Our Pastor
Reverend Jerrell Walls
A straightforward man of God who loves and nurtures his flock, Reverend Jerrell Walls founded Christ Chapel of the Valley in 1992. Raised in Northwest Texas by parents who were long-time Pastors, he was given the profound gifts of teaching and ministry at a very young age.
As a boy of 10 years old, Jerrell taught a Bible club for the neighborhood kids on Saturday mornings. As a teenager, he attended leadership seminars and conferences as the president of his church youth group. In 1982, he graduated from L.I.F.E. Pacific College with a Bachelor degree in Biblical Studies. Over the years, he has continued his commitment to lifelong learning through workshops, conferences, and seminars for clergy.
Jerrell’s early development was based on ministry as the District Youth Director for a five-state area and administrative work in the Foursquare Denomination’s headquarters. But as he came to realize that being gay was not a phase, he began his research to reconcile his faith and sexual orientation. After coming to a fuller understanding of God’s unwavering grace, love and acceptance, Jerrell felt a tug on his heart, a strong knowing that a great number of people—many of them members of the LGBTQ+ community—were denied the good news of Christ’s love and redemption.
In 1987, one of Jerrell’s mentors pointed him to Christ Chapel Long Beach, a predominately gay and lesbian congregation founded by Pastor Michael Cole. There, God brought healing. A few years later, inspired and restored, Jerrell began a Bible study in the San Fernando Valley. The Bible study quickly grew, eventually becoming the foundation for Christ Chapel of the Valley.
Today, Jerrell continues his pastoral work at Christ Chapel of the Valley, and is also a senior pastor of Christ Chapel Association of Churches. He co-chairs and chairs the LA Queer Interfaith Clergy Council and LAPD Community Police Advisory Board Clergy Committee respectively, as well as serves on both the Department of Mental Health Clergy Roundtable and the LAUSD Supervisor’s Clergy Council. To further spread the word of God’s love, grace and acceptance of all people, Jerrell speaks at conferences and workshops.
Despite his many responsibilities, Jerrell still manages to find time to work out with his partner, John, and spend time with their friends and family in San Diego.
Reverend Jerrell Walls
Pastor Jerrell Walls
May 29, 1959 - January 18, 2026
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Pastor Jerrell Walls, who went home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2026 following a brief illness. A steadfast and compassionate servant of God, his life was defined by faith, courage, and an unwavering commitment to loving all people.
Raised by pastor parents in Northwest Texas and called to ministry at a young age, Jerrell’s gifts were evident early—teaching Bible lessons to neighborhood children at just ten years old and leading with purpose throughout his youth. A lifelong learner and devoted pastor, he founded Christ Chapel of the Valley in 1992, creating a spiritual home rooted in grace, truth, and inclusion.
Through deep personal reflection and faith, Jerrell reconciled his calling with his identity, answering God’s tug to reach those too often excluded from the church, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. His ministry brought healing, restoration, and belonging to countless lives, extending beyond the pulpit through interfaith leadership, civic service, and advocacy.
Pastor Jerrell Walls leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, integrity, and radical welcome—one that will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know him.