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Carpinteria, California, USA

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Interview with Pastor Les Bishop

CyberFair Interview - By Erin W.

Erin interviewed Pastor Les Bishop of the Carpinteria Community Church. Her Mom simply served as note taker and typist.....

1. What is your full name?

Leslie Edward Bishop

2. Were you named after anyone?

I was named after my Uncle.

3. Where were you born?

Baker, Oregon - February 9th, 1953

4. What are your parent's names?

Harold and Phyllis Bishop

5. What state/cities did you grow up in?

6. What do you remember about the house you lived in?

My favorite house was in Arroyo Grande and was located next to the school. It was an old house and the "story" around town was that it used to be a stagecoach stop.

7. What do you remember most about your childhood?

Going to church.

8. Are there some people that have contributed to your success as a community leader?

When I was very young, I knew a Pastor by the name of Reverend Ted Masters who had a significant influence in my life and my chosen profession. He put a lot of credibility into what I had to say and continued to tell me how important I was, and that I was chosen by God.

9. Could you describe your profession to me?

I am the Pastor of the Carpinteria Community Church with a variety of responsibilities. In addition to the weekly sermons, I teach, council and administrate to the various needs of the people and programs of the Church.

10. What is the address and phone of your business?

Carpinteria Community Church, 1111 Vallecito, Carpinteria, CA 93013, (805)684-2211

11. Describe the activities in which you are currently involved?

Worship service - draws people closer in a common spirituality *

Children's program - I am involved in our program as well as other programs in the community.

Mission program - feeding hungry people, clothing and a shoe fund that provides shoes to children.

12. What path did you take to become a leader?

I began by attending Bible College in Los Angeles for Biblical studies and theology. I then attended Wheaten College in Illinois and received my Masters in New Testament theology. I received my seminary training at Andover Newton and went on to receive my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Along with my years of education, I Pastored in a local church, taught at a community college and practiced family therapy.

13. What does the term "Civic Leadership" mean to you?

A person who is available, most of all serves and who genuinely cares about the community. A person who puts the community or portion of the community they are involved in, above personal ambition or aspiration.

14. Could you list and describe the changes or contributions you have made in the community?

I am relatively new to the community, as I have only been the Pastor of the Community Church for a little over 3 years.

15. Describe any changes that have taken place since you became a leader?

I have increased the visibility and awareness of the mission outreach program as well as the annual adopt a family program. The attendance/membership has increased and we have added 2 children's programs.

16. How long have you been involved with the community?

3 1/2 years since moving here from upstate NY in August of '96.

This page was written by Erin W.
This page was edited by Erin W.

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