Incoming Leaders

The Free Methodist Church is committed to raising up new leaders within the church that seek to build new congregations, grow ministries that impact communities, and train the next generation of leaders serving with them.

Hudson, Kanesha

Long Beach, Light & Life Christian Fellowship - West

Staff Pastor

I was born and raised in a Christian household. My two beautiful parents are amazing role models who trained their children in the ways of the Lord. I’m forever grateful for my brother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. I love my family with all my heart. My parents instilled in me the importance of having a real relationship with Jesus, applying biblical truths, attending church, and tithing. I knew at a very young age God had a calling on my life. I accepted Christ into my life when I was 9 years old. One of my favorite childhood memories is when Pastor Art Grey of Abundant Joy Christian Fellowship asked me this question, “Do you accept Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and personal Savior?” I replied, “Yes, I do.” My response echoed in a joyous shout across the altar and the entire congregation applauded in praise. Growing up, I never knew how life could be so rewarding. My life has been transformed completely.

To illustrate, in 2007 I attended the University of California Santa Barbara. I pursued a degree in Chemical Engineering. I figured it was the right major because it seemed achievable. The classes were challenging, and I began to struggle. My grades hit an all-time low and I was placed on academic probation. I began to ask God, “What is your will for my life?” I was homesick and I missed my family and church. I felt like my relationship with God was strained because I did not have a church home in Santa Barbara. I was determined to find a Free Methodist Church and after an hour and thirty-minute bus ride, I visited the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. When visiting the church, I heard God’s voice and He said to me Chemical Engineering is not what I am calling you to. There was a deep sense of urgency to go back home, but at the time I did not know why. In 2008, I moved back home and attended Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. I graduated in 2010 and received my Associate of Arts Degree in Chicano Studies. Later that year, my four-month-old niece passed away from an aggressive form of liver cancer. Her passing had a positive impact on my life. This experience allowed me to press deeper in my faith and encouraged me to pursue my pastoral calling. The Lord blessed my sister with another daughter, and she is healthy and beautiful. Despite the passing of my first niece, I was determined to continue my education.

In 2012, I graduated from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Lastly, in 2016 and 2017 I had the privilege to attend a twelve-day mission trip to the Philippines. My life was transformed. Upon returning from the Philippines, I quit my corporate job to pursue full-time ministry.  Little did I know God was establishing my steps to become a pastor. I chose to follow Christ with everything I had within me. Twenty years later here I am chasing after God’s will wholeheartedly. I have stepped out in faith to embrace the gifts and talents God has blessed me with. I am so grateful that God’s hand has been upon my life and is guiding me every step of the way.

How did the Spirit guide you to your current ministry and what has God called you to do through your ministry?

I was born and raised in a Christian household. My two beautiful parents are amazing role models who trained their children in the ways of the Lord. I’m forever grateful for my brother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. I love my family with all my heart. My parents instilled in me the importance of having a real relationship with Jesus, applying biblical truths, attending church, and tithing. I knew at a very young age God had a calling on my life. I accepted Christ into my life when I was 9 years old. One of my favorite childhood memories is when Pastor Art Grey of Abundant Joy Christian Fellowship asked me this question, “Do you accept Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and personal Savior?” I replied, “Yes, I do.” My response echoed in a joyous shout across the altar and the entire congregation applauded in praise. Growing up, I never knew how life could be so rewarding. My life has been transformed completely.

To illustrate, in 2007 I attended the University of California Santa Barbara. I pursued a degree in Chemical Engineering. I figured it was the right major because it seemed achievable. The classes were challenging, and I began to struggle. My grades hit an all-time low and I was placed on academic probation. I began to ask God, “What is your will for my life?” I was homesick and I missed my family and church. I felt like my relationship with God was strained because I did not have a church home in Santa Barbara. I was determined to find a Free Methodist Church and after an hour and thirty-minute bus ride, I visited the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. When visiting the church, I heard God’s voice and He said to me Chemical Engineering is not what I am calling you to. There was a deep sense of urgency to go back home, but at the time I did not know why. In 2008, I moved back home and attended Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. I graduated in 2010 and received my Associate of Arts Degree in Chicano Studies. Later that year, my four-month-old niece passed away from an aggressive form of liver cancer. Her passing had a positive impact on my life. This experience allowed me to press deeper in my faith and encouraged me to pursue my pastoral calling. The Lord blessed my sister with another daughter, and she is healthy and beautiful. Despite the passing of my first niece, I was determined to continue my education.

In 2012, I graduated from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Lastly, in 2016 and 2017 I had the privilege to attend a twelve-day mission trip to the Philippines. My life was transformed. Upon returning from the Philippines, I quit my corporate job to pursue full-time ministry.  Little did I know God was establishing my steps to become a pastor. I chose to follow Christ with everything I had within me. Twenty years later here I am chasing after God’s will wholeheartedly. I have stepped out in faith to embrace the gifts and talents God has blessed me with. I am so grateful that God’s hand has been upon my life and is guiding me every step of the way.

