Our Spiritual Leader - Pastor Rodrick Echols

Reverend Rodrick Echols (he/his) serves as Pastor at Neighborhood
Congregational Church, UCC in Laguna Beach, CA.  He is a graduate of
both Brown University and the School of Theology at Boston University.
Prior to beginning full-time ministry in Laguna, Rod held fund
development roles alongside prominent, national institutions,
including UC San Diego, Brown University, and United Way.  His
passions include pastoral care, leadership development, speech
communication, and counseling.  Rod was pleased to serve in various
capacities with a number of churches, including Youth Pastor, Interim
Pastor, and Pastor of Congregational Development!  Rod's faith in love
is strong.  He is a spirited preacher who brings a passion for social
justice, while seeking to provide space for all spiritual seekers to
gather, connect, and work together.

Rod is originally from Memphis, TN, with unfailing tastes for jazz,
soul, and gospel music.  He is a lover of comic books, works on
astrotheology, college basketball, professional football, and
non-chocolate candies.  His ongoing academic interest is in the
development of a theory of leadership for equitable communities.