Serving the Faith Community for 70 Years

“The greatest gift I have ever received is to have Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of my life. He has created an incredible plan for my life which has led me to the person of Senior Pastor of Morningstar Christian Church, the star of Pasadena.” Pastor Willie Harrison Trotter

Before becoming pastor, Reverend Trotter proudly served as an associate minister. At Morningstar. Youth ministry coordinator. Bible study teacher. Member of the man’s church corps. And teacher of the new members class, he has been able to continue his ongoing evangelism at churches in Pasadena, Altadena and Los Angeles with an easy, understandable teaching style. He resents the Word to diverse congregations using research and humor.

Previously, he united with Upper Room Christian Church of Los Angeles under the leadership, teaching and guidance of the late Reverend Charles Belcher. He served faithfully in many aspects of the church. And in 1995 he was licensed and ordained by Reverend Belcher. While at Upper Room, he served as president of the Youth Usher Board and later the Senior Usher Board. His interest in the lessons of the Bible led him to become a Sunday school teacher, and eventually he assumed the position of Sunday’s school Superintendent and associate minister.

Reverend Trotter was also called to the prison ministry to minister to inmates in city jails and in local prisons. Reverend Trotter served two years in the United States Army. While proudly serving his country, the Vietnam. He received the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star for bravery and the army Commendation Medal with V. Device.

For years Willie was employed by the 7UP bottling company. After advancing to the position of Delivery Supervisor, he retired to join his wife and family in business. They have been owners of successful child care and educational facilities in the Los Angeles area for decades.

During Pastor Trotters leadership of less than three years, God has directed him to lead Morning Star in a number of spiritual and community projects. He has revitalized the youth department, where the children and young adults now participate on Sundays. On the steps, praise dance, children’s church and gossip rap. Morningstar has a 501C3 status, which has enabled them to partner with Youth Build, a program where youth work in the construction field while earning a high school diploma.

Reverend Trotter attended Pasadena City College, received a certificate from UCLA Anderson School of Business Management and attended Bethany Christian College where he received his doctorate degree in theology. He continues his calling and education through many lectures. Seminars, conferences and revivals. Pastor Trotter holds the position of Assistant Correspondent, Secretary of the Baptist Ministers Conference and is an active member of the Clergy Community Coalition.

For the past 51 years his family has been affiliated. With Morning Star, and his wife Ranza is an active member. They are the proud parents of three adult children and seven grandchildren.