Rebuilding the Walls
Lessons from Nehemiah on grief, prayer, vision and shared work for churches in a season of renewal.
Pastor & Leader in the Urban Church for Over 20 Years
Rev. Carlton A. Rhoden
Preacher · Teacher · Church Consultant
Equipping churches to thrive, serve, and shine in their communities.
About
A pastor's heart for the whole church
For more than 20 years, Rev. Carlton A. Rhoden has served as a pastor and leader in the urban church. He has been Pastor and Head of Staff of Westminster Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles since 2014, and before that spent seven years as Senior Minister of the First Baptist Church of Los Angeles.
He brings training in theology, social work and business to the work of ministry. He also has deep roots in community organizing, most recently with Oakland Community Organizations, and is nationally recognized for that work, advising and consulting with community groups from coast to coast.
That same experience now shapes his preaching, his Rebuilding the Walls series on Nehemiah, and his consulting with congregations ready for renewal. Rev. Rhoden and his wife, Nikki Thomas-Rhoden, a social worker devoted to children in need, have two children, CJ and Maya.
"Listen before you lead. Inspect before you inspire."Rebuilding the Walls, Episode 3
20+Years leading urban congregations
2014Pastor of Westminster since
4Degrees & programs
Education
- M.B.A., University of Redlands, 2013
- Master of Divinity, American Baptist Seminary of the West, Berkeley, 2005
- Summer Leadership Program, Harvard Divinity School, 2005
- B.S. in Social Work, minor in African American Studies, Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, 1999
Ministry & Recognition
- Pastor & Head of Staff, Westminster Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles, 2014–present
- Senior Minister, First Baptist Church of Los Angeles, 2006–2013
- J. Alfred Smith Sr. Award for Outstanding Ministry in the Black Church
- Community organizer & consultant to organizing groups nationwide
Speaking
Invite Rev. Rhoden to preach
Biblical, warm and direct preaching for worship services, revivals, retreats and conferences.
Called to Serve
Servanthood in the way of Jesus, who chose the lowest seat and knelt to wash His disciples' feet.
Made in God's Image
Faith, dignity and justice: what Caesar can claim, and what belongs to God alone.
Faithful Stewardship
Generosity that begins with gratitude for everything God has done, not with a percentage.
Sunday worshipRevivals & homecomingsLeadership retreatsConference speaker & leader
Church Consulting
Walk the walls together
Like Nehemiah's night ride, good renewal begins by looking honestly at where things stand. Rev. Rhoden walks with pastors and leaders from assessment to a plan the whole church can build.
Revitalization Assessment
A clear, caring look at your congregation's health: worship, membership, leadership, finances and community.
Leadership & Vision
Retreats and coaching for sessions, boards and staff to discern a shared, Spirit-led direction.
Strategic Planning
Practical next steps with owners and timelines, so every member knows their section of the wall.
Preaching & Teaching Coaching
Support for pastors and lay preachers in sermon preparation, delivery and teaching series.
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Conversation
A free call to hear your church's story and hopes.
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Assessment
Listening sessions, data and an honest report.
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Plan & Build
A shared plan, with coaching as you carry it out.
Church Revitalization Series
Rebuilding the Walls
A teaching series through the book of Nehemiah for leaders and congregations ready to rebuild.
Sermons
Recent preaching
Sermon clips
Contact
Let's build together
Whether you are planning a worship service, a retreat or a season of renewal for your congregation, send a note and Rev. Rhoden will respond personally.
Most inquiries receive a reply within two business days.