Pastor Tunstill
Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Jr. was called to be the ninth pastor of Trinity on November 16, 1995. He accepted the call on December 31, 1995, and preached his first sermon as Trinity’s pastor on Easter Sunday, April 7, 1996. He was formally installed as pastor on October 27, 1996, at a glorious installation worship service attended by members of Trinity, the local community, as well as Rev. Tunstill’s family and friends who traveled far and wide to witness the occasion.
Rev. Tunstill was born October 6, 1957, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the fifth child of seven children born to Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Sr. and his wife, Mildred. Rev. Tunstill, Jr., grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age, having been impacted by the strong religious faith and teachings of his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father, who were all Baptist preachers and pastors of churches in Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky, respectively.
Rev. Tunstill received the B.A. degree in political science at the University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, in 1980, and the Master of Divinity degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary in conjunction with the University of Chicago Divinity School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1987. He has done work toward the Doctor of Ministry degree at the New York Theological Seminary. Rev. Tunstill was called to the ministry in 1981 under the pastorate of the late Dr. J. H. Jackson, who was pastor of the historic Olivet Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois, and past president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. He served as assistant to Dr. Jackson for eight years. In January 1990, Rev. Tunstill was called to pastor the Shiloh Baptist Church (the second oldest African-American Baptist church in Jamaica-Queens, New York) and remained there for six years. While at Shiloh, Rev. Tunstill implemented many new programs and developed a stewardship program that dramatically increased the finances of the church. Not only did he establish many new ministries and outreach community programs, he held memberships and served on boards and numerous organizations in New York and Kentucky.
Reverend Tunstill is married to Dr. Sandra Mitchell-Tunstill, a special education teacher and they are the proud parents of three sons: Alvin Tunstill, III, who is a sophomore at West Los Angeles College; Michael, who is a freshman at Sacramento State University; and Lloyd who is an 11th Grade Student at Los Angeles Baptist Junior & Senior High School.
When Rev. Tunstill arrived, he presented a “vision” rooted in several theological and cultural presuppositions, which continue to lead the Christian soldiers at Trinity to do God’s work. Then and now, Rev. Tunstill emphasizes that Trinity must be African American in her approach to ministry and mission. This means that we, as members, must have high regard for whom God has created us to be; we must be proud of the rich heritage of African Americans; and we must be informed by the realities of the world in which we live and the word God has for us as a long-disallowed people. Rev. Tunstill also believes that Trinity and her members should be Christ-centered and spirit-filled; joyful and celebratory in worship; Bible-based and biblically-literate; prayerful; affirmed and intensively involved in evangelism; tithers; carers and sharers; politically aware and socially active; and proactive.
The vision that God has for the urban church and Trinity continues to unfold under Rev. Tunstill’s leadership as many innovative programs are developed. Of particular note are initiatives in three areas: (1) church administration and the creation of new ministries, (2) community and cultural affairs, and (3) church building and the acquisition of property.
Church Administration and Ministries. Upon his arrival in 1996, Rev. Tunstill initiated a training class for the deacons; a spiritual women’s class for the deaconesses; and a special prayer time during the Sunday morning worship service for children and youth.
In 1996, Rev. Tunstill also launched the Army of God Campaign, which continues to be an integral part of Trinity’s mission. The spiritual aspect of the Campaign focuses on getting the entire membership involved in spiritual growth for both the individual and the church. Members are encouraged to participate in seven weeks of spiritual progress through prayer, fasting, self-denial, giving, covenant keeping, studying the letters of Paul, and acts of service. While working on the spiritual campaign, church members give clothes to the homeless on Skid Road, visit jails and convalescent homes, pray on the grounds of community schools, and participate in other activities.
Three goals serve as the foundation of the financial aspect of the Army of God Campaign: (1) the Summer Youth Employment Program, (2) Special Projects (monies for disaster relief and other special needs), and (3) the One-Million Dollar Christ Endowment Foundation Fund. Not only has Trinity benefited, but also members have witnessed the rewards of these programs. Since Summer 1997, the young people of Trinity and the surrounding community have worked at local businesses and agencies in the city, including Breakaway Technologies, Broadway Federal Savings and Loan Association, Crenshaw YMCA, Eighth Council District Office, Family Savings Bank, Founders National Bank, the Los Angeles Times, Merrill Lynch, Radio Stations KJLH, KACE/KHI/KOST, Trinity Baptist Church, and the Urban League. Trinity’s generosity has also funded special projects, including those in the United States (victims of Katrina in Louisiana, those in need in North Carolina) as well as countries in Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire) and victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (or tsunami).
