In December, the Culver City church family celebrated the ordination of their pastor, Jason Whitley.
Whitley briefly served as a worship leader at the Culver City church after earning his theology degree in 2013, after which he attended Andrews for his master’s degree. He then served as associate pastor at the Camarillo church until October 2020, when he joined the Culver City church.
The ordination service included special music and words of encouragement from colleagues in ministry.
John H. Cress, SCC executive secretary, presented a credential recognizing Whitley’s status as an ordained minister, and James G. Lee, SCC executive vice president, shared the call to ministry. The ordination prayer was led by Jillian Lutes, West Covina Hills church associate pastor.
Hoenes gifted Whitley with a shepherd’s staff, an on-the-go communion kit, and anointing oils.
Richard Roethler, Santa Monica church pastor, welcomed Whitley to ministry with counsel from his experience. “I needed to learn to listen more than I speak,” he shared. With four succinct points, he imparted wisdom: to be a continual learner, love well, lead, and lean into God.
In his homily, SCC President Velino A. Salazar reflected on the shaping process for a minister and the important parts played by the home, schools, and church, recognizing the place of each in Jason’s life. He then shared from the story of David, recalling Whitley’s first devotional to the office staff of SCC, on the message of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Like David, Salazar said, “Jason also is skilled in managing God’s vision.”
Whitley’s response began with words of thanks to family, friends, colleagues, and his church for their support, advice, and trust in his calling.
“Thank you for the call you entrusted me with,” he said. “My calling to anything will be to help you see the full picture of God and His love.”
