We had the good fortune of connecting with Logan Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Logan, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
One major misperception of faith-based organizations in general is that we exist to serve our “members.” In reality, our goal at Ignite LA Church Group is first and foremost to be an asset, a blessing and a point of connection to our city and our community here in West Los Angeles.

The Church is fundamentally the only entity in the world that exists to engage those that are outside of our community. That is what makes our mission, vision, and initiatives unique and relevant in any culture or era.

As a new church and nonprofit startup, we love partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities to help make things better spiritually, physically and even economically – everywhere we have presence.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My vision as a nonprofit leader came out of my passion and experience for engaging people with the Gospel – The Good News.

Being a pastor and a faith leader is so much for than just communicating a message to a group of people on a weekly basis. At its core, it is about walking the journey of life with people, and meeting them right where they are – But helping them to go as far as they were meant to be in every sphere of life.

I grew in a very multicultural, international environment in the Midwest. Growing up in a single-parent home with difficult family dynamics, I faced many challenges as I grew. up. My faith, and the support of mentors helped me to overcome these. I majored in Journalism, and worked as a freelance reporter for a while. I have always have an innate curiosity about the world, and a desire to learn culture and languages (English, Spanish, Arabic) in order to better understand people and their perspective on life.

In addition to working in ministry with the organization my wife and I founded, I work with nonprofits as a business specialist and consultant. Procuring and writing grants to help with Microbusiness and entrepreneurial development in underserved communities across the country. Currently, we have projects in Omaha, Nebraska, Puerto Rico, and here in Southern California.

West Los Angeles is home to Silicon Beach – A concentration of startups and individuals that are working in tech, branding, and other fields that are disrupting their industries. As a Social Entrepreneur, I want to add value to these people’s lives by providing spiritual and emotional support in a way that speaks to their dreams, passions, and goals. One of the ways we do this is by building relationships organically in order to find out how best to serve people where they are.

For example, we were recently aware a grant to help single parents in our region of the city with resources for them and their children. Also this past weekend, I was down in Mexico with an organization we partner with to help build houses for families in need.

Our mission at Ignite LA Church Group is to be a place where anyone be transformed by the person of Jesus. We really believe that this is the hope for our world, our city, and our region. All of our initiatives flow from this passion and understanding.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The Westside of LA is an amazing, eclectic place! So many great things to do. I love the ocean, so I would definitely take them to the beaches – Playa del Rey, El Porto, and Venice are my favorites.

For food, I would go to Pitfire Pizza and Thai Dishes, both in Mar Vista, and Killer Noodle in Sawtelle/Japantown. For Middle Eastern cuisine – Sunnin Lebanese Cafe and Flame Persian Cuisine in Westwood. Also – Cafe 50’s is a great spot for retro American burgers and fries, etc. with a mid-century vibe.

I love coffee! Here are my two favorites: Alana’s Coffee Roasters in Mar Vista, and the Boy & The Bear in Westchester.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I really couldn’t do any of what I do, the way I do it, without my wife. We are both co-leaders in ever sense of the word. She is a constant source of inspiration, love and encouragement when things get tough.

Also, I have many coaches, mentors, and leaders in my life that help provide clarity and support in what we do. Organizations such as City to City LA, and Live Dead, among others; have helped to shape my perspective on what it means to engage your community with the love of Jesus, and contextualize ministry and mission to this time and place in culture.

Website: www.ignitelachurch.org

Instagram: @logan.n.lee & @ignitelachurch

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-lee-565a5b98/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/logan.lee89/