If you have been a pastor in Los Angeles, chances are you have been invited to several pastor gatherings. Some break down along denominational lines, others by geography, still others by a network of pre-existing relationships. While these gatherings are usually encouraging in their own ways, many run into similar difficulties:
1. The Size and Diversity of Los Angeles
Los Angeles County is incredibly diverse: Pasadena is not Culver City is not Bellflower. A pastor in South LA will face unique challenges that a pastor in Malibu likely will not, and vice versa. These two pastors can encourage one another, but they will have little to offer in the way of practical advice. Our congested highways make it difficult to maintain a relationship outside of the gathering itself, further minimizing the support each pastor can provide.
2. Too Narrow or Too Broad
When we gather as pastors, we are gathering around something. In other words, what brings us together in the first place? For some our common job means we should meet together, regardless of theological conviction. This gives us maximum exposure to other pastors but carries with it the problems of such a broad ecumenism. Other gatherings rally around something narrow: a specific area of theological agreement or a denomination. But this can exclude like-minded pastors in that same area based on issues of second or third importance.
TGCLA aims to be a regular gathering of pastors with a clear purpose, that loves and respects the size and diversity of Los Angeles, and that gathers around the gospel in a way that is neither too narrow nor too broad. Our goal is to be a group of pastors for whom you are excited to make time because it is clearly a blessing to your church, your own soul, and this city God loves.
Who We Are & What We Do
When we gather as pastors, we rally around the gospel. It is our purpose and joy to grasp the height, depth, and breadth of God's love as demonstrated in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. The gathering of local pastors provides a unique context for the gospel to bear fruit and grow among us and in our city.
Regular region-wide gatherings for the purpose of ground-level equipping.
Twice a year TGCLA pastors gather to hear from a guest speaker on a topic relevant to pastoral ministry. Topics range from general (e.g. the Sufficiency of Scripture in Pastoral Ministry) to specific (e.g. Counseling, Eating Disorders, and Body Image in Los Angeles), but all are meant to bear directly on the weekly life of the pastor.
Informal local relationships and gatherings.
The region-wide gatherings provide the opportunity to meet or reconnect with pastors who live and minister near you. Ideally, these relationships will grow into informal means of mutual support, prayer, fellowship, and counsel. Some small groups of local pastors may choose to meet regularly, others might opt instead to maintain a relationship in different ways. In any case, TGCLA exists to encourage relationships amongst pastors who minister alongside one another in particular neighborhoods. We believe this is best done through warm, well-maintained friendships.
