After 41 years of faithful service among Hawaii Pacific Baptists, Sean Lathrop has retired, effective Feb. 1. While serving in the islands, Lathrop’s resumé has included serving as pastor, teacher, director and catalyst.
Lathrop’s most recent assignment involved serving Hawaii church planters as a North American Mission Board church planting catalyst. From 2016–2024, his duties included equipping and encouraging church planters throughout the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention.
“Lathrop served well as an encourager,” the HPBC noted in its news release. “He had a way of encouraging those who were struggling in ministry.”
Years of service
From 1983–1987, Lathrop served as pastor of Waimea Baptist Church on the island of Kauai. This was his first ministry assignment after graduating from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (now Gateway Seminary) in 1978. Later, in 1987, he moved to Oahu to work with students at Hawaii Baptist Academy as a Bible teacher for five years.
Prior to his recent duties, from 1993–2015, Lathrop took on the role of Baptist Collegiate Ministries director, where he served and discipled college students. For 22 years, Lathrop found great joy in working with college students. “It was fulfilling to have a small part in the lives of our future leaders,” Lathrop said.
After reflecting on his 41 years of service, Lathrop noted, “I am very fortunate to have served the churches of HPBC. I am blessed and inspired to have served such a committed people.” He added, “In all of my ministries, it was always about the gospel, telling people about Jesus and making disciples.”
Lathrop is married to Teresa, who has served as a licensed marriage and family therapist since 1986. Together, they have three grown children and one grandchild.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention.
