Lake LA Baptist Church
Worship and community

Leadership

Guided by Christ-like, Spirit-led Servants

A letter from our pastor and a clear statement of how we view leadership in the church.

Pastor Tommy Wakefield and family
Pastor Tommy & family.

A Letter From the Pastor

Welcome, friend,

Thank you for taking a moment to visit our church online. Whether you are searching for a church home, exploring faith, or simply curious, I want you to know this — God sees you, He loves you, and He has purpose for your life.

My heart is not to impress you with a church building or a religious routine, but to invite you into a real, growing walk with Jesus Christ. Church is not meant to be a weekly formality — it is a family, a place of restoration, and a body committed to becoming more like Christ every day.

At Lake LA Baptist Church, you will find imperfect people who serve a perfect Savior. We open the Bible, we pray together, we encourage one another, and we trust God to transform lives — one heart at a time. My desire as your pastor is not only to preach truth, but to love, walk alongside you, and help you grow spiritually, practically, and personally.

I want you to know that I am here for you — not just on Sundays, but throughout the week. I make myself freely available to our church family, and I am committed to walking with you through whatever life brings. You can reach me directly at lakelabaptist@gmail.com. Please don’t ever hesitate to write — I would love to talk with you, pray with you, or simply be there when you need someone.

I believe God is doing something special in our community — not flashy, not complicated, but authentic, steady, life-changing work in hearts and families. I would be honored if you joined us in the journey.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out — I would love to meet you and hear your story.

Grace and peace to you in Christ,

Pastor Tommy Wakefield
Lake LA Baptist Church

“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” — Romans 14:8
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Our View of Leadership

Leadership is Spirit-formed, Christ-like, and Scripture-defined — not worldly, corporate, political, or performance-driven.

At Lake LA Baptist Church, leadership is not measured by personality, position, influence, or earthly success. Leadership is measured by Christ-likeness, biblical qualification, and a life led by the Spirit of God rather than the wisdom and ambitions of this world.

We believe true spiritual leadership cannot be manufactured by ministry strategy, church growth models, or human charisma. Scripture warns against leaders who creep into the church carrying the world’s motives, methods, and spirit:

“For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” — 1 John 2:16

Worldly leadership seeks: position over service, influence over surrender, results over righteousness, and popularity over purity. But Jesus set a different pattern:

  • “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” — Matthew 23:11
  • “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” — Mark 10:45

Two Kinds of Leadership

Scripture reveals there are two kinds of leaders:

1) Leaders shaped by the world

Driven by pride, performance, image, ambition, numbers, and praise of men. (1 John 2:16; James 3:14–16; 3 John 9–10)

2) Leaders shaped by Christ

Driven by humility, holiness, Spirit-guidance, obedience, Scripture, and love. (James 3:17; Matthew 20:26–28; Galatians 5:22–23)

We reject leadership motivated by worldly success and external measures — whether secular or “ministry-brand” performance culture. We do not promote those ruled by the spirit of performance, competition, or religious ambition. Instead, we follow those who follow Christ:

“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1

What Defines a Leader Here?

  • Walks in the Spirit and displays the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)
  • Is faithful in obedience before being visible in ministry
  • Reflects the heart and demeanor of Jesus
  • Demonstrates servanthood before authority (1 Peter 5:2–3)
  • Meets the biblical qualifications of elders and deacons (1 Timothy 3; Titus 1)

In simple terms: A leader here is someone who goes first in obedience, humility, holiness, and love — and invites others to follow Christ with them (cf. 1 John 2:6).

Our Commitment

  • Follow Christ above trends
  • Choose biblical integrity over earthly success
  • Prioritize spiritual fruit over ministry results
  • Raise leaders who resemble Jesus — not corporate executives
  • Honor every faithful servant, whether visible or unseen

Worldly systems seek titles; Christ builds servants. Worldly leaders build crowds; Christ builds disciples.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 2:5

One-sentence summary:

We follow and raise leaders who walk like Jesus — humble, obedient, Spirit-led servants whose lives reflect Scripture and the fruit of the Spirit, not the wisdom and ambitions of the world.

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