Southern Connect – October, 2026

For 125 years, the story of the Southern California Conference has been written through the faithful lives of its people. Pastors, educators, members, volunteers, families, and young people, representing a remarkable diversity of cultures, languages, and communities, have joined together in the mission of have joined together in the mission of Jesus. Through their prayers, sacrifices, courage, and service, churches have been planted, schools established, lives transformed, and communities blessed. Our diversity is more than a reflection of Southern California; it is a beautiful expression of the kingdom of God and a powerful witness to what Christ can accomplish when His people serve together.

As we celebrate the past, we also look forward with faith. The people who brought us to this moment remain essential to cultivating the future. Healthy churches and schools grow where relationships are valued, where unity flourishes within diversity, and where God’s gifts and resources are faithfully stewarded for mission.

Together, we renew our commitment to exalt Christ, care for our communities, nurture the faith of every generation, and inspire others to grow in and share His love. Grateful for all God has done through the past 125 years, we move forward together cultivating healthy churches and schools and refocusing all that we are on the mission of Jesus.

The sanctuary at Bethe church in Pomona was full on August 29 as friends, family, and colleagues gathered for the ordination of Tammie Lindsey. Lindsey has served in three Southern California Conference churches since joining the conference in 2022.

The service was filled with praise, celebration, and recognition of God’s leading. Lindsey’s biography highlighted her journey as a small business owner starting at the age of 15 and her passion ever since for training, empowering, and guiding others, whether it be through her business or their family relationships. Since she received the call to ministry, Lindsey has served in creative ministries throughout the Pacific Union, including the Nevada-Utah and Central California conferences, doing things like teaching special needs teens, coordinating evangelism and a financial restructuring, and supporting a free community tax clinic.

In the homily, Southern California Conference (SCC) President John H. Cress addressed some of the responsibilities and challenges of pastoral ministry with encouragement. Royal Harrison, SCC executive vice president, followed with the charge. “Pastor Tammie, the church has considered your call to the ministry,” Harrison began. “Your ordination is a public recognition of your divine appointment. For indeed you have been called to the ministry for such a time as this.”

A special robing ceremony was performed by Greater Los Angeles Region Director Lawrence S. Dorsey II preceding the ordination prayer.

“Ordination is not something that men have devised to affirm what ministers do,” SCC Executive Secretary/Ministerial Director Danny Chan said. “It is a response to what God has asked us to do—to gather together as a community of faith and to affirm that the Spirit is working in the lives of ministers like pastor Tammie Lindsey today.” Following Chan’s remarks, Lindsey was presented with a certificate of ordination and her new credential.

In her response, Lindsey recounted how she had doubts when God called her to ministry, but God revealed Himself and His love to her. “Thank you for making space for me at the table, where God always makes space for us.”