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Cohort Participants

COMMUNITAS cohort participants are pastors from the greater Los Angeles area who have approximately five to fifteen years experience in full-time, congregational ministry. They have developed a strong theological foundation for their ministry, whether through pursuing an M.Div. degree or continuing education, or through such avenues as an apprenticeship or close mentoring relationships.

 

Meet the Participants

 

  2024
Ebassa Berhanu
Ebassa Berhanu has served as Lead Pastor of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Torrance, CA for the past year. Prior to that, he served at Faith Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO. His education includes a Business Administration degree from University of Wisconsin-Superior, a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Denver Seminary. Hailing from Ethiopia, Ebassa’s interests include basketball, running, reading and making breakfast for wife, Hana, and their four children.
Austin Chapman
Austin Chapman is Associate Pastor of Glendale Church of Christ, where he has pastored for 3 years. He holds a BA in Political Science from University of Arizona and a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Christian Education from Talbot University. When not pastoring, Austin enjoys rock climbing and is always on the run with his wife, Megan, and their Husky. 
Emily Ebert
Emily Ebert is Associate Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Thousand Oaks, CA, where her ministry focuses on Children, Youth, Family and Young Adults. She received a BA in Fine Arts from The Ohio State University in Columbus and a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus. Her passions include fine arts, dance, and music, as well as tutoring kids in the community and motorcycle riding with her husband, Joe.
Ryan LaFata
Ryan LaFata has served as Worship and Student Director at Coastline Bible Church in Ventura, CA for the past seven years. He enjoys fantasy series, cooking and music and plays several instruments. He and his wife, Mika, enjoy hiking and searching for sea glass with their daughter, Willow.
Romeo Manalang
Romeo Manalang is Senior Pastor of Life in Christ Church in West Hills, CA, where he has served for 10 years. He holds a Master of Arts in Intercultural Communication and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree. He is an artist and enjoys teaching art to the kids in his congregation. He and his wife, Mary Joy, have two sons, Jeremiah and Timothy.
Travis Moore
Travis Moore has served as the Youth and Family Minister at Conejo Valley Church of Christ in Thousand Oaks, CA for 8 years. He received a BA in Religion from Pepperdine University and a Master of Divinity from Lubbock Christian University. He loves the ocean, exploring the outdoors, music, and baseball. His wife, Amanda, is a registered nurse at Providence Tarzana Hospital. They have two daughters, Grace (9 years) and Allie (14 years). 
Juan Palomino
Juan Palomino has served as Executive Pastor of First Christian Church of Newbury Park, CA for two years. Prior to that he and his wife, Jenna, planted a church in the Antelope Valley and worked with Celebrate Recovery. Jenna and Juan have a blended family of six children. In 2020, Juan was awarded the Dolores Huerta Award.
Johnny Pinker
Johnny Pinker is the Youth Minister at Hollywood Church of Christ in Los Angeles, where he has served for almost seven years. Desiring to grow into the minister he is called to be, Johnny is pursuing a degree in church-related ministry with a focus on youth ministry. He has a heart for reaching out to people who are experiencing difficult times and helping them discover hope. He and his wife, Brittany, enjoy spending time with their dog, Oliver. 
Danny Quintero
Danny Quintero is Youth Minister at Inland Valley Church of Christ in Ontario, CA. He is currently pursuing a BA in Ministry and Biblical Studies from Texas International Bible Institute and holds several other degrees and certificates, including a BA in International Economic Relations from Universidad  Autónoma de Colombia. Prior to ministry, Danny owned a fireworks display company in Colombia. Danny and his wife, Kelly, moved to the U.S. from Colombia three years ago. They have a daughter, Ellie.
  2022-2023
Rodrick Echols
Rodrick Echols is Pastor of Neighborhood Congregational Church in Laguna Beach, affiliated with the United Church of Christ denomination, where he has pastored for 5 years. He holds a BA in Political Science from Brown University and a Master of Divinity from Boston College.
Joel Foster
Joel Foster is the Youth and Family Life Minister at University Church of Christ in Malibu, where he has served for 3 years. He holds a BA in Religion and MS in Practical Theology from Pepperdine University.
Megan Fryling
Megan Fryling has served as Pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School (ELCA) in Granada Hills for 7 years. She holds a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from Hope College and a Master of Divinity with a Multicultural Concentration from The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.
Darren Hagood
Darren Hagood is co-founder (with his wife, Gloria) of Lavender Light, providing holistic healing through the union of breathwork, sound healing, and meditation. He is the former Lead Minister of Long Beach Church of Christ in Long Beach. He has experience in the areas of racial studies and unity and spiritual formation. Darren received a BA in Biblical Text and Master of Divinity from Abilene Christian University.
Jonathan LaBarge
Jonathan LaBarge is Pastor and Head of Staff at River of the Valley (Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians) in Canoga Park, where he has served for 10 years. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in Music and Physics from U.C. Davis, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Trent Lewis
Trent Lewis is Pastor of Leadership Development at Arbor Road Church in Long Beach, where he has served since 2008. He oversees leadership initiatives at the church, global missions as well as an internship program which partners with Biola University. The church has invested in more than 80 interns since 2010 for leadership in local churches and the marketplace. He holds a BS in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Bible Exposition from Biola University and an MA in Leadership from Liberty University.
Lester Mackenzie
Lester Mackenzie is Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Laguna Beach. He has been in full-time ministry for 14 years, serving for the past 6 years at St. Mary’s. Born and raised in the Anglican Church of South Africa, Lester has a Bachelor’s of Commerce, Information Systems from University of Cape Town and a Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. 
Louis Tillman
Louis Tillman is a former Associate Pastor at Holman United Methodist Church in Los Angeles. He has been in full-time ministry for 6 years, most recently serving as a Chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Chaplaincy Corps and as Senior Pastor at St. Philip’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD. He holds a BA in Business Administration and Public Relations from Carthage College and Master of Divinity from Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.
Tim Vance
Tim Vance is Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica (PCUSA), where he has served for the past 2 years of his 12 years in full-time ministry. He has a BS in Educational Ministry and Biblical Studies from Houghton College and a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. 
  2019-2020 (Cohort interrupted by COVID-19 Pandemic)

