Videos

Is Jesus Really God?
How is Jesus Different?

Books

Questions of Life – Nicky Gumble

Searching Issues – Nicky Gumble

Atheism Remix – R. Albert Mohler Jr.

Raised? Finding Jesus by Doubting the Resurrection – Jonathan K. Dodson & Brad Watson

Searching for God Knows What – Donald Miller

The Case for Christ – Lee Stroble

For the City: Proclaiming and Living Out of the Gospel – Darren Patrick & Matt Carter

The Ragamuffin Gospel – Brennan Manning

Articles

My Train Wreck Conversion – Christianity Today
How to Share Your Faith Without It Being Awkward – Relevant Magazine

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Kingdom Prayer

God has invited each of us into His mission to bring hope, healing, and salvation to the world. At Christian Assembly, we believe in the power of prayer to advance God’s Kingdom, not just in our own neighborhoods, but across the globe. That’s why we created the Kingdom Prayer Guide — a practical and powerful resource to help you pray with purpose.

Whether you're a new believer or have walked with Jesus for years, this guide equips you to:

• Pray for your city and its unique needs, from homelessness to foster care.
• Live missionally, by asking God to use you in your everyday relationships and settings.
• Lift up Kingdom partners and ministries doing incredible work both locally and internationally.
• Support the persecuted church, where believers face danger for their faith.
• Intercede for unreached people groups, so that every nation may come to know Jesus.

With over 50 Kingdom partnerships across 29 countries, Christian Assembly is committed to seeing lives transformed through the love of Christ. From church plants in Los Angeles to anti-trafficking efforts in Southeast Asia, your prayers truly make a difference.

We invite you to set aside time to use this guide in your personal prayer life, with your family, or in your Life Group. By doing so, you become part of a global movement of believers committed to seeing God's Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

Download the Kingdom Prayer Guide

You can download the full Kingdom Prayer Guide here and join us in this meaningful mission of prayer. Every prayer matters. Every name, city, and nation on these pages represents real people who are loved by God and in need of His grace.

Let’s pray big prayers for a big God who is always at work. Let’s pray Kingdom prayers.

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Equipping Parents to Navigate the Teen Mental Health Crisis: Event Recap

"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad." - Proverbs 12:25

A Growing Crisis Meets Biblical Wisdom

The statistics are alarming and, for many parents in our congregation, all too familiar. The rate of teenagers struggling with high anxiety and depression has doubled in the last two years. As families in our community face these challenges, our church remains committed to equipping parents with both biblical wisdom and practical resources to navigate these difficult waters.

This commitment was on full display during our recent Parent Equipping Event focused on Teenage Mental Health. For those who couldn't attend in person, we invite you to click HERE to view the event recording.

A Morning of Learning and Hope

On Saturday, February 26th, parents gathered in our fellowship hall, many arriving early with notebooks in hand and concern in their hearts. The atmosphere was one of both urgency and hope—parents united in their desire to better understand and support their teens through mental health challenges. The event was led by one of Christian Assembly pastors, Matt Price.

Four Pillars of the Event

The event focused on equipping parents in four critical areas:

1. Greater Awareness

Pastor Matt began by helping parents understand the current landscape of teen mental health. He shared eye-opening statistics about the dramatic rise in anxiety and depression among teenagers, explaining how factors like social media, academic pressure, pandemic isolation, and cultural shifts have contributed to this crisis.

"What we're seeing isn't just typical teenage moodiness," Pastor Matt explained. "We're witnessing a genuine mental health crisis that requires intentional response from parents and the church community."

2. Biblical Perspective

The event carefully balanced professional mental health insights with solid biblical teaching. Pastor Matt addressed common misconceptions about mental health in Christian communities, emphasizing that seeking professional help is not a sign of spiritual failure.

"God works through many means of grace—sometimes that's prayer and Scripture, and sometimes that's therapy and medication," he shared. "The Bible doesn't pit spiritual health against mental health; it acknowledges the complexity of human beings created in God's image."

