wfn.org | 1997 General Assembly preacher, Disciples

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pastor dies in Los Angeles
Date: December 22, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the web: http//www.disciples.org

97a-70

     LOS ANGELES (DNS) -- The Rev. Antonio "T.J."
Bottoms, pastor of All Peoples Christian Church of
Los Angeles, died Sunday, December 21.  He was 38. 

     Bottoms was diagnosed with an inoperable,
malignant brain tumor only weeks before his death. 
He died "surrounded by people who loved him
dearly," said Frankie Stewart, moderator-elect of
All Peoples Church and Bottoms' close friend.  "It
was very peaceful."  

     The All Peoples Church pastor served on the
General Board of the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ).  He was known for outspokenness that
was often modulated by humor. 

     From the pulpit at the 1997 General Assembly
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Bottoms' shared his deep feelings that the Gospel
calls Christians to a passion for justice. "Did
you know that the homeless and destitute man who
annoys you every day is an embodiment of the
Christ of God, and that everybody watching you
will make a decision about you and your beliefs
based on your treatment of that man?" Bottoms
exhorted. 

     The introduction to that very sermon revealed
as well the pastor's passion for his own flock in
Los Angeles. "They have taught me the meaning of
reconciliation in new and fresh new.  They have
loved me with a love that simply will not let me
go...I praise God for the privilege of even
knowing the saints of God that are All People's." 

     "He was big on the church as community he was
big on our being there for each other," said
Stewart. "I will remember him as one who was
always teaching. He said...the important task is
to find out what our gift is and to use it."

     Bottoms became pastor of All People's Church
in 1988.  He served as an associate pastor at
First Christian Church of Santa Monica, Calif. and
as a student associate pastor at Mississippi
Boulevard Christian Church, Memphis, Tenn. 

     He graduated from Jarvis Christian College,
Hawkins, Texas., attended Memphis State
University, and the School of Theology at
Claremont, Calif.  He was ordained in 1991. 

     Bottoms was single.  He is survived by his
mother, Jeanie Bottoms, Indianapolis, In. and
other loving relatives.  Funeral arrangements were
pending.  Arrangements are being made for interim
leadership for the congregation and selection of
Bottoms' successor.  

                    -- end -- 

DISCNEWS - inbox for Disciples News Service, Office of Communication, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), PO Box 1986 Indianapolis, IN 46206, tele. (317) 635-3100, (DISCNEWS@ecunet.org) Wilma Shuffitt, News and Information Assistant; (CWILLIS@oc.disciples.org) Cliff Willis, Director of News and Information; (CMILLER@oc.disciples.org) Executive Director