Ford new pastor at La Jolla Christian Fellowship

Dr. Clayton (Clay) Ford is the new pastor of La Jolla Christian Fellowship.

Ford, who took the reins on July 15, has served in a variety of ministries, including senior pastor in several American Baptist and Transformation Ministries churches and as a street missionary in Berkeley.

In addition to being a pastor, Ford is also currently the National Chair of Holy Spirit Renewal Ministries, a ministry dedicated to bringing about the spiritual revitalization of churches, seminaries and Christian organizations, particularly among Baptists. He is a sought-after speaker and has spoken at numerous churches and conferences across the United States and overseas.

Ford and his wife, Cheri, have been married for more than 30 years and have two grown children and five grandchildren. Their son, Billy, is the pastor at Bouquet Canyon Church in Santa Clarita, and their daughter, Hannah, is in the ministry as a singer, evangelist and worship leader.

Cheri is particularly excited to land in La Jolla. Her family moved from Illinois to the La Jolla area in her early childhood. They were soon forced to move inland, however, because of her frequent bouts with asthma. She was raised in Pomona. Cheri is also a speaker and an award-winning author with five published books.

“Coming back here is like a dream come true,” she said.

Ford grew up in Virginia and West Virginia and is a graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina. He received the M Div degree from the American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley and Covina and the Doctor of Ministry degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia (now Palmer Theological Seminary).