Pastor Juan Carlos Mendez
Pastor Juan Carlos Mendez is the Pastor of Centro Cristiano Bet-El a Southern Baptist Church in Los Angeles which offers services in both Spanish and English. Pastor Mendez is one of the founders of the “Dream Center” formerly Bethel Temple Los Angeles. Bishop Mendez was mentored by the late Dr. Rev. Harald Bredesen. God has led Bishop Mendez to start 40 other churches. In addition, Bishop Mendez is the leader in the city of Los Angeles who heads the Annual Mayor’s Inter-Faith Prayer Breakfast.
After his graduation from Vanguard University in 1990 with a degree in theology and Liberal Arts, Bishop Mendez has two master degrees; Multicultural Education, Public Administration and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership. Pastor Mendez was ordained in the Assembly of God denomination, and has served in numerous capacities during his ministry. In addition to having pastored the Spanish speaking Church at the Dream Center, he has been a church planter in Latin America, Africa and Asia, serves as an overseer of churches in the Southern California region and functions as the International Director of a global Christian organization. Pastor Mendez’s passion leads him to train pastors in both the national and international arenas, where he is frequently called upon to speak at leadership conferences. Bishop Mendez is also a well known radio he was the host of the Spanish language radio show “Guerreros del Tercer Milenio” which aired twice daily reaching millions throughout the U.S, Bishop Mendez has worked on the U.S. Congressional Forum on Immigration and has organized hundreds of Prayer Breakfasts for elected officials at the municipal, state and national levels. Bishop has been an advocate in the City of Los Angeles and across this nation for the poor and needy, amongst his many battles for fairness and justice, he has fought against the Proposed Metro Fare Increase, fought for Wal-Mart, Hotel, airport, fast food restaurants, workers, and has been at the fore front of immigrant families and their quest for justice. Bishop Mendez has been a champion of the community for the last thirty years.
Besides the work for social justice, Bishop Mendez has been a part of and has contributed to the well being of other people in other countries. Bishop Juan Carlos Mendez has gone beyond the call of duty where he has established a school in Africa, directed medical journeys all over the globe, helped directly or indirectly over 40 countries. He continues to host many community events such as, the Annual Backpack Giveaway, Fiesta Hoover, and the Walk for Peace in Los Angeles, Health Fairs, and many community projects. Most recently Bishop Mendez donated a Fire truck to the country of Guatemala and opened a health clinic in south Los Angeles. Bishop founded the Los Angeles Community Enterprises and Services, a Community Development Corporation.
With Bishop Mendez growing spiritual influence in Los Angeles, he is often called upon to share his insights with the media as well as city hall. His influence has also extended to Washington D.C., He has hosted Congressional summits at Centro Cristiano Bet-El. He serves on the board of numerous boards both nationally and internationally. Bishop Mendez is the founder and president of Churches for Action, a coalition of 2000 churches who mobilize on behalf of the needy and destitute. He has also been the recipient of hundreds of awards by numerous institutions and organizations.
In his early career years, Pastor Mendez served in the Los Angeles Unified School District as a k-12 teacher and administrator at different high schools and downtown Los Angeles Schools as schools Administrator. Bishop Mendez is also known as an entrepreneur, at the age of 17started a number of successful small businesses. He has made many radio and television appearances and has two masters degrees a specialist degree and a doctorate in education.
Pastor Mendez and his family live in the south east part of Los Angeles near the families that he ministers to.
