Pastor Langi Lolohea
The Reverend Langi Lolohea, pronounced LAHNG-ee loh-loh-HAY-yah, was born in Riverside, California, and by the age of eight, moved to Hawaii. Young Langi grew up in many places and attended 9 schools from Preschool through high school graduation. He says that growing up in Southern California and Hawaii gave him many different perspectives. He says, “I’ve learned to find value in every space and place. A commonality between California and Hawaii is their diversity of people and cultures.” He has a Master of Theology and a Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology. His previous assignments leading up to his role as the lead Pastor in Wilmington spanned over a twelve-year period and included: Pastoral intern at La Verne UMC and Pastoral duties at San Dimas UMC, Wesley UMC, and First Tongan of Pomona Valley.
Family Life
Lolohea says his Tongan Heritage was passed along by his parents. Hi father was a Pastor and a construction contractor. His mother, who has gone to be with the Lord, was a nurturer and the caretaker of the home. He adds that his mother taught him about the beauty in hospitality, sharing, and helping those in need. As for his father, Lolohea recalls being 10 years old, accompanying his father on construction jobs before and after school. He says he spent most of his time with his father and believes his father used him as a sounding board to rehearse his sermons before preaching on Sunday. By the time Lolohea got married and left the nest, his father had pastored at 9 different churches.
Pastor Langi met his wife, Dr. Monalisa Rosa Siofele Lolohea, at a Christmas dinner party for pastors and their families. Monalisa is currently the pastor of Fetu Ao United Methodist Church and Maywood First United Methodist Church. Her parents are also pastors. The married couple has a daughter, Fai’ana Lolohea. She says she hopes to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a contractor.
Interests
The Reverend Lolohea says he loves singing and dancing. He is skilled in welding, masonry, concrete, and other construction areas. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, rugby, and his latest pastime, pickleball. But, he asserts, “The most important things in my life are, in this order are God, Family, and Church.”
Mission
Pastor Langi says his hopes and dreams for FUMC of Wilmington are to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in the community by sharing the congregation’s unique gifts and graces. Lolohea says, “I love any and every opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.”