Meet Trudy Robinson | Lead Pastor

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

Hi Trudy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I am a pastor, and in a lot of ways it is like running your own business. As someone told me once, “You are the CEO of the church.” Funny because I never expected to have to actually run anything! I entered into ministry because I experienced being loved by the people of the church when I was young. They didn’t have to notice me, speak to me and get to know me, and they especially didn’t have to love me, and I’m sure it wasn’t always easy. But they did love me, in the name of God. I entered into ministry because of that love. I wanted other people to feel loved. It took only one Christian history course for me to realize that the church has too often failed in the endeavor to help people feel loved.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The church bought in to the idea that we have answers and people need to come to us to learn them. And, of course, churches fight with one another over who really has the right answer. We’ve completely ignored the fact that we also believe in a God who is beyond all our answers, who forgives us when our answers really make a mess of things, and who strengthens us to do the hard work of making a more just and loving world. It’s time for the church to embrace the divine mystery, to have conversations about what it means to be a good human being, and to stop providing answers. That is a risky statement to make. It is safer to hide behind answers, to go along with the loudest voices, and to feel secure in righteousness, but it’s not very loving.

So here I am, trying to “run” a church. Or at least create a place where questions are asked, people find community and love is practiced. I will get it wrong. We will it wrong. But trying is worth the risk and the effort. I’d love to have conversations with anyone who also thinks this is true.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Rady Shell is my happy place. The sea, the sound, the city, the sunset. Amazing. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the best place to walk. The views are stunning.
The San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, Balboa Park, Spanish Art Village, the Art Museum and the Museum of Us.
Dinner at Ortega’s in Hillcrest, Coffee at Scrimshaw Coffee and Karaoke at The Alcove Wine Bar in El Cerrito, and lunch at In ‘N Out, of course!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I am lucky to do this work alongside three amazing clergy women: Rev. Dr. Hannah Ka, Rev. Brittany J. Hanlin, and Rev. Tamara Walker. The First United Methodist Church of San Diego has a long history of doing important things for the community of the past. The church’s leaders, members and friends, both in person and in our online community, are asking good questions in order to do what’s needed for this community today. We do this work together. I can’t be the Lead Pastor if no one is following.

Website: https://www.fumcsd.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchurchsd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fumcsd/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH03nH-ydfR7WVxv5-L9V5Q

Image Credits
Photos by Will Cain and Bob Lang.