Rev. Samuel Rodriguez of Sacramento, California, is encouraging families, churches, and local communities to invest in mentorship, service, and cultural engagement as America faces growing social division and declining trust in institutions.

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / June 4, 2026 / Rev. Samuel Rodriguez is using his national platform to raise awareness about the growing need for mentorship, community leadership, and faith-centered engagement across America.

As Lead Pastor of New Season Church and President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), Rodriguez says the country is facing what he describes as "a crisis of purpose and connection," especially among younger generations navigating social pressure, isolation, and uncertainty about the future.

"We cannot afford to disengage from the culture around us," Rodriguez said. "Every neighborhood, every school, every church, and every family has a role to play in restoring hope and direction."

Rodriguez's message comes at a time when many Americans report feeling disconnected from institutions and communities. According to a 2024 Gallup survey, trust in major institutions remains near historic lows, while the U.S. Surgeon General has identified loneliness and social isolation as a growing public health concern affecting millions nationwide.

At the same time, mentorship programs continue to show measurable impact. Research from MENTOR National found that young adults with mentors are more likely to pursue leadership opportunities, volunteer regularly, and report stronger emotional well-being.

Rodriguez believes local leadership can help fill that gap.

"My assignment is bigger than a pulpit," he said. "It's about serving people where faith and culture meet."

Over the past two decades, Rodriguez has built one of the nation's most influential Latino evangelical organizations through the NHCLC, which represents millions of Christians worldwide. He has also advised three U.S. presidents, spoken at multiple presidential inauguration ceremonies, and expanded his reach through books, film production, and national media appearances.

But Rodriguez says influence alone is not the goal.

"If you want to impact culture, you have to engage culture," he said. "Real change happens when people choose to show up consistently in their communities."

Rodriguez is encouraging individuals to take practical steps in their own lives rather than waiting for institutions or political systems to solve every challenge. He points to mentorship, volunteerism, and community involvement as areas where ordinary people can create long-term impact.

His recommendations include:

• Mentoring young people through schools, churches, or local programs

• Supporting community organizations focused on family stability and youth development

• Creating stronger relationships within neighborhoods and faith communities

• Encouraging healthy conversations across cultural and political differences

• Using media and storytelling to promote hope, resilience, and service

"Stories change people," Rodriguez said. "And transformed people change culture."

Rodriguez has increasingly focused on media and entertainment as part of that effort. In addition to authoring 12 books, including Persevere with Power and Be Light, he has served as executive producer on major films, including Breakthrough and Flamin' Hot.

He says storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools for shaping values and encouraging action.

"We are called to bring revival and reformation," Rodriguez said. "Righteousness and justice must work together."

Rodriguez also emphasized that positive cultural influence starts with daily actions rather than large public platforms.

"Every platform is an opportunity to point people toward hope," he said. "For some people, that platform may simply be their home, workplace, or community."

As conversations continue around division, mental health, and social trust in America, Rodriguez says long-term change will require consistent local involvement from individuals willing to lead through service and compassion.

About Samuel Rodriguez

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez is the Lead Pastor of New Season Church and President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC), one of the world's largest Latino evangelical organizations. He is a bestselling author, film executive producer, and nationally recognized faith leader who has advised three U.S. presidents and appeared across major media outlets, including NBC, Fox News, Univision, and CNN. Learn more at pastorsam.com and nhclc.org.

Media Contact:

https://www.samuelrodriguezpastor.com/

info@samuelrodriguezpastor.com

SOURCE: Samuel Rodriguez