Pastor Matt explored passages like Psalm 34:17-18, 1 Kings 19 (Elijah's depression), and Philippians 4:6-7 to illuminate God's heart for those suffering from mental and emotional distress.

3. Practical Resources

Parents left with a comprehensive resource guide including:

• Warning signs of depression and anxiety in teenagers
• Conversation starters for discussing mental health with teens
• Local Christian counselors specializing in adolescent care
• Recommended books, podcasts, and support groups
• Guidelines for when to seek professional intervention
• Techniques for creating mentally healthy home environments

4. Prayer and Community Support

The event concluded with small group prayer, where parents could share specific concerns and receive support from others walking similar paths. This powerful time reminded everyone that no parent needs to face these challenges alone.

"There's something profoundly healing about bringing our parenting struggles into the light of community," one mother shared afterward. "I came feeling isolated and left feeling surrounded by support."

Expert Insights from Dr. Dan Suzuki

A highlight of the morning was an in-depth interview with Dr. Dan Suzuki, a distinguished psychiatrist and long-time member of our congregation. Dr. Suzuki brings exceptional credentials to this conversation, having practiced psychiatry for 33 years with San Marino Psychiatric Associates. His education includes degrees from Stanford University and Northwestern University Medical School, and he completed his Psychiatry Residency at UCLA.

Currently serving as the Medical Director of Las Encinas Hospital in Pasadena and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the USC Keck School of Medicine, Dr. Suzuki offered invaluable professional insights while speaking from his perspective as a Christian professional.

Key Takeaways from Dr. Suzuki's Interview

During his conversation with Pastor Matt, Dr. Suzuki addressed several crucial topics:

On recognizing the difference between normal teen moodiness and clinical concerns:"Parents should watch for persistent changes in sleep patterns, withdrawal from previously enjoyed activities, and dramatic shifts in academic performance. Duration and intensity matter—two weeks of symptoms that interfere with daily functioning suggests it's time to consult with a professional."

On the integration of faith and psychiatric care:"As Christians, we recognize that humans are integrated beings—spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental. Just as we wouldn't hesitate to set a broken bone, we shouldn't hesitate to address chemical imbalances or thought patterns that are causing our children suffering."

On practical first steps for concerned parents:"Start by creating safe spaces for honest conversation without judgment. Many teens don't open up because they fear disappointing their parents or receiving simplified spiritual answers to complex struggles. Listen more than you speak, validate their feelings, and resist the urge to immediately solve or dismiss their concerns."

On how the church community can support struggling teens:"The church should be the last place where mental health is stigmatized and the first place where people feel safe enough to be vulnerable about their struggles. Youth leaders can be trained to recognize warning signs, and the church can model that seeking help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness."

Taking Action: Next Steps for Parents

As Pastor Matt concluded the event, he emphasized that equipping isn't just about information—it's about implementation. He encouraged parents to take two specific actions in the coming week:

1. Create a device-free dinner time where meaningful conversation can happen
2. Schedule one-on-one time with your teenager in a setting where they feel comfortable talking

A Community of Hope

As we navigate this mental health crisis together, we're reminded that God's promise in Isaiah 41:10 applies not just to us as individuals, but to our parenting journey as well: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

No parent needs to walk this road alone. Our church family stands ready to support, equip, and pray with you as you guide your teenagers through these challenging years.

If you're concerned about your teenager's mental health and need immediate support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Discovering Your Divine Purpose:  Understanding the Spiritual Gifts Test

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." - 1 Peter 4:10

What Are Spiritual Gifts?

God has blessed each believer with specific spiritual gifts - divine abilities given by the Holy Spirit to equip Christians for ministry and service. These gifts aren't just random talents; they're purposefully distributed according to God's perfect wisdom to build up the body of Christ and advance His kingdom.

As members of our church family, understanding your spiritual gifts is essential to finding your place of service and maximizing your impact for God's glory. When we serve in areas aligned with our spiritual gifts, we experience greater joy, effectiveness, and fulfillment in our Christian walk.