In early 1997, Rev. Tunstill formed a cheerleading squad for the Young Men’s Basketball Team, and in September 1997, the New Member Follow-up Ministry was implemented.
Trinity established a Bible Institute in Summer 1997 with ministers from local churches teaching the word of God. In 2001, focusing on the theme, “the purpose driven church,” which became an important topic in re-thinking the mission of Trinity and discipleship of its members in the local and national community.
Because Rev. Tunstill emphasizes in his teachings the importance of prayer being the life-blood of the church, several programs and activities at Trinity have been organized around prayer and Bible study. In 2005, Rev. Tunstill and Associate Ministers taught a forty-week series, entitled “The Purpose Driven Life.” To expand the important and long-standing Wednesday-night Bible Study/Prayer and Praise service, Rev. Tunstill, in summer 2006, initiated the Home Bible Study (Christian Living Group). This allows members and non-members to meet, share, and learn about the word of God in the comfort of their homes throughout Metropolitan Los Angeles. In 2003, Trinity established the Lifeline Prayer Ministry and Prayer Team to service those who need prayer outside the church and beyond church services. Trinity has several groups (the Love Prayer Group, the Prayer and Sharing Prayer Group, the Peace Prayer Group, and the Meekness Prayer Group) that provide prayer.
Under Rev. Tunstill’s leadership, several events and programs have become memorable traditions at Trinity. The annual Easter Grand Celebration, which began in 1997, is a time when we reach out to former members and non-members of our community. In June 2001, Trinity Baptist held an annual Men’s Day program, which challenged every man to “take a beam” and help build dreams. In October 2001, the women of Trinity organized a special Women’s Day program that was an inspiration to all. Other important events include the New Members/Birthday Reception (every second Sunday), sponsored by the Hospitality Ministry, the Monthly Friday night fellowships, the Friday Youth Night Live at Trinity Gospel Jamboree (began 2004), Trinity’s Harvest Festival of Love and Fellowship (began 1999), the Debutantes for Christ program (began 2003), the Angel Tree Project that donates toys and gifts to children during Christmas (begun 2003), Family and Friends Weekend Celebration Fellowship (began September 2005), the Women of Trinity (began 2006), Special Appreciation Services to honor Distinguished Members (began 2005), and the Men’s Ministry Growth Classes (began 2006), and the Spiritual and Physical Exercise Ministry (began February 2007).
Longstanding committees also continue to serve and support church activities, including the American Baptist Boys and Girls Ministry, Drama Guild, Couple’s Ministry, History Committee, Home Ministry, Mission Society (mission circles, clothes closet, foreign missions, and home mission), Nursing Ministry, Scholarship Committee, and Senior Citizens Fellowship.
Trinity’s Music Ministry has expanded to include several groups that regularly uplift praises to God: the Children’s Choir, the Ineze C. Caston Gospel Choir, the Inspirational Sisters, the Men’s Chorus, the Mission Choir, the Praise Dancers, the Praise Ensemble, the Sanctuary Choir, and the Youth Orchestra. In addition to annual concerts held during the Easter and Christmas season, special concerts have taken place during African American heritage month. As an important supporter of the arts in the city, Trinity regularly sponsors special performances by the Southeast Symphony Orchestra and visiting artists: for example, Uganda’s Watoto Children Choir (March 2003), Piney Woods Gospel Choir from Piney Woods, Mississippi (2004), UCLA’s African Arts Ensemble – Envision Vocals (March 2004), UCLA’s African American Music Ensemble (May 2004), and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (2006).
Cultural and Community Affairs. To reach the local community, Trinity has embarked on several innovative activities and programs. Upon Rev. Tunstill’s arrival, advertisements were placed in different locations (on billboards, bus stop benches, etc.) throughout the city informing the local community about worship services and programs at Trinity. Starting in April 1997, Trinity began participating in the Annual Los Angeles Black Business Expo & Trade Show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center (Tom Bradley Hall). In June 1997, Business Owners United at Trinity began holding its own Business Expo during the summer and Christmas holidays.
