In January 2025, unprecedented, fast-moving flames of the Eaton Fire ravaged the streets of Altadena, taking down homes and businesses in the blink of an eye. Even sacred structures that appeared to be safe from harm were not spared. While that current reality is now etched into Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center's history, more offensive matters have taken place in an already wounded reality. As the church seeks to understand how to move forward 90 days later, it must also deal with those seeking to buy its land.

Whether deemed “just business as usual” or oppression against the vulnerable, Bishop Charles Dorsey speaks truth to power while anchoring the rallying cry, “Altadena Not For Sale.” This motto can be seen on picket lawn signs, in front of businesses that survived the flames, and even those that succumbed to them.

“We have experienced a lot of people that have tried to take advantage of what they see as a vulnerable state or thinking that we have the inability to rebuild,” explains Dorsey, who’s led the congregation for 22 years. “There’s been a lot of calls and a lot of mailings that are interested in buying the church, and I believe it’s to turn it into something that's not a church.”

While faced with mounting burdens to rebuild in Altadena, Dorsey says he uses the increasing sales pitches to motivate him to push forward, no matter the obstacle.

“I know they see the potential to turn something that belonged to God into something opposite of that. It saddens me, but the reality is that I'm able to say ‘thank you for the motivation.’”

Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center has served as a cornerstone of hope in Altadena for over two decades while commanding the principles of humanity and spirituality for its residents of all generations, ethnicities, and races. The legacy that has been laid guides the decision to resist yielding its story to those disconnected from its purpose. 

“The land that you've put your blood, sweat, and tears in has been room to create generational wealth, generational ownership, a building legacy where you continue to share that knowledge of what generational wealth is,” Dorsey explains.

The juxtaposition of the church being approached by buyers casts a light on the road to homeownership for Black people in the 1960s. After the California Fair Housing Act was passed in 1968, it banned housing discrimination, and Altadena became a mecca for first-time home buyers.

For Dorsey, keeping the land is not just a quick decision after an unimpressive sales pitch; it’s a declaration of the power of tomorrow in the Black community today.

“You have this land, not by accident, and you don't want to just give it away because it's tough,” while adding, it should be passed “on to people that you have grown accustomed to, people you know, and if possible, people you love. 

Even so, the financial strain to rebuild the church is a $2 million ask that Dorsey believes will be solved by outreach from the community, which the faith center has served day in and day out.

“We have intentionally been there, and it's ironic in a twist of changes because we need resources now. We have been able to partner with other churches and places of hope to provide resources to help our community and church, which has filled a void to help, but has not been able to help like we are accustomed to.”

“I believe God will provide all the resources, and we'll be able to continue to build his church,” proclaims the bishop.

On the night of the fire, some members of his congregation tried to use water hoses to save the church. After realizing the magnitude of the emergency while on FaceTime with a member, he signaled for them to turn around and get to safety.

While he remains grateful for their diligence, Dorsey knew it wasn’t worth risking their lives for.

“It was a tear-jerking moment for all of us because they really were sincere men and women who love the community and love the church,” he says.

The nearest fire station is within eyesight of the church, which led Dorsey to believe the area and church would be safe, but as winds increased, the harsh reality seeped in. The following morning, he realized the situation was out of his control.

“My emotions were low. It was unbelievable…unimaginable. I didn't think it would progress rapidly. It was just traumatizing,” he says. “It is a heart-wrenching experience. It’s almost the worst dream that has happened, and we're living through.”

As worship services resume at a neighboring church, Dorsey uses his faith to encourage himself and his congregation after the trauma caused by the Eaton Fire.

“We don’t always have answers, but God does, and the Bible teaches us that God has given everyone a measure of faith and a reason to have hope,” he explains.

As Dorsey leads his congregation forward, he envisions building an edifice equipped with a baptism pool, a designated children’s area, and a food bank for everyone in the community.

He believes the church's core principles are to “throw our lifeline out to someone, standing on the foundation of the gospel where the community can come together and everyone can receive help.”

To help Lifeline Christian Center, check out their GoFundMe.