How did the Spirit guide you to your current ministry and what has God called you to do through your ministry?

I was born and raised in a Christian household. My two beautiful parents are amazing role models who trained their children in the ways of the Lord. I’m forever grateful for my brother, sister, brother-in-law, niece, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins. I love my family with all my heart. My parents instilled in me the importance of having a real relationship with Jesus, applying biblical truths, attending church, and tithing. I knew at a very young age God had a calling on my life. I accepted Christ into my life when I was 9 years old. One of my favorite childhood memories is when Pastor Art Grey of Abundant Joy Christian Fellowship asked me this question, “Do you accept Jesus Christ into your life as your Lord and personal Savior?” I replied, “Yes, I do.” My response echoed in a joyous shout across the altar and the entire congregation applauded in praise. Growing up, I never knew how life could be so rewarding. My life has been transformed completely.

To illustrate, in 2007 I attended the University of California Santa Barbara. I pursued a degree in Chemical Engineering. I figured it was the right major because it seemed achievable. The classes were challenging, and I began to struggle. My grades hit an all-time low and I was placed on academic probation. I began to ask God, “What is your will for my life?” I was homesick and I missed my family and church. I felt like my relationship with God was strained because I did not have a church home in Santa Barbara. I was determined to find a Free Methodist Church and after an hour and thirty-minute bus ride, I visited the Free Methodist Church of Santa Barbara. When visiting the church, I heard God’s voice and He said to me Chemical Engineering is not what I am calling you to. There was a deep sense of urgency to go back home, but at the time I did not know why. In 2008, I moved back home and attended Cerritos College in Norwalk, California. I graduated in 2010 and received my Associate of Arts Degree in Chicano Studies. Later that year, my four-month-old niece passed away from an aggressive form of liver cancer. Her passing had a positive impact on my life. This experience allowed me to press deeper in my faith and encouraged me to pursue my pastoral calling. The Lord blessed my sister with another daughter, and she is healthy and beautiful. Despite the passing of my first niece, I was determined to continue my education.

In 2012, I graduated from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, California. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Lastly, in 2016 and 2017 I had the privilege to attend a twelve-day mission trip to the Philippines. My life was transformed. Upon returning from the Philippines, I quit my corporate job to pursue full-time ministry.  Little did I know God was establishing my steps to become a pastor. I chose to follow Christ with everything I had within me. Twenty years later here I am chasing after God’s will wholeheartedly. I have stepped out in faith to embrace the gifts and talents God has blessed me with. I am so grateful that God’s hand has been upon my life and is guiding me every step of the way.

Event Information

Annual Conference is an exciting time to celebrate what God is doing throughout the Free Methodist Church and we want you to be part of it. Find out how you can make the most of the Annual Conference Experience.

Get Ready

Find out how to plan either an in-person or online watch party with your church leadership team and get details about the event.

Vote Online

If you are a voting member of the Free Methodist Church in Southern California, it is both your honor and responsibility to vote for our church leaders. Find out how.

Watch Together

Each day during the week of May 12-15, 2021, check in and join us for Annual Conference. You will also have access to session archives from here.

Boards and Committees

Free Methodists are a diverse group of believers, hailing from all walks of life. Our leadership across the Southern California conference mirrors that diversity through a commitment to an equal mix of clergy and lay leaders (non-clergy), the empowerment of traditionally underrepresented people, and the engagement of communities across the broad socioeconomic spectrum that makes up Southern California.

Superintendents

Superintendents provide for vision alignment and implementation, leadership development, and guidance for the administration and growth of the church.

Board of Administration

The standing administrative committee of the conference, established to create and manage policy of the entire conference within the limits of the Book of Discipline.

Nominating Committee

Responsible for preparing for the annual conference a list of nominations for positions vacated by either resignation or expiration of terms.

Ministerial Education & Guidance Committee

Responsible for qualifying, guiding, counseling, and mentoring candidates for ordination as they prepare for ministry.

Ministerial Appointments Committee

Responsible for appointing qualified ministers to ministries and monitoring progress and growth.

Kingdom Ministry Group

Develops sustainable and vital Free Methodist Societies by sponsoring church planting projects and caring for societies requiring revitalization.

Finance Committee

Reviews and recommends action on all matters concerning financial actions of the local church and the conference at large.

The Management Group

Provides oversight for The Management Group, a for-benefit corporation of the FMCSC that provides bookkeeping and administrative services for eligible ministries.

Membership

We like to say that “it’s good to belong.” Within the Free Methodist Church, our elders are members of a ministerial tradition that seeks to disciple effective church leaders and grow ministries.

Incoming Leaders

Join us in welcoming our new Ministerial Candidates and incoming Elders for 2021.

Ministerial Members

Meet our elders serving throughout Southern California and beyond.

Memorials

We remember those who have gone on to be with Christ and celebrate their impact on the Kingdom of God.

Greetings from Special Appointments

Not every elder is appointed to a traditional church ministry. Hear from elders who serve in unique ministries around the world.