Andrew Alesso

Andrew Alesso is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Thrive LA Church in Silver Lake, a church plant founded by Andrew and his wife, Katie, which is dedicated to the good of the city of Los Angeles. Andrew received his BA in Biblical Studies from Master's University and his MBA with an emphasis in leadership and organizational change from Pepperdine University.

Dusty Breeding

Dusty Breeding is the Campus and Youth Pastor at University Church of Christ in Malibu. He leads a team of Pepperdine student interns and graduate apprentices, who work together to minister to the Pepperdine community and the Malibu community at large. He received his BA an MA in Religion from Pepperdine University.

Melissa Campbell-Langdell

Melissa Campbell-Langdell is Rector of All Saints Episcopal Church/Iglesia Episcopal de Todos los Santos in Oxnard. She serves a bilingual congregation and is fluent in Spanish, serving as a bridge for her church and the community of Oxnard. She holds a BA in International Studies from Vassar College and an MDiv from Church Divinity School of the Pacific.

Trevor DeBenning

Trevor DeBenning is a Pastor at Risen Church Santa Monica, a church committed to helping the people of Los Angeles know Jesus, grow in faith, and go into the world equipped to serve. Trevor completed his Masters degree at Fuller Theological Seminary. He and his wife Amber have four children; Zoe, Moses, Dietrich, and Oliver. Trevor enjoys strong coffee, thick books, and telling the world about Jesus.

Darren Hagood

Darren Hagood is Lead Minister of Long Beach Church of Christ in Long Beach. He has experience in the areas of racial studies and unity and spiritual formation. Darren received a BA in Biblical Text and MDiv from Abilene Christian University.

Saona Jackson

Saona Jackson is Director of Adult Ministries at Malibu Pacific Church in Malibu. She directs all adult ministries and started the "LA Pilgrimage of Pain and Hope," in which participants journey from Malibu to LA to discover how their spiritual journey is connected to the place they live (including issues of history, race relations, and immigration). She received her bachelor's degree in Leadership Studies and Religious Studies from the University of Richmond and her MDiv from Harvard Divinity School.

Angela Lee

Angela Lee is Pastor of Volunteers and Guest Relations at Fellowship Church in Pasadena, where she manages the experience of congregants "from street to seat." Angela also has the honor of serving on the preaching team at Fellowship. She has a BS in Human Services from University of Delaware.

Trent Lewis

Trent Lewis is Pastor of Ministry at Arbor Road Church in Long Beach, where he focuses on family and development ministries. He partners with Biola to lead an internship program which has had more than 70 interns. He holds a BS in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Bible Exposition from Biola University and an MA in Leadership from Liberty University.

Sean Lord

Sean Lord is the Lead Youth Pastor at ONE&ALL church in San Dimas, where he oversees ministry of 6th-12th graders across campuses. He holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from CSU Fullerton.

Romeo Manalang

Romeo Manalang is Senior Pastor of Life in Christ Church in West Hills, where he has served for 6 years. He has an AA in Graphic Design and Biblical Studies and is currently pursuing a Masters in Intercultural Studies and MDiv from Gateway Seminary.

