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Quentin T Oden, Pastor

Quentin T Oden, Alabama born and Gardena, California raised, is the 5th of 7 children

born to Walter and Alliszene Oden. A scholarly child of promise and resilience, frequently held a position on honor roll throughout his adolescence into high school. Quentin excelled in sports varying from baseball, basketball and track and field.

 

After high school, Quentin went to work and attended Harbor Junior College, Cal State University, Dominguez Hills and Cal State University, Long Beach. For Quentin, career opportunity and education ran concurrently. At age 23 he went to work for Hughes Aircraft Company (now known as Raytheon). The divisions that Quentin worked for were highly technical and responsible for setting up laboratories that were used to develop and build hardware for military applications. Over 19 years, Quentin was promoted 5 times continuing his trajectory into leadership roles; managing a team of 20 people.

 

Coming from a legacy of ministry by way of his grandfather, Milton Lyles, who Pastored four small churches through the post slavery and Jim Crow era, Quentin acknowledged his call to ministry at the age 33. He was nurtured under the pastoral leadership of John W. Bowie, Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Los Angeles in 1991. Quentin worked in the evangelism ministry, sang with the young adult choir and participated with a Friday night bible study group affectionately called “The Friday Night Gang” that lasted nearly 17 years.

 

In September 1996, Quentin accepted his elevation to Pastor of Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles. He stepped out on faith leaving the security of his career at Hughes, to become the first full time Pastor (out of 4 Pastors) in Triedstone’s 65+ years of existence. While in service of God’s people in the surrounding community, many programs were initiated:

  • The weekly Food and Clothing giveaway where many needy families benefited.

  • The Addictions Rally where many ailing souls received prayer and resources to help them start the road to recovery.

  • Health Drive and Carnival for families to learn more about healthy living and the importance of the family unit.

  • Annual Vacation Bible Study drew faithfully big turnouts of neighborhood children; learning about Jesus in a loving and safe environment.

 

Quentin is casting the vision for Triedstone which promotes a dynamic multicultural Bible based movement in the Carson area of Los Angeles. He leads the ministries of Triedstone into new territories as God gives opportunity. He believes in innovation and creativity; encouraging the growth and future success of Triedstone by incorporating young adults in leadership of ministry and administration. The fruit of which is evident through the example of the music ministry which has released an album called the “Triedstone- True Worship Project” and an earlier theater production called “The Struggle” which debuted at the Warner Grand Theater. Quentin functioned as Executive Producer for both projects.

 

To sustain and support Quentin in his purpose and lifelong journey, God has blessed him with a loving and compassionate partner in his wife, Shelley Amoi Oden. Her infectious smile and welcoming spirit is a beautiful compliment to him and the heart of the church. Sharing in matrimonial love for 36+ years, they were also blessed to have four children and five grandchildren.

 

As God continues to show His Glory in Triedstone, so shall He bless the Angel of His flock. Quentin often prays prior to the Word going forth, “For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips. But here am I, Lord. Send me.” This redemptive prayer exhibits that all can be used by God if only we open ourselves to experiencing true worship which is freely encouraged and taught on Sundays. The Lord has commissioned Quentin to complete a book on this topic which will be released in the latter part of 2018.

Shelley A Oden, First Lady

Shelley Amoi Oden has been the First Lady of Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles since 1996.  She married her high school sweetheart, the distinguished Pastor/Teacher, Quentin T. Oden Sr. in 1981.  They have four adult children, 2 sons and 2 daughters who blessed them with a son-in love, a daughter-in-love, 2 granddaughters and 3 grandsons.  Sis. Shelley leads the Women’s Ministry at Triedstone (Women of the Stone) as their “Spiritual Advisor,” and is a member of the Hospitality Committee.  Her favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Through her leadership, she teaches that, “Everything we do must be done with excellence, grace and dignity.  For that reason, we are representatives and ambassadors for Jesus Christ.  He deserves our best.  And His people deserve our respect.”

In the secular world, Sis. Shelley has a career at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems as a Quality Manager.  Additionally, she made a progressive and strategic career move into Defense Contracts and Licensing at Raytheon.  Consequently, in order to satisfy the requirements for her dual positions, she returned to college and completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management at the University of Phoenix.

Subsequently, Sis. Oden expresses her appreciation and technical skills for the visual arts through her “side-gig” as a professional artist.  She specializes in oil on canvas, watercolor and pastel art pieces.  And her published lithographs are sold throughout the United States, Canada and Europe.  Her first published piece was sold in 1989, “The Woman in Red.”  Her other published artworks are “A Praying Mother,” “Chickens in the Road,” “Reflection” and “Evening Dance” to name a few.  Sis. Shelley hasn’t created any new paintings in several years now.  Her family and friends are constantly urging her to get back to the easel.  So she promised to pick up a brush as soon as time and inspiration permits.

After her service to the Lord, her family, and her career Sis. Oden loves classic movies, classic R & B, Disney cartoons and relaxing on vacation with Pastor Oden.

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