There is no place like Monrovia, CA. I was born and raised in this wonderful city. I attended Monrovia schools, and life’s journey has brought me back to serve this city in a great capacity. I am the Sr. Pastor of the historical 122-year-old Second Baptist Church of Monrovia. I am the proud husband to Heather Bourne and father to Savannah and Christopher II. The Bourne family has deep roots in this community. I feel so blessed to have been raised, made life-long friends, and continue to be a part of this All-American City.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your origin story. Share a little about your childhood and your family.
I was born and raised in this city. I attended Monrovia schools and graduated from MHS in 1986. My childhood was incredible. I made some amazing friends that go as far back as kindergarten that I still keep in touch with today. There are several generations of Bourne’s that have been reared in this community. My parents and several uncles and aunts came here back in the 1960s and called this community home. Monrovia still serves as home for several in this current generation.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I am currently the Sr Pastor of Second Baptist Church of Monrovia. I’ve been in pastoral ministry for over twenty years and blessed to become the Sr. pastor four years ago. I love ministering to the people in our community. Whether it’s by teaching God’s word, praying for people, feeding and clothing, or partnering with our city leaders to positively impact our community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Wow… Jake’s Roadhouse or LeRoy’s, Sena, Something Healthy, Basin 141, Old Town Pizza… to name a few.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community? Tell us about your favorite memory or experience living in Monrovia.
I’ve had several jobs in the community growing up, however, these past four years have been epic. I grew up living across the street from one of the pastors of this church. So, for me to now be blessed to follow in their footsteps is very surreal.
Q: None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you’ve met here in our community who helped you get to where you are or inspired you?
There are several people that have helped pave the way for me along this journey. I have a wonderful family base. My parents reared my siblings and me to be respectful and the best that we can be in our lives. I am grateful for Bishop Dr. Wm L Dillard, who pastored this church for over 45 years. His leadership and vision to see something in me to come behind him to continue the work at Second Baptist Church is something I will always be appreciative of.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Cabo San Lucas! I’ve never been… it’s not too far… and I hear it’s very nice and relaxing.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies of all time? Do you have a favorite TV show or shows?
This is a hard question… I like action movies… Mission Impossible…. Oceans 12 & 13… Coming to America…. I like a variety of movies and Tv shows
Q: What advice would you give to people? Do you have a Life Lesson quote?
“I’m God’s Man, in the center of God’s will, I’m immortal – until God is done with me” Please God, Love People and Love yourself!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Go to Hawaii
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what music to listen to?
94.7 The Wave
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Thrifty’s
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Former President Barak Obama! We would dine at Jake’s Roadhouse… I believe the relaxed atmosphere and the down to earth staff would be a welcomed change for our heartfelt discussions.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Monrovia or something unique about our community that you like?
The People! Monrovia, as a whole, has some of the best people on earth.
Q: Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you’ve ever made?
I made a mistake by leaving high school with a friend to go to Christy’s Donuts. We got pulled over by a police officer and while we were there, my friend’s dad drove by and saw us… needless to say, we were embarrassed and busted for leaving school… But we didn’t get a ticket
Q: Even for friends or family, what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
That I’m really a loner. I enjoy being by myself… Sometimes, I like having dinner alone… attending a movie alone… just to be by myself.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
That’s a great question…. I love parts of Mexico. I LOVE OCEANSIDE, CA… Driving up the coast… Beautiful spots along coast.
Q: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My wife and children!
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Trader Joe’s
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My wife and children… church members and friends!
Q: If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be?
Second Baptist Church of Monrovia!
Q: Finally, what three character traits come to mind when you think of your success in life?
Friendly, Faithful, Courageous
