Podcast Summary: Ep 1209 | Jesus is Moving in LA. Meet the Ministry Behind It | Matthew Barnett
Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey
Host: Blaze Podcast Network
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 1209 of Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey, host Allie Beth welcomes Matthew Barnett, the founder of the LA Dream Center. The discussion delves into how a conservative Christian charity thrives in the progressive landscape of Los Angeles, addressing issues such as drug addiction, poverty, homelessness, and the delicate balance between compassion and accountability. Matthew shares his journey, insights on effective ministry, interactions with local government, and the challenges faced over the past three decades.
Founding the LA Dream Center
Matthew Barnett's Journey
Matthew Barnett recounts the humble beginnings of the LA Dream Center. Originally part of a large church in Phoenix, Arizona, Matthew was called at the age of 20 to take over a struggling church building in downtown LA—a region notorious for gang activity.
"God just spoke to me and he said, guide your dream of being a success and live to the dream of being a blessing." [02:11]
Despite initial struggles, including dwindling church membership from 18 to 2, Matthew's commitment and innovative outreach—serving food and connecting with the community—transformed the center into a sprawling 400,000-square-foot facility housing 700 residents daily.
Day-to-Day Operations and Programs
Comprehensive Support Systems
Matthew details the variety of programs offered, each typically lasting a year to provide individuals the "luxury of time" needed for genuine transformation.
"When people have time and they can really start working on core issues of their life, that's when they change." [03:56]
Key Programs Include:
- Discipleship: A year-long drug and alcohol rehabilitation program with an optional second year focusing on financial rebuilding.
- Veterans Support: Housing and support for homeless veterans aiming to reintegrate into society.
- Homeless Families: Providing shelter, parenting classes, and ensuring children stay in school, with monthly assessments to maintain accountability.
Matthew emphasizes that the Dream Center doesn't merely provide shelter but nurtures potential, asking residents to dream and work towards a better future.
"We just don't serve people's need, we serve people's potential." [05:20]
Insights on Homelessness
Understanding the Root Causes
Matthew shares observations from 30 years of ministry, highlighting that family breakdowns are often at the heart of homelessness and addiction issues.
"90% of every testimony says my parents went through a divorce or there's some family breakdown that became the traumatizing event." [07:10]
He critiques the prevailing cultural acceptance of drug use and the insufficient attention to rebuilding broken families, which perpetuates the cycle of homelessness.
Critique of Public Policies
Effectiveness of Government Initiatives
Matthew expresses skepticism about the efficacy of current homelessness policies in Los Angeles, arguing that they lack accountability and fail to address the underlying spiritual and emotional needs.
"It's like it cost us $7,500 a year to house someone... versus $175,000 a year to incarcerate them." [08:27]
He advocates for faith-based, structured programs that focus on personal transformation rather than mere provision of services.
"When you're dealing with homeless people, you got to have a lot of encounters with people before they're ready to make that change in their life." [08:27]
Navigating Government Support
Balancing Partnership and Integrity
While Matthew acknowledges occasional collaboration with local government, he highlights the challenges of maintaining the ministry's integrity when faced with political agendas and conditional support.
"We've turned down millions and millions and millions of dollars... because the only thing that sustains our community is the power of the Word of God." [12:24]
He underscores the importance of adhering to Christian principles over compromising with governmental requirements that may conflict with the ministry's mission.
Response to Crises: The COVID-19 Pandemic
Resilience Amidst Adversity
Matthew reflects on the immense challenges during COVID-19, including personally experiencing a stroke and managing the surge in demand for services.
"It was probably most stressful time in my life. I went through a stroke during that period." [19:54]
The Dream Center expanded its food distribution, supported displaced families, and even adopted a charter school affected by the fires. Their proactive response garnered support from unexpected quarters, including public figures like Tony Robbins.
"We just keep showing up in their tents, we sing worship songs in their tent... it's the ultimate test of faith." [16:40]
Spiritual Warfare and Transformation
Battling Darkness with Faith
Matthew discusses the spiritual dimensions of his ministry, describing encounters with deeply troubled individuals and witnessing profound personal transformations.
"This is an easy integration into outreach. Really get started." [37:24]
He shares powerful stories of individuals overcoming addiction, addiction-related hallucinations, and profound personal change through faith and the Word of God.
"I have seen the impossible. I have seen people that were bound by all these demonic forces have their lives fully transformed." [35:36]
Balancing Grace and Truth
Embracing Without Compromising
Matthew explains how the Dream Center maintains a balance between extending grace and upholding Christian truths. The approach involves setting high standards based on the Word of God while providing unwavering support for individuals to rise after setbacks.
"You never change a standard. The standard is there... if you fall short, we're always there to pick you back up again." [29:05]
This methodology fosters an environment where residents are both held accountable and encouraged to aspire for a better life.
Addressing Contemporary Challenges: LA Riots and Social Unrest
Navigating a Volatile Environment
Matthew comments on the recent LA riots, attributing the unrest to deep-seated issues of anger, frustration, and a collective loss of faith within the community.
"LA is at a place right now where it doesn't even necessarily need ice raids or things like that for it to blow up. It's a powder keg now." [41:26]
He expresses a sense of inevitability regarding recurring cycles of violence and emphasizes the need for foundational change rooted in faith.
Encouraging Collective Action
Call to Serve and Make a Difference
Towards the end of the episode, Matthew provides actionable advice for listeners inspired to serve their communities. He encourages finding a passion, overcoming self-doubt, and engaging in direct outreach to make meaningful impacts.
"Find the passion, the thing that you love most, the people that are hurting the most, and just start putting yourself in uncomfortable positions." [48:15]
For those in the LA area, he invites them to volunteer at the Dream Center, highlighting the accessible opportunities available for immediate involvement.
Conclusion and Prayer Request
Matthew concludes by sharing a heartfelt prayer request for the Dream Center—to receive supernatural endurance to continue their mission steadfastly.
"That God would give us the ability to keep standing every single day, that he would give us supernatural endurance." [51:35]
Allie Beth expresses gratitude for Matthew's dedication and the transformative work of the Dream Center, encouraging listeners to support and engage with their mission.
Notable Quotes
-
Matthew Barnett on Starting Out:
"God just spoke to me and he said, guide your dream of being a success and live to the dream of being a blessing." [02:11]
-
On the Importance of Time for Change:
"When people have time and they can really start working on core issues of their life, that's when they change." [03:56]
-
Critique of Government Spending on Homelessness:
"It's like it cost us $7,500 a year to house someone... versus $175,000 a year to incarcerate them." [08:27]
-
Balancing Grace and Truth:
"You never change a standard... if you fall short, we're always there to pick you back up again." [29:05]
-
On Resilience During Crises:
"We just keep showing up in their tents, we sing worship songs in their tent... it's the ultimate test of faith." [16:40]
How to Support the LA Dream Center
- Donate: Visit dreamcenter.org to contribute or register someone in need for the free rehab program.
- Volunteer: Engage with the Dream Center by showing up anytime between 6 AM to 5 PM, mentioning this podcast to access volunteer opportunities.
Motto: "Outlast everything."
Matthew Barnett
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