Meet Mark Stephenson | Pastor, Harmony — Toluca Lake; Creative Artist; Co-Founder of The Excellence Agency

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Stephenson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Without risk, there is no reward. At least for what is worth having in your life and moving you forward to better yourself. This applies personally, as well as collectively; for one’s good and for the good of the whole, which can be an organization. Only by failing do we truly learn. Sure, it hurts. Certainly there’s an element of fear. Who in the world wants to fall flat on their face? And yet, if one is reflective of everything in their life, there has always been risk involved to achieve what you wanted. Risk adds to the “want” to elevate your game.
As for me, I think back to my dad who told me that fear has the capacity to destroy dreams. That is, if you let it. You don’t want to go overboard with what may be “risky” — as though you can throw risk to the wind and everything will be fine. There are definitely downsides to taking chances. Taking big chances! Yet, by taking risks and not allowing fear to stand in my way, I have been blessed to have accomplished so much in my life: going to college away from home, traveling overseas to earn my Masters Degree, being involved in the theater arts where rejection happens much more than success. Plus, taking a risk to say “yes” in answering my call to become a pastor. These are just a few examples. Being a “church planter” isn’t for the weak of heart. Nevertheless, all of the risks taken have led me to this moment. And it has been and is so fulfilling.

Embrace risk. Make “risk” your friend.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
While “church” is a business, it is above all a community. It is about serving others, and extending compassion, love and support to everyone as beloved children of a magnificent Creator. I love serving as the pastor at Harmony — Toluca Lake, which is the second campus of Hollywood United Methodist Church. For years (all the way back to being a teenager), I heard a knock at the figurative door in my life, and I knew the one who was doing the knocking was Jesus. I figured if I ignored the knocking long enough, he would step away and go to someone else’s door, but that wasn’t the case. Just over seven years ago, I finally answered the knock on my door. And I knew it would be one of the biggest life risks I had ever taken. Everything I had previously done for 35 years was being set aside to answer a call for ministry as a pastor — leading a new church plant. Starting something brand-new. From scratch. Yet, those 35 years of experience came into play to help me shape the ministries being offered, as well as taking numerous risks along the way. One particular challenge (of which there have been a number, which always occurs in ministry efforts) was the pandemic. We went from having a congregation that was thriving in-person to suddenly coming to a crashing halt. We then shifted from worshiping together in the sanctuary to going through two years of Zoom church. And thank goodness for my creative background and for those who backed vision to incorporate online worship opportunities to meet people where they were and are now. Church is not the same; and yet, it has never been meant to be the same. Without change, there is no growth. I’m especially excited how ministry has changed at Harmony to embrace new ways of gathering and connecting for worship. For example, one Sunday a month, we have a “Brunch & Learn” experience, in which volunteers prepare a delicious meal, we serve it in the sanctuary during worship service, and after my homily, we have a guest speaker share their expertise with us so that we learn about something new. I give thanks to Harmony’s Leadership Team and to Hollywood UMC for embracing risk and ways of doing things differently. We’re now creating several new podcast series to, again, meet the people where they are in their lives. “The way we’ve always done it” will only take us so far. And my goal is to take us as far as I can until the next leader takes up the mantle.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There is so much to enjoy in Greater Los Angeles, and in the surrounding areas. If I had a week to show them around, I would want them to experience the eclectic nature of what makes Los Angeles one of the most popular cities in the country, if not the world. In no particular order, I would take them to Santa Monica Pier to take in the relaxing ambience of the Pacific Ocean while also having a marvelous offset of walking along the famous Venice Beach Boardwalk — where anything and everything happens. One has to go to Hollywood, and there I would show them the historic footprints / handprints at the TLC Chinese Theater (and maybe catch a film inside its decorative building). Then journey over to Griffith Park Observatory to visit this iconic landmark with its stunning views of the city. For the arts, there’s ample opportunities to take in a concert at Walt Disney Hall or at the Hollywood Bowl, to explore the vast artistic offerings at the Getty Museum, to head over to the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, or to learn about prehistoric Los Angeles at the La Brea Tar Pits. For the thrill-seekers, what’s not to enjoy at Universal Studios or to the north — Magic Mountain, or to the south — Disneyland! And there are numerous restaurants / venues in which to dine, among which include Musso & Frank Grill, Philippe the Original, Grand Central Market, the Dresden, Yamashiro, the Red Maple Cafe, and El Cholo. The dining options are diverse, wide and plentiful.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many individuals who have played a part in shaping who I am, where I have been, and what I have been able to achieve. While I wish I could name them all, I will say for this particular “shoutout” moment, I would dedicate it to the late Dr. Tom Baker, who was my mentor at Austin College. Dr. Baker consistently lifted me up and was always excited to see what I would bring to the education table. When it came time for me to apply for a graduate student internship at a school to earn my Masters Degree, he asked me to dream where I’d like to be. Where did I visualize myself? And when I said London, he didn’t blink an eye. Mind you, no graduate student at Austin College in the Teachers Program had ever traveled overseas / internationally to earn their M.A. We were embarking into new territory and creating something from ground zero. Everyone, including my family, thought this was a pipe dream, and yet, Dr. Baker worked diligently with me to make the right connections and to eventually convince the Headmaster at the American School in London to take a risk on me. Dr. Baker’s belief in me fueled my fire to create a pathway that would later be followed by other students. Everyone needs a Dr. Baker in their corner, and I will forever be grateful for his encouragement and ardent support — that lasted long after my graduation until his death.

Website: www.harmonytl.org

Instagram: @Harmony_TLC

Facebook: @HarmonyTL