KELSEY MAYS
Living Editor

The Rev. Floyd McKeithen’s folksy style mixes plenty of current events and calls toward social activism into his sermons at United Methodist Church, a small building opposite Zuma Beach. He occasionally softens into hushed tones for effect, and if the audience doesn’t “Amen” in response, he’s not afraid to ask for one.

McKeithen succeeded the Rev. Larry Peacock, pastor for half the church’s 40-year existence and advocate for inclusion of all Christians — including gays and lesbians, Peacock said — when he moved to Massachusetts in July.

The congregation appreciates McKeithen’s style.

“He’s a funny guy,” Pepperdine alumnus Dave Staples said. “I think he lines up with the church’s views. He’s very progressive.”

Both Dave and his wife, Pepperdine senior Jenna Staples, said they appreciate the church’s progressive feel, which permeates the 70 or so attendees each Sunday.

Inside the church’s adobe architecture, the cozy sanctuary holds just 11 pews broken by a single aisle. There isn’t room for much more than 100 people. Up front, a 10-member choir practices before the 10:30 a.m. Sunday services. Their harmonic tones come more from talent than practice: One member used to sing with the Young Americans singing group, another sang classical music and four or five are professional vocalists, McKeithen said.

Services go from just over an hour to nearly two, depending on the number of announcements and prayer requests. The past few weeks of hurricane relief efforts have extended services toward the lengthier side.

McKeithen, a self-described liberal evangelist, is pleased to see such activism from the congregation.

“They are good people here,” he said. “God moves them toward action in the world. It’s been amazing, their response to Katrina and in the local community.”

In its affiliation with the Methodist Church, Malibu UMC is part of a connectional system that allowed immediate response following Hurricane Katrina. The church now has two sister churches in Biloxi, Miss., and is able to send them direct assistance with no administrative costs, McKeithen said.

Donations included $30,000 worth of children’s clothes from one member.

“I’m blown away. The heart of this church is amazing,” McKeithen said.

The congregation he speaks of includes families with young children, elderly couples and a sprinkling of Pepperdine students.

Junior Sarah Babb first came because she saw the Malibu United from Zuma Beach one day. That was a year and a half ago, and Babb said she’s been heavily involved with the church ever since.

“It’s totally different from other churches (in the area),” Babb said. “I think the beauty of this place is that it’s not all college people. You get to see families and meet other people. It’s also really big on social and progressive issues.”

The progressive nature of the Malibu UMC may turn off some who appreciate more traditional liturgy, but for others, it’s a breath of fresh air.

“It reaches out and gives you so many opportunities to help,” Jenna said. “Other churches out there seem like they cater to us so we can grow, but I feel like I can grow here through being able to serve.”

Although the church sponsors no current Pepperdine outreach program, Jenna and Dave are planning a college discussion group on progressive religious issues. It could begin as early as October, they said.Beach one day. That was a year and a half ago, and Babb said she’s been involved with the church ever since.

“It’s totally different from other (local) churches,” Babb said. “The beauty of this place is that it’s not all college people. You get to see families and meet other people. It’s also really big on social and progressive issues.”

The progressive nature of the Malibu UMC may turn off some who appreciate more traditional liturgy, but for others, it’s a breath of fresh air.

“It reaches out and gives you so many opportunities to help,” Jenna said. “Other churches out there seem like they cater to us so we can grow, but I feel like I can grow here through being able to serve.”

Although the church sponsors no current Pepperdine outreach program, Jenna and Dave are planning a college group on progressive religious issues. It could begin as early as October, they said.

Submitted 09-22-2005