacher (2011-2016).