PHOTOS: Skid Row preacher

The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Thomas preaches at Community Church of the Nazarene. The Rev. Thomas, who recently earned a PhD in theology and personality at Claremont School of Theology, could have had his pick of churches. He settled on skid row’s Church of Nazarene, which he has pastored for seven years.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Thomas, center, prays with ushers before a worship service Sunday at the Community Church of the Nazarene. Thomas’ passion is to assist and empower homeless individuals and families in becoming emotionally, psychologically and spiritually whole, according to his PhD dissertation: “The Liberative-Prophetic: A Socio-Theological and Psychospiritual Analysis of Skid Row, Los Angeles.”  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

Theresa Riordan joins in worship Sunday at the Community Church of the Nazarene in downtown Los Angeles.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

Members of the Central City Worship team Robin Wartell, left, and Irese Carpenter perform during worship service.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Thomas prays during a worship service.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Thomas greets parishioners after a worship service Sunday at the Community Church of the Nazarene.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)

Worshipers leave Community Church of the Nazarene following a service.  (Ringo H.W. Chiu / For The Times)