Trinity’s outstanding work with the Excellence in Academics Tutorial program, the immense generosity in feeding the homeless through the Hot lunch Feeding Program and providing social service information and referral service through our Senior Ministry, as well as assisting needy persons in the community through our food pantry allows Trinity to be used by God. Together, all of these ministries caused Trinity to be honored and recognized with a presentation of a beautiful plaque by the Watts Health Systems, Inc. in 2000. Trinity’s work with the homeless, through members sponsoring Brother Brian Ferguson’s participation in the Los Angeles Marathon, has blessed and saved the souls of many in the Los Angeles area.
Although incorporated in 1995 as a non-profit arm to obtain grants and donations to upgrade facilities and develop major outreach programs, Trinity’s Community Development Corporation (TCDC) did not become fully active until 2003. On Sunday, December 7, 2003, TCDC held its dedication ceremony and open house of the new headquarters and executive offices. TCDC has sponsored several successful programs, including two musicals: one in 2005 that celebrated the life of Mahalia Jackson (Hallelujah Mahalia! The Mahalia Jackson Story on Stage) and another in 2006 that brought attention to the contributions of Paul Robeson. In September 2005, TCDC initiated a very successful computer training program that was eventually partnered with Los Angeles Unified School District. Workshops on money management and buying a home have also benefited the membership.
Established in 2006, the Media and Communications Committee is developing plans to improve Trinity’s radio ministry by using new technology to distribute information about the church.
Church Building and Acquisition of Property. Since 1996, several improvements have been made to the church building and property. In 1997, new carpet was purchased and installed in the sanctuary. In June 1998, Trinity purchased a new organ. In 2000, Trinity purchased the motel property (2050 West Jefferson Boulevard) located next to the church. In 2002, the exterior and interior of all buildings on the church property were painted. In addition, Trinity completed the upgrades of the annex facilities for the Trinity Community Development Corporation Office, remodeled the choir room ladies restroom for handicap access, replaced heating/air conditioning units, replaced the stage curtains in the Caston Center, upgraded the church computer network including high-speed internet access, and replaced basketball backboards in the Caston Center. The church also purchased a new van, and placed new fences around the church and new doors in our main sanctuary and vestibule as well as the first floor of the education building.
Rev. Tunstill was born October 6, 1957, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was the fifth child of seven children born to Rev. Alvin Tunstill, Sr. and his wife, Mildred. Rev. Tunstill, Jr., grew up in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age, having been impacted by the strong religious faith and teachings of his great-grandfather, grandfather, and father, who were all Baptist preachers and pastors of churches in Tennessee, Indiana, and Kentucky, respectively.
Rev. Tunstill received the B.A. degree in political science at the University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, in 1980, and the Master of Divinity degree from the Chicago Theological Seminary in conjunction with the University of Chicago Divinity School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1987. He has done work toward the Doctor of Ministry degree at the New York Theological Seminary. Rev. Tunstill was called to the ministry in 1981 under the pastorate of the late Dr. J. H. Jackson, who was pastor of the historic Olivet Baptist Church, Chicago, Illinois, and past president of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. He served as assistant to Dr. Jackson for eight years. In January 1990, Rev. Tunstill was called to pastor the Shiloh Baptist Church (the second oldest African-American Baptist church in Jamaica-Queens, New York) and remained there for six years. While at Shiloh, Rev. Tunstill implemented many new programs and developed a stewardship program that dramatically increased the finances of the church. Not only did he establish many new ministries and outreach community programs, he held memberships and served on boards and numerous organizations in New York and Kentucky.
Reverend Tunstill is married to Dr. Sandra Mitchell-Tunstill, a special education teacher and they are the proud parents of three sons: Alvin Tunstill, III, who is a sophomore at West Los Angeles College; Michael, who is a freshman at Sacramento State University; and Lloyd who is an 11th Grade Student at Los Angeles Baptist Junior & Senior High School.
When Rev. Tunstill arrived, he presented a “vision” rooted in several theological and cultural presuppositions, which continue to lead the Christian soldiers at Trinity to do God’s work. Then and now, Rev. Tunstill emphasizes that Trinity must be African American in her approach to ministry and mission. This means that we, as members, must have high regard for whom God has created us to be; we must be proud of the rich heritage of African Americans; and we must be informed by the realities of the world in which we live and the word God has for us as a long-disallowed people. Rev. Tunstill also believes that Trinity and her members should be Christ-centered and spirit-filled; joyful and celebratory in worship; Bible-based and biblically-literate; prayerful; affirmed and intensively involved in evangelism; tithers; carers and sharers; politically aware and socially active; and proactive.