The Spiritual Gifts Test: A Tool for Discovery

The Spiritual Gifts Test is a valuable resource designed to help believers identify their God-given spiritual gifts. This assessment isn't merely a personality quiz, but a biblically-based tool that helps reveal how the Holy Spirit has equipped you for service.

Why Take a Spiritual Gifts Test?

1. Discover God's design for your ministry: Uncover the unique ways God has equipped you to serve others
2. Find your purpose in the church: Identify where you can make the greatest impact
3. Experience greater fulfillment: Serve from your strengths rather than struggling in areas not aligned with your giftings
4. Strengthen the entire church body: When each member functions according to their gifts, the whole church benefits

Types of Spiritual Gifts

The Bible identifies numerous spiritual gifts distributed among believers. While scholars may categorize them differently, the Spiritual Gifts Test assessment focuses on key gifts mentioned in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4.

Some of the spiritual gifts you might discover through the assessment include:

• Teaching: The ability to explain Scripture clearly and apply it effectively
• Evangelism: A special ability to share the gospel with unbelievers
• Leadership: The capacity to cast vision and guide others toward godly goals
• Mercy: Exceptional compassion toward those who are suffering
• Service: Finding joy in meeting practical needs behind the scenes
• Discernment: The ability to distinguish between truth and error
• Encouragement: Skillfully motivating others in their faith journey
• Giving: Cheerfully sharing resources with supernatural generosity
• Administration: Organizing people and processes for kingdom effectiveness

Taking the Spiritual Gifts Test

The assessment at SpiritualGiftsTest.com offers several versions to meet different needs:

• A comprehensive adult version
• A youth version for younger believers
• Options for both online and printable formats

The test typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete. You'll respond to a series of statements, indicating how accurately each one describes you. Your responses help identify patterns that reveal your spiritual gift mix.

What to Do With Your Results

Once you've completed the assessment, you'll receive a personalized report showing your strongest spiritual gifts. Here's how to proceed:

1. Pray over your results, asking God for wisdom and confirmation
2. Study the biblical passages about your top gifts
3. Seek confirmation from mature believers who know you well
4. Experiment by serving in ministries that utilize your gifts
5. Evaluate your effectiveness and joy when serving in these areas
6. Commit to developing and using your gifts for God's glory

Next Steps at Christian Assembly Church

We believe every member of our church family has a vital role to play. After taking the Spiritual Gifts Test, we encourage you to:

1. Share your results with a pastor or ministry leader
2. Explore serving opportunities that align with your gifts
3. Join our next "Discover Your Design" class to learn more about using your gifts
4. Consider mentoring with someone who shares your primary gift

Remember, the purpose of identifying your spiritual gifts isn't just personal fulfillment, it's about advancing God's kingdom and bringing Him glory through your faithful service.

"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work." - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

We encourage everyone in our church family to take the Spiritual Gifts Test and begin the exciting journey of serving from your God-given strengths. Visit SpiritualGiftsTest.com to get started today!

We are excited for you to check out the new Overflow Kingdom magazine that captures how God is moving through Christian Assembly’s Kingdom efforts.

As a Christian Assembly Church family, one of our values is “Kingdom” by which we mean sharing God’s transforming grace with others around us, in the city, and around the world, just as God shared it with us in His Son, Jesus Christ.  This includes both acts of mercy and justice as well as verbally telling people about Jesus Christ and how they can be saved by his life, death, and resurrection.

Because of the faith, service, prayers, and giving of the people of Christian Assembly, people’s lives and eternities are being changed in our city and around the world. This magazine is filled with stories from the last 12 months of how God has been at work in us and through us.

Download the Digital PDF version of the Christian Assembly Magazine.

We encourage you to not only read the magazine, but also pray for each of our kingdom efforts.  Plus, there are next steps available via the QR codes.  Prayerfully consider what your next step might be in partnering with all that God is doing both locally and globally through our church family.  It’s a joy to see God at work through each person who is part of the Christian Assembly Church family!

