Rev. Justin LaRosa, LCSW

Rev. Justin LaRosa, LCSW is an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church, a licensed clinical social worker, a certified enneagram practitioner, an author, and a spiritual entrepreneur who initiates and leads change. He is the Director and Pastor of The Portico, a cutting edge initiative in the oldest church in downtown Tampa. It includes a social enterprise called The Portico Cafe, a historic chapel, spaces to meet and work, an event space for the public, and a missional spiritual community that serves the city in ways that address equality, housing insecurity, and economic challenge. He co-founded Portico Housing Solutions, Inc. and has a part-time private practice. His greatest joys are his wife and two kids. Justin holds a Basic Graduate Theological Studies Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work from the University of South Florida. He studied hotel, restaurant and institutional management at Pennsylvania State University. Justin is the author of The Jesus Challenge: 21 Days of Loving God and Neighbor, and The Sanctuary for Lent 2025, and has co-authored three books, A Disciple’s Path, A Disciple’s Heart, and SENT: Delivering the Gift of Hope at Christmas.