The vision that God has for the urban church and Trinity continues to unfold under Rev. Tunstill’s leadership as many innovative programs are developed. Of particular note are initiatives in three areas: (1) church administration and the creation of new ministries, (2) community and cultural affairs, and (3) church building and the acquisition of property.
Church Administration and Ministries. Upon his arrival in 1996, Rev. Tunstill initiated a training class for the deacons; a spiritual women’s class for the deaconesses; and a special prayer time during the Sunday morning worship service for children and youth.
In 1996, Rev. Tunstill also launched the Army of God Campaign, which continues to be an integral part of Trinity’s mission. The spiritual aspect of the Campaign focuses on getting the entire membership involved in spiritual growth for both the individual and the church. Members are encouraged to participate in seven weeks of spiritual progress through prayer, fasting, self-denial, giving, covenant keeping, studying the letters of Paul, and acts of service. While working on the spiritual campaign, church members give clothes to the homeless on Skid Road, visit jails and convalescent homes, pray on the grounds of community schools, and participate in other activities.
Three goals serve as the foundation of the financial aspect of the Army of God Campaign: (1) the Summer Youth Employment Program, (2) Special Projects (monies for disaster relief and other special needs), and (3) the One-Million Dollar Christ Endowment Foundation Fund. Not only has Trinity benefited, but also members have witnessed the rewards of these programs. Since Summer 1997, the young people of Trinity and the surrounding community have worked at local businesses and agencies in the city, including Breakaway Technologies, Broadway Federal Savings and Loan Association, Crenshaw YMCA, Eighth Council District Office, Family Savings Bank, Founders National Bank, the Los Angeles Times, Merrill Lynch, Radio Stations KJLH, KACE/KHI/KOST, Trinity Baptist Church, and the Urban League. Trinity’s generosity has also funded special projects, including those in the United States (victims of Katrina in Louisiana, those in need in North Carolina) as well as countries in Africa (South Africa, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire) and victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (or tsunami).
In early 1997, Rev. Tunstill formed a cheerleading squad for the Young Men’s Basketball Team, and in September 1997, the New Member Follow-up Ministry was implemented.
Trinity established a Bible Institute in Summer 1997 with ministers from local churches teaching the word of God. In 2001, focusing on the theme, “the purpose driven church,” which became an important topic in re-thinking the mission of Trinity and discipleship of its members in the local and national community.
Because Rev. Tunstill emphasizes in his teachings the importance of prayer being the life-blood of the church, several programs and activities at Trinity have been organized around prayer and Bible study. In 2005, Rev. Tunstill and Associate Ministers taught a forty-week series, entitled “The Purpose Driven Life.” To expand the important and long-standing Wednesday-night Bible Study/Prayer and Praise service, Rev. Tunstill, in summer 2006, initiated the Home Bible Study (Christian Living Group). This allows members and non-members to meet, share, and learn about the word of God in the comfort of their homes throughout Metropolitan Los Angeles. In 2003, Trinity established the Lifeline Prayer Ministry and Prayer Team to service those who need prayer outside the church and beyond church services. Trinity has several groups (the Love Prayer Group, the Prayer and Sharing Prayer Group, the Peace Prayer Group, and the Meekness Prayer Group) that provide prayer.
Under Rev. Tunstill’s leadership, several events and programs have become memorable traditions at Trinity. The annual Easter Grand Celebration, which began in 1997, is a time when we reach out to former members and non-members of our community. In June 2001, Trinity Baptist held an annual Men’s Day program, which challenged every man to “take a beam” and help build dreams. In October 2001, the women of Trinity organized a special Women’s Day program that was an inspiration to all. Other important events include the New Members/Birthday Reception (every second Sunday), sponsored by the Hospitality Ministry, the Monthly Friday night fellowships, the Friday Youth Night Live at Trinity Gospel Jamboree (began 2004), Trinity’s Harvest Festival of Love and Fellowship (began 1999), the Debutantes for Christ program (began 2003), the Angel Tree Project that donates toys and gifts to children during Christmas (begun 2003), Family and Friends Weekend Celebration Fellowship (began September 2005), the Women of Trinity (began 2006), Special Appreciation Services to honor Distinguished Members (began 2005), and the Men’s Ministry Growth Classes (began 2006), and the Spiritual and Physical Exercise Ministry (began February 2007).
