Get to Know Our New Pastor Reverend Reuben W. Ford

Before we tell you a little about our new Pastor I want to encourage you to read his full Bio and ask him any questions you might have about his faith, background, plans for the future, etc. You can ask in the Comment section at the end of this post.

Bio 

The Reverend Reuben W. Ford, was assigned Senior Pastor of Parks Chapel AME Church, San Fernando, CA, on 27 October 2019. He served for 16 years as Senior Pastor, at Santa Monica First AME Church, Santa Monica, CA, and the Chairman of the Board of FAME Redevelopment Corporation since November 2004. Under his vision, brainstorming and multiple visits to the Housing Division Office, more than a decade ago, he inquired about how to increase the supply of senior housing in the Pico Neighborhood. He succeeded in obtaining an Award of City Housing Trust Funds, and Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, in order to finance 49 Affordable Senior Apartments in 2008. Since the FAME Redevelopment Grand Opening, 2014, all units are currently fully occupied, with a 2-year waiting list.       

Pastor Ford earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from American Christian College and Seminary, Oklahoma City, OK, and received a Certificate of Completion from The Management Institute for Executives of Non-Profit Organizations, Springfield College, Springfield Massachusetts. 

While serving at FAME Santa Monica, Pastor Ford also served as an assistant to Chaplain Ministries Veteran Administration, Wilshire Branch.  He is a lifetime member of the NAACP and a member of the Black American Political Association of California (BAPAC). He has served on numerous civic and community organizations such as HIV Aids Education and Prevention, Prostate and Diabetes Screening, and Wellness and Healthy Living for the African American Community while pastoring St. Paul AME Church, Santa Barbara 1994-2004 and Providence AME Church, Lompoc 1989-1994. 

Pastor Ford is married, First Lady Joyce Ford, and they have one son, Gabriel.  As a Vietnam Veteran, he served in the United States Air Force 1963-1967. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam, 20^th Helicopter 1965-1966. He was honorably discharged June 1967.  

Rev. Ford says it has been an honor and pleasure to collaborate with so many over the years, and he wishes to thank them again for helping to improve the Santa Monica Community, especially Gary Squire (Developer) and Chris Jones (Architect) whom are both deceased.  

“Actions speak louder than words, let your words teach and your actions speak.”