“Building a community of love and service” – published Golden Rule Moments

golden rule moments

Building a community of love and service

Albert Celoza

Special for The Republic

USA TODAY NETWORK

National issues and controversies often grab headlines, but the real improvement in quality of life happens in local communities. Effective leadership involves fostering trust, connection, and shared purpose by focusing on empathy, collaboration, and empowerment. It moves beyond hierarchy to create inclusive environments where individuals feel valued, take ownership, and contribute their unique strengths toward collective goals, often through servant leadership principles and practical engagement.

Justin Miller, a grassroots leader serving in the east Valley and as community liaison for the Arizona Interfaith Movement, exemplifies these principles. In my interview with Justin, the words ‘love and service’ were recurring themes.

‘As a leader in my faith, my focus is to help gather and shepherd all of God’s children to Jesus Christ and His Holy House, the temple. We hope to share God’s love through service to all, regardless of religious beliefs,’ Justin explains. His goal in building his leadership team is to foster relationships of understanding, love, and service within the community. He strives to instill in congregational leaders the qualities of compassion, kindness, and the golden rule.

Justin’s commitment extends to about three thousand individuals in his diverse area, including Polynesian, Latino, Native American, African American, and ASL communities. Their concerns range from vocational training and financial literacy to basic necessities and daily survival struggles.

Despite not coming from a privileged background and having initial aspirations for a legal career, Justin has consistently chosen service over personal goals. This began with a two-year mission in Latin America and evolved into working for his church and volunteering in community building.

Justin’s approach prioritizes community needs and empowering individuals to thrive, rather than focusing solely on personal or organizational outcomes. He unites diverse people, encourages teamwork, and values different perspectives by spending time with community members, learning their names, and initiating connections through small, everyday actions.

For Justin, social justice means helping individuals and families succeed. His personal philosophy reflects his inclusive approach: ‘We are all children of the same God, brothers and sisters with so much more in common than we have that is different.’

Justin Miller’s intentional service to all exemplifies the power of local leadership in improving communities.

Albert Celoza is the Executive Director of the Arizona Interfaith Movement.