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.