“God is the most perfect accountant.” Imagine Jurgen Matthesius saying this at C3 Church in San Diego. He believed God makes sure everything given returns with interest.
Welcome to the story of C3 Church. It started as an extension of an Australian megachurch. Sexual assault allegations later plagued the Australian church.
Jurgen and Leanne Matthesius moved to San Diego in 2005. They started C3 San Diego. It later became Awaken Church. By 2020, there were about 10 locations across San Diego.
Originally from Australia, the Matthesiuses had strong ties to C3 Church Global. This global network is known for modern sermons. These sermons feature strobe lights. They are optimized for social media.
C3 aims to attract what some call “God’s hipsters.” These are young, faithful people active on Instagram. Despite its modern feel, C3 maintained traditional values. These included Pentecostal practices. Shunning premarital sex and homosexuality was also important.
The church grew. It eventually included five campuses across San Diego County. Almost 10,000 people attended. Pastors wore fitted tees, jeans, and baseball caps. This was a departure from stuffy robes.
There were beach volleyball days. Sermons were given for children. Multi-day conferences occurred. Pricey courses and summer camps happened. Vitamin Water sponsored some of these events.
Marketing videos showed enthralled audiences. Christian pop-rock and electronic dance music played. The church attracted younger, secular people. They might not have been interested in traditional Christianity.
In 2017, the San Diego Reader quoted a father. He described some services as a “shadowy youth group.” It aggressively targeted teens. Financial incentives were offered to enlist others.
The larger C3 organization faced scrutiny. Claims of miraculous healing and exorcism were questioned. An Australian news show highlighted prosperity gospel doctrine. This promised God’s favor. It was in exchange for more money.
One former member claimed the church brainwashed people. They donated thousands of dollars. Matthesius stated God knows everything given. He makes sure it comes back with interest.
In January 2020, the church relaunched as Awaken Church. It partnered with a marketing company. It severed ties with the C3 network.
C3 Church in San Diego has a history. It evolved into Awaken Church. It adapted to modern times. Yet, it faced scrutiny for its practices and beliefs. The story of C3 is one of transformation. It is also one of controversy. The church aimed to connect with people. It did so through contemporary methods. All while holding onto traditional values.