First African Methodist Episcopal Church
“First To Serve”
FAME Church, Los Angeles is the oldest church founded by African Americans in the City of Angels. In 1872 Ms. Biddy Mason received the vision from God to establish a church that would minister to the mind, body and soul of all who would join that small band of believers. That vision and small band of believers has grown to what is now a congregation of more than 19,000 members and several dozen ministries within 13 corporations that bless and reach tens of thousands of seekers in greater metropolitan Los Angeles.
Built on the foundation laid by Bishop Richard Allen who in the City of Philadelphia in 1787 started the movement that later became the African Methodist Episcopal Church, FAME Church finds joy in being the “First To Serve.”
VISION STATEMENT
To be a biblically functioning church which is empowered by the Holy Spirit and bound together in Jesus Christ to minister to the soul, body, mind and spirit of every believer and seeker.
MISSION STATEMENT
Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20 provide the church with our mission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.”
CORE VALUES
TO BE A PRAYER-EMPOWERED CHURCH:
We value the power of prayer and recognize that we are engaged in spiritual warfare. We are committed to prayer and recognize that it is essential to the success of our vision and mission.
TO BE A CHRIST-CENTERED CHURCH:
We value a focus on Jesus. Everything that we do must point to Jesus Christ and glorify Him. We accept the challenge of spreading the love of Jesus to each other, our community and the world.
TO BE A HOLY SPIRIT-LED CHURCH
We value the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in every believer and believe that the gifts of the Holy Spirit transform lives and build the body of Christ.
TO BE A MINISTRY-DIRECTED CHURCH:
We value ministries that enhance life for our senior citizens, youth, families and adults. We will strive to develop and maintain relevant programs and services for our congregation and for the greater Los Angeles community. We strive to make a difference through our initiatives in education, economic development, health, housing, feeding business and incubator loans, venture capital, transportation, mentoring and other ministries of outreach. We are “FIRST TO SERVE!”
TO BE A CHURCH THAT IS FAITHFUL IN STEWARDSHIP:
We value and honor God by giving our “first fruits.” We see God’s wisdom and standards for giving and are committed to the biblical mandate to “tithe.” We tithe our time, talent and treasure.
TO BE A CHURCH OF GROWTH:
We value growth as God leads. We believe growth is an assumption that God makes about us. We value the individual spiritual growth of every member and the growth of the body as a whole. Growth is a result of God’s faithfulness and of our care for others.
TO BE A SOCIALLY ACTIVE CHURCH:
We value justice. We desire to have a positive impact on the global community so that all can hear the gospel. We recognize our unique location and important connection to the world and we will work for justice and economic equity for all people.