Title: 1997 General Assembly preacher, Disciples pastor dies in Los Angeles
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Date: December 22, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.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 ways. 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.
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