Longstanding committees also continue to serve and support church activities, including the American Baptist Boys and Girls Ministry, Drama Guild, Couple’s Ministry, History Committee, Home Ministry, Mission Society (mission circles, clothes closet, foreign missions, and home mission), Nursing Ministry, Scholarship Committee, and Senior Citizens Fellowship.
Trinity’s Music Ministry has expanded to include several groups that regularly uplift praises to God: the Children’s Choir, the Ineze C. Caston Gospel Choir, the Inspirational Sisters, the Men’s Chorus, the Mission Choir, the Praise Dancers, the Praise Ensemble, the Sanctuary Choir, and the Youth Orchestra. In addition to annual concerts held during the Easter and Christmas season, special concerts have taken place during African American heritage month. As an important supporter of the arts in the city, Trinity regularly sponsors special performances by the Southeast Symphony Orchestra and visiting artists: for example, Uganda’s Watoto Children Choir (March 2003), Piney Woods Gospel Choir from Piney Woods, Mississippi (2004), UCLA’s African Arts Ensemble – Envision Vocals (March 2004), UCLA’s African American Music Ensemble (May 2004), and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (2006).
Cultural and Community Affairs. To reach the local community, Trinity has embarked on several innovative activities and programs. Upon Rev. Tunstill’s arrival, advertisements were placed in different locations (on billboards, bus stop benches, etc.) throughout the city informing the local community about worship services and programs at Trinity. Starting in April 1997, Trinity began participating in the Annual Los Angeles Black Business Expo & Trade Show held at the Los Angeles Convention Center (Tom Bradley Hall). In June 1997, Business Owners United at Trinity began holding its own Business Expo during the summer and Christmas holidays.
Trinity’s outstanding work with the Excellence in Academics Tutorial program, the immense generosity in feeding the homeless through the Hot lunch Feeding Program and providing social service information and referral service through our Senior Ministry, as well as assisting needy persons in the community through our food pantry allows Trinity to be used by God. Together, all of these ministries caused Trinity to be honored and recognized with a presentation of a beautiful plaque by the Watts Health Systems, Inc. in 2000. Trinity’s work with the homeless, through members sponsoring Brother Brian Ferguson’s participation in the Los Angeles Marathon, has blessed and saved the souls of many in the Los Angeles area.
Although incorporated in 1995 as a non-profit arm to obtain grants and donations to upgrade facilities and develop major outreach programs, Trinity’s Community Development Corporation (TCDC) did not become fully active until 2003. On Sunday, December 7, 2003, TCDC held its dedication ceremony and open house of the new headquarters and executive offices. TCDC has sponsored several successful programs, including two musicals: one in 2005 that celebrated the life of Mahalia Jackson (Hallelujah Mahalia! The Mahalia Jackson Story on Stage) and another in 2006 that brought attention to the contributions of Paul Robeson. In September 2005, TCDC initiated a very successful computer training program that was eventually partnered with Los Angeles Unified School District. Workshops on money management and buying a home have also benefited the membership.
Established in 2006, the Media and Communications Committee is developing plans to improve Trinity’s radio ministry by using new technology to distribute information about the church.
Church Building and Acquisition of Property. Since 1996, several improvements have been made to the church building and property. In 1997, new carpet was purchased and installed in the sanctuary. In June 1998, Trinity purchased a new organ. In 2000, Trinity purchased the motel property (2050 West Jefferson Boulevard) located next to the church. In 2002, the exterior and interior of all buildings on the church property were painted. In addition, Trinity completed the upgrades of the annex facilities for the Trinity Community Development Corporation Office, remodeled the choir room ladies restroom for handicap access, replaced heating/air conditioning units, replaced the stage curtains in the Caston Center, upgraded the church computer network including high-speed internet access, and replaced basketball backboards in the Caston Center. The church also purchased a new van, and placed new fences around the church and new doors in our main sanctuary and vestibule as well as the first floor of the education building.
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