New ministry in Mid-City L.A. focuses on imparting God’s wisdom and knowledge
Responding to the Great Commission cited in Matthew 28:19, Pastor Art and Minister Amanda Dyson launched Ephesians Christian Center to help others come to know Christ. An ambitious goal to some, but to the Dysons, it is just a matter of following the direction of God.
“The Lord showed Pastor Art that he would start a work in the city of Los Angeles over six years ago and in 2021, the Lord brought that vision to pass,” said Minister Amanda, “So, we aim to bring hope to the community and to help others to come to know Christ and to live in the fullness of all that Christ provides.”
With that objective in mind, the Dysons co-hosted the grand opening of Ephesians Christian Center on Sunday, November 14. Located in the Mid-City section of L.A., the church attracted a sizable multicultural group who turned out to learn more about the Lord. Aiming to fulfill those desires, the order of worship included an array of components emphasizing the glory of the Almighty.
Spoken word artist Léya Speaks and actor Moses Weathers offered captivating discourses about the power of God while Pastor Benji Cortez led a spirited praise and worship session. Forming the hallelujah band, Cortez played the keyboard accompanied by Robert “Chalo” Ortiz on guitar, Pastor Richard Salazar Jr. on drums and Pastor Art on bass.
Also, Pastor Art highlighted the service with a message entitled, “Ask.” Basing his topic on Matthew 7:7, Dyson urged listeners to ask God “not only for our needs, but for the needs of our neighbors and we can be assured that God is able to do exceedingly above all we can ask or think, according to Ephesians 3:20.”
And during his many years of walking with the Lord, Pastor Art has seen that scripture come true multiple times in his life. Both he and Minister Amanda dedicated their lives to Christ as teenagers and have each worked in various ministerial capacities for more than 40 years.
Pastor Art previously served as an associate pastor at Davar Christian Center in La Palma and in the music ministry at various churches since 1980. A chaplain at Gardena Memorial Hospital, he holds the same position with the Buffalo Soldiers Mounted Cavalry Unit, a group involved in maintaining the history of the famous Buffalo Soldiers.
Minister Amanda is the president of Kalena Ka Lani (Talents of Heaven) Outreach Ministry where she has been active for over four decades. Ordained to the ministry in 2019, she also serves as a hospital chaplain. In addition, Minister Amanda and Pastor Art completed courses at Cottonwood Leadership Bible College and are Doctor of Ministry candidates at Next Dimension University.
Along with their spiritual experience, the Dysons possess a solid education, which will be an additional asset as they build Ephesians CC. Pastor Art earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Information Systems and Business Administration, respectively, from the University of Phoenix as well as graduated from the USC Leadership Program. Minister Amanda received her Bachelor’s degree in Business from CSU-Long Beach.
Parents of two adult sons, the couple has been married for 36 years and has excelled in their professions as well. Pastor Art has more than 37 years of heading teams in technical services and operations at a major U.S. corporation while Minister Amanda has over 25 years of working for a local municipality. While thankful for their accomplishments, their energy is now focused on making Ephesians CC a success.
“Ephesians Christian Center was formed to share Christ and to bring hope to the community. We endeavor to help others grow in the knowledge of God’s word and learn about His grace and great love,” explained Minister Amanda.
“We also endeavor to teach others to comprehend who they are or can be in Christ. The word of God says my people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge. We want to impart God’s wisdom and knowledge,” stressed Pastor Art.
As for the future, the Dysons shared, “Being a new church, we are building a foundation and sowing seeds and praying the Lord would bring the increase and send laborers to join us in the harvest field.
“We are believing God to have a church with thriving seniors, marriage, youth ministries and a praise and worship team with skillful musicians!”
Ephesians Christian Center is located at 4562 W. Washington Blvd., in Los Angeles. Worship services are Sundays at 11 a.m. To learn more, visit https://www.ephesianscc.com/