Larry Walker

Larry Walker is Worship and Creative Arts Pastor at Redeemed Life Church in Azusa. His desire is to see people have an encounter with God's love through worship. He holds a BA in Music Performance, Journalism and Business from the University of North Texas.

Rev. Nicolette Birdsong Wilson

Nicolette Wilson is the Pastor of St. James AME Church in Los Angeles. She serves in several leadership roles in the community and is the youngest female pastor in the state of California of the African Methodist Church. She has a Bachelor's in Public Administration from California Baptist University and is pursuing a Master's in Pastoral Studies from Azusa Pacific University.

Derick Zeulner

Derick Zeulner is Associate Pastor of South Shores Church in San Juan Capistrano, where he oversees communications and the small group program and discipleship, as well as serving on the preaching team. He holds a BA in Christian Education from Biola University and an MA in Theology from Talbot School of Theology.

 

  2017-2018

Becca Bateman

Becca Bateman is Associate Pastor of Family Ministries at San Marino Community Church near Pasadena, CA. She has served for seven years in the area of family ministry and growing faith through worship, studying theology, and the arts. She received her Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary and is ordained in the PC (USA).

Taylor Begert

Taylor Begert is Worship Director at Community Bible Church of Ventura and The Well at Pepperdine University, Malibu. His desire is to draw congregations into encounters with Jesus so that they would leave transformed, and inspired to build for the Kingdom of God.

Kenneth Chau

Kenneth Chau is the Ministry Leader at Westside Church in Santa Monica. He has been in ministry for ten years. He and his wife helped start the Ho Chi Minh City Church in Vietnam and have also served churches in Thailand and the Philippines. He is pursuing his Master of Ministry from Pepperdine University.

Ray Choi

Ray Choi is Lead Pastor of the Hill Community Church in Pasadena. He served as a missionary in Japan for 3 years. He holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Seminary.

Jennifer Chrien

Jennifer Chrien is pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Simi Valley. She previously served as the pastor at Our Saviour's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oxnard. Jennifer received her Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, where she wrote her thesis on the book of Ecclesiastes.

Matt Graybill

Matt Graybill is Small Group Pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. He is a former educator with a Masters in Educational Administration. He has been in full-time ministry for eight years.

Jeff Keele

Jeff Keele is Preaching Minister at Magnolia Center Church of Christ in Riverside. He holds a Masters degree in Family Therapy and has served full-time in ministry for eleven years.

Scott Nassau

Scott Nassau is Lead Pastor of Kehila Covenant Church, a church plant in Culver City, where he has served for the past three years. Scott hold a Masters of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary with an emphasis in Hebrew Bible and Semitic Languages. He also studied at the University of Haifa in Israel in 2008.

Amy Pendergraft

Amy Pendergraft is Director of Women and Family Ministries at Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades. She hold a Masters of Education Degree from Concordia University and has a background in high school education. She has served in full-time ministry for six years.

Seth Pickens

Seth Pickens is the Senior Pastor of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Los Angeles. He holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary with an emphasis in World Religions and a Doctorate of Education from University of Southern California with an emphasis in Educational Psychology. He has been in full-time ministry for seven years.

Bonnie Powell

Bonnie Powell is Executive Pastor of Redeemed Life Church in Azusa. She formerly served as Associate Pastor at Oasis Church in Los Angeles and has been in full-time ministry over 12 years. She holds a Masters in Organizational Leadership in Ministry from Azusa Pacific University.

Joey Versace

Joey Versace is Pastor of Adults at Christ's Church of the Valley in San Dimas, where he has served for fourteen years. He oversees multiple small group and discipleship programs with an emphasis in evangelism and apologetics. Joey has been in full-time ministry for eight years.

Debra Ward

Debra Ward is Pastor at Light of the World Community Center in Compton. She has experience serving and teaching in the areas of domestic violence, anger management and parenting. She been with her current ministry for five years.

Brendin Williamson

Brendin Williamson is Youth and Young Adult Minister at Hilltop Church of Christ in El Segundo, where he as served for four years. He attended Pepperdine University, where he served as a Campus Ministry intern.

Ryan Zeulner

Ryan Zeulner is Mission Pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Costa Mesa. He previously served in youth ministry and has a passion for graphic design. He has been in ministry for 11 years.

 

  2015-2016

Rosalynn Brookins

Rosalynn Brookins is Senior Pastor of Walker Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles where she has served for the past four years. She is also an adjunct professor at the Southern California School of Ministry.

