Rev. Dr. Josh Lopez-Reyes is the Associate Pastor of Hollywood United Methodist Church.
Faith-rooted. Justice-driven. Community-committed.
In a world driven by algorithms and attention, I believe in something deeper: love that transforms, communities that rise together, and faith that liberates—not oppresses.
I’m Rev. Dr. Josh Lopez-Reyes— pastor, nonprofit leader, and longtime advocate for immigrant families in Los Angeles. With nearly 20 years of nonprofit ministry experience—including co-founding the Echo Park Immigration Center (EPIC)—I’ve committed my life to work that bridges faith, justice, and community.
My story is shaped by five defining moments that continue to guide me:
🌱 Raised in a Culture of Grit
I grew up in a hard working immigrant family where love looked like sacrifice and dignity was found in showing up. My parents pushed me in school and sports, and modeled how to treat people—with humility, respect, and compassion.
📖 Called to Something Bigger
My first sermon came in a small immigrant church youth group two decades. That “yes” opened the door to studying theology—a path that showed me God’s love is not small, not tribal, not exclusive. It’s a force that transforms lives, systems, and stories.
🔥 Faith, Deconstructed
Years in seminary pushed me to wrestle with the theology I grew up with. I began to question the nationalism, xenophobia, and colonial ideologies that too often distort Christianity. That pain gave birth to clarity: real faith liberates. It doesn’t exclude—it invites. It doesn’t dominate—it heals.
I hold a Master of Arts in Transformational Urban Leadership, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry. My studies, paired with two years living
and working in the favelas of Brazil, deepened my empathy for immigrants. I know what it’s like to live in a land where you don’t speak the language and feel far from home.
💍 Two Life-Changing YESes
One “yes” came from my wife, Grecia, on top of the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. Over ten years later, that remains the best decision of my life—and now we’re joyfully preparing to welcome our first child.
The other came when I stepped into full-time ministry over 8 years ago—fully aware of the financial challenges it could bring. As the son of a preacher, I had seen those struggles up close. But like the first, it was an act of love and courage.
Today, I’m a commissioned provisional Elder with The United Methodist Church, fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, and still on the journey of learning what it means to serve God faithfully in complex and diverse communities.
🌎 The Why Behind the Work
This work isn’t always glamorous. It’s often behind the scenes and under the radar. But I remind myself daily—it is sacred. It is a gift to walk alongside people, especially in moments of transition or struggle, to embody the kind of love the world needs most.
🤝 Let’s Connect
Whether you’re a parent, a seeker, a storyteller, or someone in a hard season—I want you to know: you’re not alone. If you believe in love over fear, community over isolation, and justice over comfort, we’re already on the same path.
Let’s build something rooted in LOVE. Together.