PASTOR ROYCE PORTER is a native of Los Angeles, where he was raised and completed his education. At 8 years old, Pastor Porter accepted the opport
unity to speak to the congregation at Wesley UMC. While standing on a water stool he shared his first message. That moment changed his life forever. While growing up, he was very active in the youth group and choir. By the age of 18, he was the youth director at Wesley UMC.
In March of 1995, Pastor Porter accepted a position at Saint Mark UMC in Los Angeles, as the youth director. During this time he assisted the pastor in many areas. In September 2002, Pastor Porter became the English Ministry Pastor at Zion Korean UMC in Carson. Every Sunday he led two worship services, bible studies, and programs focused on youth and young adults.
In July 2006, Pastor Porter was appointed as the senior pastor of St. John’s UMC in Los Angeles. In February 2011 he added senior pastor of Crossroads UMC in Compton to his duties. He led both congregations into developing age level ministries with a focus on community outreach and worship. On July 1, 2014 he was appointed as the pastor of Crenshaw UMC in Los Angeles.
Pastor Porter is a graduate of California State University, Northridge and Claremont School of Theology-Course of Study. Along with working within the church, Pastor Porter has run successful nonprofit programs that focus on at-risk youth, college programs, and young adult job development. Pastor Porter resides in Los Angeles with his wife Liz and their four children. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and likes every aspect of basketball; playing, watching, and coaching.
Pastor Porter’s mission is to bridge the gap between today’s youth and young adult and mature believers. As a result, greater understanding between the generational believers continues to evolve. Pastor Porter believes that the church inside ought to look like the church outside. Pastor Porter truly operates under the Holy Spirit’s anointing and possesses his own unique style of ministry – one that is current, relevant, and cross-generational.