Press

Rev. Chineta Goodjoin
Biographical Sketch

Rev. Chineta Goodjoin serves as the Pastor of New Hope Presbyterian Church in Anaheim, CA. Born and raised in Gaffney, SC, she pursued her calling by earning a Master of Divinity degree from Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA. After graduation, Rev. Goodjoin began her ministry as an Associate Pastor at Knox Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles, CA.

Two years into her tenure at Knox, she was invited to establish a new worshiping community in Orange County, CA. Under her dynamic leadership, New Hope Presbyterian Church has grown into a chartered congregation known for its advocacy for justice and community engagement. From organizing town hall forums on racial reconciliation to leading prayer walks for justice and peace, New Hope shines as a beacon of hope throughout Southern California and beyond.

Recognized as one of Orange County’s most influential leaders by the Orange County Register, Rev. Goodjoin has fostered a vibrant church community celebrated for its gospel and jazz music events. The church’s music program for children has received national acclaim for providing lessons and performance opportunities to marginalized communities.

Rev. Goodjoin has passionately championed health equity for African Americans in Orange County. In 2022 New Hope was a part of a community collective of six churches and organizations that helped to establish the Health Equity for African Americans League of Orange County. It’s ongoing  mission is to identify social determinants of health, provide education, and actively advocate and influence decision-making in local, state, and federal organizations. Additionally, New Hope supports the LEAD-ABC Program at the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine.

Rev. Goodjoin serves on the boards of several educational and health-based organizations, including the UCI Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, The Orange County Interfaith Network, The Black Advisory Council for the Pannell Center at Fuller Theological Seminary, and the Family Promise of Orange County Advisory Board. Renowned nationwide for her powerful preaching, Rev. Goodjoin’s sermon, At the Feet of Jesus, is featured in The African-American Pulpit magazine. Under her guidance, New Hope has received numerous awards and national recognition for its community service and social justice advocacy.

Rev. Goodjoin is married to Reginald Goodjoin, New Hope’s Music Director, and they have a daughter, Nyla, who is in high school. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and dancing. Rev. Goodjoin’s ministry is deeply inspired by Romans 12:2: Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.