In 1965 a humble house church started on Commotion Lane in Poway. This was the beginning of the San Diego Church of Christ. It began small with only 48 people including children. The San Diego Church of Christ wasn’t always the thriving congregation it is today. Ron and Linda Brumley moved from Escondido to Poway to help. Their one-year commitment turned into 25 years of service. They were instrumental in the early growth of the church.
The church met in homes then rented space at Valley Middle School. The Brumleys recruited the Havins family and others. Membership grew to 40 by 1969. The congregation soon outgrew its rented space. They built a new building in 1973 for a mere $80000. This building had a 350-seat auditorium. The church was located on Twin Peaks and Midland Roads. The membership had grown to about 80 at this time.
Phil Lester became the first paid preacher. He attended the White’s Ferry Road School of Preaching. He returned to preach from 1976 to 1979. George Havins and Ron Brumley were appointed elders in 1978. The arrival of Andy and Rita Lindo in 1979 brought a new era. They introduced campus ministry practices. This laid the foundation for a significant campus ministry. Hundreds of leaders have emerged from this ministry impacting ministries worldwide.
The church faced persecution in 1981. Picketers protested in front of the building. Yet the church continued to grow. They moved from Poway to San Diego in 1984. The Poway Church of Christ became the Mission Church of Christ. They moved to Madison High then Hale Jr High. Eventually settling in El Cortez in downtown San Diego.
The church adopted the practice of discipling. Families moved to San Diego to help build the church. They held a Life Campaign. Almost the entire church lived in San Diego State campus dorms. They participated in daily devotionals door knocking and fellowship. By 1987 average attendance reached 768 with daily baptisms. The Mission Church became the San Diego Church of Christ. The church planted and helped reconstruct congregations across the Southwest.
In the following years the San Diego Church of Christ experienced both incredible growth and significant challenges. Internal reorganizations and changes in leadership resulted in periods of decline and renewal. The church adapted its practices. It remained committed to its mission of spreading the gospel and serving the community. Today the San Diego Church of Christ continues to grow. It remains a vibrant part of the San Diego community. It actively participates in local and global missions. The legacy of faith perseverance and service continues to inspire.