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LA FIRE RESOURCE GUIDE

We have created a resource guide for those who are looking to help and those who need help during the crisis of the LA Fires.

Download the Current Resource Guide

Since the fires happened, we are so thankful for the outpouring of prayers, generosity, and willingness to help those in need.  Thank you CA family for the ways you are demonstrating the love of Christ during this time.  We recognize that we are in this for the long haul and will keep updating the ways people can help and receive help as things progress.

At this time, we are not receiving donations of supplies to distribute.  However, you can find a list of places that you can donate supplies on the resource guide.

Our CA pastoral team has been following up with the 40+ CA families who lost their homes in the fire. We are in the process of providing benevolence and pastoral care. We are also building wrap around support teams (starting with life groups) for each family/individual from CA who lost their home and wants a team to help.

If you have any questions, please email kingdom@cachurch.com

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Finding Hope Through Grief: A 7-Day Devotional Guide

Grieving the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences we face in life. It can feel overwhelming, isolating, and even disorienting. However, you are not alone. The Through the Valley guide is a 7-day devotional designed to help you navigate the grief journey, providing comfort, encouragement, and practical steps for healing.

What to Expect in the Guide

This devotional walks you through seven important aspects of grief:

1. Preparing for Grief – Understanding what to expect and how to begin the grieving process.
2. Beginning to Grieve – Acknowledging your emotions and allowing yourself to feel the loss.
3. Coping with Anger – Addressing anger, frustration, and unanswered questions.
4. Bargaining with God – Processing regrets and missed opportunities.
5. Dealing with Depression – Recognizing sadness as part of the journey and learning to find joy again.
6. Living with Acceptance – Embracing the new normal while honoring your loved one’s memory.
7. Moving Forward Unfinished – Finding purpose in your grief and learning to support others in their journey.

Each day includes guided prayers, scripture readings, journaling exercises, and action steps to help you process grief in a healthy, faith-centered way.

Why This Guide is Important

Grief does not have a set timeline, and healing is a deeply personal journey. The Through the Valley guide encourages you to take your time, lean on God, and seek support from loved ones and your faith community.

By committing to this process, you can gain strength from God’s word, find comfort in prayer, and develop practical coping strategies that allow you to move forward while still cherishing the memories of your loved one.

Download the Full Guide

For a more in-depth journey through grief, you can download the Through the Valley guide. This resource offers structured devotionals, writing exercises, and additional scriptures to help you navigate each stage of grief at your own pace.

You don’t have to go through grief alone—allow this guide to be a companion as you walk through the valley and into healing.

Through the Valley guide, print version

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For those planning a wedding, we are delighted at the prospect of being a part of this important decision and honored to offer our support to the success of your marriage.  If you’d like to request a Christian Assembly pastor to officiate your wedding, we invite you to follow the steps outlined below, consider what we think about Christian marriage, and review our recommendations.

How do I request a Christian Assembly Church pastor to officiate my wedding?

1. Fill out and submit a wedding questionnaire 
2. Attend the Pre-Married Class (Before-“I Do”) or schedule a series of appointments for Pre-Marriage counseling
3. Once the availability of a pastor has been confirmed, schedule a time to meet with that pastor to discuss specific plans and details of your wedding ceremony. 

What does Christian Assembly believe about marriage?

People come from many different backgrounds and traditions that shape their understanding of marriage. At Christian Assembly, we recognize the value of that diversity while holding firmly to what we believe are the essential ingredients for entering a covenant of Christian marriage based on the Bible and lessons learned.

In Biblical teaching, marriage was given by God to Adam and Eve in the garden, and is understood to be an expression of God’s love for us.  Christian marriage is a unique and exclusive covenant made by a man and a woman to share their lives together in a bond of love that reflects the love of Jesus Christ.  That requires much more than a ceremony or a blessing from the church.  It requires that the bride and groom both put their faith in Jesus and commit their lives to following Him.

