LifeBridge Church

In 1969, a vision took root in Rancho Bernardo. A group of dedicated Christians, led by Verle and Mary Williams, dreamt of a new church. This church would be centered on Scripture and evangelical in nature. This vision became Rancho Bernardo Baptist Church (RBBC), now known as LifeBridge Church. LifeBridge Church in San Diego began its journey humbly. The congregation first met at the Westwood Swim and Tennis Club. Later, they moved to Westwood Elementary School, using the multi-purpose room for worship. The church purchased a six-acre plot of land at Duenda Road and West Bernardo Drive for $90,000. Remarkably, the entire amount was donated within two months. The original Lower Campus was built on this land. LifeBridge Church continued to grow. They established a preschool and daycare center, now serving over 120 families. Several senior pastors guided the church through the years. A Family Life Center was added to the Upper Campus in 1992. LifeBridge Church also developed a strong focus on missions, both local and global. They partnered with Rancho Sordo Mudo, an orphanage in Mexico. They also sent teams to Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Long-term partnerships formed in Moldova and Ethiopia. Locally, LifeBridge Church serves the homeless, supports a crisis pregnancy center, and ministers to prisoners in Tijuana. On October 22, 2007, the Witch Creek fire devastated Rancho Bernardo. The fire, fueled by Santa Ana winds, destroyed over 1,400 homes. The LifeBridge Church Family Life Center was heavily damaged. Yet, from this tragedy, new life emerged. In 2009, the “Touched by Fire” campaign raised over $1.3 million. Construction began on a new worship center. The church also adopted its current name: LifeBridge Church. This signified a renewed commitment to serving others. Today, LifeBridge Church, under the leadership of Lead Pastor Mark Staples, continues its mission. This mission is “To be a bridge to help people find and follow Jesus.” Twelve memorial stones stand at the church entrance. These stones serve as a reminder of God’s faithfulness throughout LifeBridge Church’s history.