Los Angeles Pastor Explores Value of Community Connections
Carlton Rhoden
July 16, 2016
Carlton Rhoden has challenging responsibilities as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. Longtime residents of the inner city have witnessed an exodus to the suburbs while an increase in crime, gang violence and drugs has made life difficult for those who remained behind. Still, the church takes its mission seriously: “Celebrating 110 years of God’s grace serving the community with the love of Jesus Christ.”
But after years of living in the suburbs, families are beginning to return to the inner city and they’re bringing suburban ideas with them.
“Interesting dialogue is now taking place about the role of the church and my role as a minister in this area,” said Rhoden. “People who have been here for generations are beginning to feel displaced as new residents from the suburbs return to the city. There are a number of faith communities that are dealing with this issue.”
Rhoden believes the church needs to take on the role of communicator/builder and a voice for traditions in the community. He says congregations who did not leave can help new residents understand community issues without supplanting traditions and relationships that are working but might not be initially visible.
“For example, right across the street from our church is Leslie Shaw Park. Shaw was one of the first African American postmasters in the U.S., and the park is dedicated to him,” he said. “We recently rededicated the park, and the city spent more than $1 million renovating it because it had been used as a gathering place for drug dealers and users.”
In recent meetings about uses for the park, Rhoden says, many newer residents wanted to make it a dog park. “I found that interesting because there is very little green space in our community for children to play, and the newer residents wanted to make it a dog park.”
Westminster Presbyterian Church averages 150 members in a community with serious drug and alcohol problems. There are few businesses such as grocery stores within walking distance. While many churches have sought the suburbs, Rhoden and his congregation have chosen to stay put.
“What is my role as a Christian minister? Is it my job to move a church to a ‘safer neighborhood’?” Rhoden asked. “Why not deal with the issues that are here and involve the community on how to have a greater impact? Show the love of Jesus Christ. That’s how I view it.”
Rhoden has taken the approach that the congregation will not simply warm pews on Sunday morning, but get out to meet their neighbors.
“We need to get out of these beautiful buildings and walk our community, learn the needs,” he said. “The community will show us where they need us. We should meet the people where they are and lead them to Christ and discern how we can help meet those needs.”
Rhoden says the community outreach has been tremendous.
“Relationships have blossomed out of this outreach, so much so that I was asked to pray at the dedication of the park,” he said. “Now we’re hosting community meetings and talking about drugs and other issues.”
Rhoden says neighbors have gotten to know church members by first names and stop to talk rather than turn away. He’s seeing more people attend church, especially children, and people are interested in the ministries the church offers.
“Westminster is an older congregation. They have life, vision and direction. It’s their responsibility to reach out beyond the walls of the church and be messengers for Jesus Christ, not to preach, but be the gospel,” Rhoden said. “It’s energized them in a way that has surprised them and me. It’s given us a vision for our future.”
Rick Jones, Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff:
Rev. Linda Culbertson, General Presbyter
Rev. Heidi Worthen Gamble, Mission Catalyst
Rev. Steve Smith, Interim Stated Clerk
Kathy Porter, Office Administrator/Resource Consultant
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Andrew Kang Bartlett, PMA
Dwayne Batcho, PMA
Let us pray
Almighty God, we seek to glorify you in our worship. Open our hearts and minds to your Holy Spirit’s leading, so that we might dream dreams and see visions as we strive to serve all in our community and bring a foretaste of your kingdom to our neighbors. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 104; 149
First Reading Joshua 6:1-14
Second Reading Romans 13:1-7
Gospel Reading Matthew 26:26-35
Evening Psalms 138; 98
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