Robert Chun

Robert Chun is senior pastor of City Chapel OC in Santa Ana. He has spent 12 years in full-time ministry. He previously served as a youth pastor and an English Ministry and Education pastor both in Korea and Southern California.

Jason Darden

Jason Darden is the Preaching Minister of the Mission Viejo Church of Christ in Mission Viejo. He has been in ministry for eight years. He is a Chaplain Captain with the United States Army Reserve.

Alvin Edington Jr.

Alvin Edington Jr. is Associate Minister of the Metropolitan Church of Christ in Carson. He has been in ministry for five years. He previously worked as a manager and children's worker at children's homes in Southern California.

Marcos Gamez

Marcos Gamez is Senior Pastor of Antioch Community Church in Los Angeles. He also acts as the Executive Director of Ministry for World Impact.

David Gundlach

David Gundlach is Teaching Pastor at Grace Fellowship Church in Costa Mesa, where he previously served as College and Worship Pastor. He has been in full-time ministry for ten years.

Jeremy Haynes

Jeremy Haynes is Lead Pastor of Saddleback Church L.A. He has been in full-time ministry for almost five years.

Michael Kim

Michael Kim is Senior Pastor of Life Baptist Church in Los Angeles. He has 5 years of full-time ministry experience. He is also a civil engineer, currently working as a Senior Technical Consultant for Sensys Networks.

Brian La Spada

Brian La Spada is Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Malibu where he has served for the past two years. He previously served as Assistant Pastor of College and Career at Calvary Chapel Thousand Oaks.

Naima Lett

Naima Lett is Co-Pastor of Hope in the Hills in Beverly Hills. She has been in full-time ministry for 10 years and is also an actress and author and is Co-Founder of Lett's Rise! Productions, creating inspirational films, theatre and music.

Zachary Luben

Zachary Luben is the Youth and Family Minister at Culver Palms Church of Christ in Culver City. He has served for six years in full-time ministry and previously served at Long Beach Church of Christ.

Anthony Powell

Anthony Powell is Associate Pastor at Oasis Church LA where he has served for six years. He also teaches Theater, Afro Hip Hop and Jazz at Pierce College and College of the Canyons and is co-founder of Son of Semele, an LA-based theater corporation.

Matt Raines

Matt Raines is Senior Minister of the Chula Vista Church of Christ in Chula Vista. He has been in full-time ministry for 10 years and previously served at the Yorba Linda Church of Christ and Quartz Hill Church of Christ.

Martin Rodriguez

Martin Rodriguez is Family Life Minister at the Hollywood Church of Christ. He has served in full-time ministry for seven years, including several years as a church planter and English teacher in China.

Drew Sams

Drew Sams is Senior Pastor at Bel Air Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. He has spent nine years in full-time ministry, previously serving at Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village.

Bryan Schackmann

Bryan Schackmann is the Preaching Minister at Glendale Church of Christ in Glendale. He has spent six years in full-time ministry. He previously served at the Oplin Church of Christ and is a frequent presenter at the annual Pepperdine Bible Lectures.

 

 


 

Meet the Staff

 

John Barton

Dr. John D. Barton

Director

Dr. Barton joined the Pepperdine faculty and community in 2014, bringing extensive experience in both higher education and Christian ministry. John is especially involved in intercultural and interfaith initiatives both domestically and internationally. He and his wife Sara served as missionaries in Uganda for 8 years, and he now serves on the board of the Kibo Group, a nonprofit organization that facilitates sustainable development in East Africa.

Contact: john.barton@pepperdine.edu

Stephanie Cupp

Stephanie Cupp

Program Administrator

Stephanie serves as the Program Administrator for the Pepperdine Center for Faith and Learning, where she also served as assistant to the University Chaplain for 10 years. She studied Religion at Pepperdine University and nursing at University of Virginia. She serves on the executive board of the Malibu Community Labor Exchange, a nonprofit that provides a safe place for the hiring and support of day laborers in the Malibu area.

Contact: stephanie.cupp@pepperdine.edu
310.506.4141

Jennifer Chrien

Jennifer Chrien

Pastoral Director

Jennie is Interim Pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church (ELCA) in West Hills, CA and graduated from Cohort 2 of the Communitas program. She attended the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she earned her Master of Divinity Degree in 2012. 

Zachary Luben

Zachary Luben

Pastoral Director

Zac is Director of Student Convocation at Pepperdine University, where he also serves as an adjunct professor of Religion and co-Director of CrossWays. He graduated twice from Pepperdine, most recently with his Master of Divinity in 2014. For the past 13 years, he worked in local churches serving as a youth and family minister. 

Contact: zachary.luben@pepperdine.edu