

Today we’d like to introduce you to John L Jefferson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Pastor Jefferson became the Pastor of Del Aire Baptist Church in October 2000.
Through his efforts we have partnered with Volunteers of America to open an Early Head Start Program and 2 other schools here at the church, with DCFS to open a Family Visitation Center, with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank so that the church could become an emergency food assistance distribution center where we give away food to the community twice a week, with South Bay Center for Counseling (SBCC) to start several DCFS approved parenting classes to help parents reunite with their children, with Faith Foster Families (3FN) to start domestic violence classes, we also have parenting classes for mothers and fathers, as well as substance abuse classes, and anger management classes. We have also partnered with the Change Reaction and other private donors to help assist families with various financial issues.
During the holiday season we provide non perishable food items and a turkey to 40 families identified to us by the Hawthorne School District, we also give Turkeys to Los Angeles County DCFS offices for their families, we supply Turkeys to other churches and non profit organizations. During the Christmas holidays Del Aire provides toys, clothing and gift cards to several DCFS Offices to assist families..
We have also partnered with the Hawthorne City School district where we have had shoe and backpack giveaways.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Pastor Jefferson might reflect that his life has not always been an easy path, but it has been a journey of faith and perseverance. One of the significant challenges he faced was the decision to leave a stable career in the Air Force after accepting his call to the Ministry while stationed at Kessler Air Force Base. This required stepping out in faith, moving away from his military service, and pursuing a theological education in Nashville, where he began his formal journey in the Ministry. Additionally, transitioning into new communities, like moving from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, required trust in God’s plan, even when the future was uncertain.
Another challenge Pastor Jefferson may mention is the emotional and practical work involved in fostering at-risk youth for over 20 years. While this has been one of his most rewarding ministries, caring for high-risk foster children often involves navigating difficult situations, helping children heal, and creating a safe and loving environment for them to thrive.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Pastor Jefferson’s work is multifaceted, rooted in a deep love for people and a desire to serve the community. He has served as the Pastor of Del Aire Baptist Church since 2000, where he has overseen the church’s spiritual growth and spearheaded significant community outreach efforts. Under his leadership, the church underwent a major renovation and revitalization in 2003, transforming the property into a hub for social services and community support.
One of his proudest accomplishments is the establishment of the Early Head Start and Head Start programs on the Church campus, providing educational services to over 163 families in the Hawthorne community. He also leads initiatives such as food giveaways in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Banks, providing groceries to families in need twice a week. Additionally, his work includes counseling at-risk youth, collaborating with various social service agencies, and serving on local boards for the City of Hawthorne Civil Service Commission and on the Board of Directors for the Strength Based Community Change (SBCC).
Pastor Jefferson is driven by his belief that the church should be a force for good, addressing both the spiritual and physical needs of the community.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Pastor Jefferson appreciates the sense of community in Hawthorne and the opportunity to engage with people from all walks of life. He would highlight his love for the way the city has allowed him to establish programs that support families, such as the food distribution efforts, Early Head Start, and services for at-risk youth. Hawthorne provides him with a platform to live out his mission of improving the quality of life for those around him, offering both challenges and opportunities for service.
On the other hand, he feels disheartened by some of the persistent social and economic issues that affect the community, such as poverty, food insecurity, and the struggles of at-risk youth. Often the requests for assistance are more than the Ministry can financially handle. Trying to find the funding to assist the community is often challenging. However, rather than being discouraged, these challenges fuel his passion for Ministry, motivating him to continue his efforts to bring healing, support, and resources to the people of Hawthorne.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.delairebc.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delairebaptist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/delairebaptist.church
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DelAireBaptistChurch