This is why we take marriage so seriously at Christian Assembly.  We do not choose to simply perform wedding ceremonies.  Rather, we want to help build marriages that thrive in the love of Jesus.  To that end, we have identified a list of recommendations to anyone who plans to be married as a part of our local church. 

Recommendations: 

1. Make individual commitments to trust and follow Jesus as the top priority in your marriage.  On the basis of Biblical teaching, we urge both man and woman to be committed to following Jesus before they are married.  Not sharing the same faith in substance and practice leads to hazardous ramifications in marriage.  If you or your fiancé have not put your faith in Jesus and you want to learn more about what that means, please contact us.  Any of our pastoral staff would be happy to talk with you.
2. Seek formal counseling prior to being married.  This can be done in the form of a pre-marriage class offered by Christian Assembly, counseling sessions with our Relationship Center staff or a pastoral staff member, or counseling with any other trained counselors in or outside of Christian Assembly.  Your marriage will have a greater chance to thrive if you enter it knowing your areas of strength and weakness and gaining tools for how best to manage them as a couple.
3. Get connected and involved at Christian Assembly.  Even great marriages face challenges, and every bride and groom who strives to keep Jesus at the center of their marriage needs a community of friends who are committed to doing a Jesus-centered life with them.  At Christian Assembly, there are multiple opportunities to build this kind of community such as the Partnership class, Life Groups, Women’s ministries and Men’s ministries.  Check our website for more ways to get connected and to serve together as a couple.
4. Contact the Christian Assembly staff at least 3 months before your wedding day.  This will give us an opportunity to connect with you and to know how best we can serve and support you.  We will ask you to submit a wedding questionnaire and will plan to meet with you to make plans for the wedding day.

Contact Us:

If you have any questions regarding marriage, we would be happy to talk with you and to discern together this important decision in your life. For more info, please email info@cachurch.com or call 323.641.6759.

We are honored to be your church family and serve you as you grieve, remember and celebrate the life of a loved one.  If you would like to request a pastor from Christian Assembly to lead a memorial service, please submit a Funeral Service Questionnaire so we can confirm availability and begin making arrangements.  For any questions please refer to the FAQ section below, or call (323) 255-1421.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is there someone at the church who can help make funeral and/or burial arrangements?  We recommend you contact a funeral director to make arrangements for your loved one’s resting place.  Our pastoral staff is able to help you plan and facilitate a funeral service, and to offer pastoral care to the family.
2. Are Christian Assembly’s facilities available for a funeral service?  Our facilities are not guaranteed to be available.  You may request use of our facilities (included in the Funeral Service Questionnaire), but we recommend finding a funeral home, or alternative venue.  Note – use of the church’s campus for a funeral service is generally limited to Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday mornings when available.
3. Is there space available for a reception on the Christian Assembly campus?  Does the church offer any food or beverage?  Christian Assembly does not accommodate receptions, or food and beverages on our campus.  We recommend you find another location for family and friends to gather following the funeral service.
4. Are musicians from Christian Assembly available for funerals?  Christian Assembly cannot guarantee the availability of a musician.  You must make a specific request for a musician or worship leader (included in the Funeral Service Questionnaire), and communicate directly with the pastor facilitating the funeral service regarding your plans.  
5. Who else should be involved in the funeral service?  We recommend identifying two, or three people who can share personal words about your loved one during the funeral service – one person to share an overview of your loved one’s life, and two or three others who can share brief remarks and memories.
6. Are there any costs involved with the use of Christian Assembly’s campus or the services of a pastor?  It is customary to give an honorarium – a financial gift of appreciation for the time and service rendered – to the pastor facilitating the funeral service (there is no standard amount for the honorarium).  Other honorariums are customarily given to a participating worship leader, and/or Audio/Visual Technician.  Honorariums can be given before or at the conclusion of the funeral service. There is no cost for the use of the church facilities.
7. What is the church address and phone number?  2424 Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041  /  (323) 255-1421.

Contact Us:  If you have any questions regarding a funeral service, please contact Sandra Delgado at (323) 255-1421 or email sandrad@cachurch.com.