Building a Church in Unexpected Places: CityLightLA West Valley Launches in Woodland Hills
For many church planters in Southern California, one of the hardest parts of ministry is simply finding a place to meet. Buildings are expensive, permanent spaces are rare, and many churches begin in unconventional locations.
For Pastor Jared Pinson, planting CityLightLA West Valley has required creativity, resilience, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Before launching the church this May, Jared and his wife Kylynn spent more than a year intentionally building relationships in the community. They hosted local events, connected with business owners, and spent time learning what Woodland Hills truly needed.
As Jared researched the area, one statistic stood out to him: many people said they would consider attending church, but felt that churches often did not reflect who Jesus truly is.
For Pastor Jared Pinson, planting CityLightLA West Valley has required creativity, resilience, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Before launching the church this May, Jared and his wife Kylynn spent more than a year intentionally building relationships in the community. They hosted local events, connected with business owners, and spent time learning what Woodland Hills truly needed.
As Jared researched the area, one statistic stood out to him: many people said they would consider attending church, but felt that churches often did not reflect who Jesus truly is.
Finding a meeting space became one of the clearest examples of both the challenge and beauty of church planting in Los Angeles.
After searching across the city, Jared found an unlikely option through an event rental website: a Persian lounge and event venue in Woodland Hills. The original cost was far beyond what the church plant could afford, but Jared built a relationship with the owners and negotiated a price the church could manage.
Then came another challenge. The venue had no space for children’s ministry.
Rather than giving up, Jared connected with the owner of a neighboring martial arts studio, who agreed to let the church use the dojo for kids ministry every Sunday.
After searching across the city, Jared found an unlikely option through an event rental website: a Persian lounge and event venue in Woodland Hills. The original cost was far beyond what the church plant could afford, but Jared built a relationship with the owners and negotiated a price the church could manage.
Then came another challenge. The venue had no space for children’s ministry.
Rather than giving up, Jared connected with the owner of a neighboring martial arts studio, who agreed to let the church use the dojo for kids ministry every Sunday.
Each week, volunteers arrive early to transform both spaces into a functioning church campus.
What makes the story especially meaningful is that Jared does not simply rent these spaces. CityLightLA West Valleyintentionally serves the businesses around them. Before launch Sunday, Jared, Kylynn, and their daughters personally visited nearby businesses to introduce themselves and welcome the community into what God was building there.
Today, people walking through the shopping center on Sunday mornings see signs, worship music, families gathering, and a church meeting in the middle of everyday life. Located near one of the most popular coffee shops in the area, the church naturally sparks curiosity from people passing by. Inside, the congregation already reflects the diversity of the community around them, bringing together young professionals, families, retirees, and individuals in recovery who are searching for hope and belonging.
What makes the story especially meaningful is that Jared does not simply rent these spaces. CityLightLA West Valleyintentionally serves the businesses around them. Before launch Sunday, Jared, Kylynn, and their daughters personally visited nearby businesses to introduce themselves and welcome the community into what God was building there.
Today, people walking through the shopping center on Sunday mornings see signs, worship music, families gathering, and a church meeting in the middle of everyday life. Located near one of the most popular coffee shops in the area, the church naturally sparks curiosity from people passing by. Inside, the congregation already reflects the diversity of the community around them, bringing together young professionals, families, retirees, and individuals in recovery who are searching for hope and belonging.
As Jared and Kylynn continue navigating church planting while raising three children and preparing for their fourth baby, they remain committed to the calling God has placed before them.
As Jared shared during our conversation, “Where God guides, He provides.”
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19
As Jared shared during our conversation, “Where God guides, He provides.”
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19
Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for the calling You have placed on this family and for continuing to make a way where there seems to be no way. We pray for Jared, Kylynn, and CityLightLA West Valley. We ask for endurance, protection over their growing family, and continued provision as they faithfully serve the Woodland Hills community.
We pray that You would help them reach the diverse people surrounding them, from young professionals and retirees to those who feel unseen or overlooked. Father, we ask that this church would continue to be a place where people can truly come and see Jesus and experience His love and character through the community being built in Woodland Hills. Amen.
Lord, we thank You for the calling You have placed on this family and for continuing to make a way where there seems to be no way. We pray for Jared, Kylynn, and CityLightLA West Valley. We ask for endurance, protection over their growing family, and continued provision as they faithfully serve the Woodland Hills community.
We pray that You would help them reach the diverse people surrounding them, from young professionals and retirees to those who feel unseen or overlooked. Father, we ask that this church would continue to be a place where people can truly come and see Jesus and experience His love and character through the community being built in Woodland Hills. Amen.
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