Rev. Michael Mata

Michael A. Mata has designed and administered community and faith-based programs for over 30 years, particularly in the areas of community development, congregational redevelopment, intercultural programs, organizational and leadership development, ministry/nonprofit management and community youth development. He directs the Graduate Program in Transformational Urban Leadership at Azusa Pacific Seminary and is the Community Transformation Specialist with Compassion Creates Change, Inc.

Prior to his current assignments, he was the Tools for Transformation Director for World Vision U.S. Program. Mata was also the Mildred M. Hutchinson Assistant Professor of Urban Ministry and Director of the Urban Leadership Institute at the Claremont School of Theology. As an ordained minister, he has nearly 20 years of experience in urban pastoral leadership, including being part of the pastoral team at Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene (a multi-ethnic/multi-congregation church with a highly regarded community program).

His skills and expertise garner him great recognition in the community as a consummate networker and crafter of coalitions, particularly among community and religious groups inexperienced in political and civic affairs. Mata holds degrees in biblical literature, religion, and urban planning.

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