“Our Mission at SBCC is to help people find and follow Jesus Christ.” That is the guiding principle of the South Bay Christian Center. This center is more than just a building. It is a community. A place where faith and fellowship intertwine.
South Bay Christian Center’s story began with a vision. A vision to plant a church. This church would be in the South Bay area of San Diego County. In 1980, Dave Jones acted on this vision. He started Gospel Light Tabernacle. The first service was held at the Masonic Lodge in Chula Vista. Only three families attended totaling about a dozen people.
Dave and his wife Mary prayed for a new location. They prayed at the interchange of Highway 54 and Interstate 805. They wanted the Lord to provide a new location. In one year their prayers were answered. They moved to a new location. The ministry was renamed Gospel Light Bible Church.
The church needed more space a few years later. They needed space for their developing Christian school. An eight-acre lot of undeveloped land was available. It was located below their property. Despite having no money and limited manpower they acquired the land. It was acquired through a series of miracles. A new facility was built in the fall of 1994.
In 1997, the church was renamed South Bay Community Church. This name better reflected the wider community that the congregation could serve. Dave Jones has since retired. William Frye and his wife Maddi now lead the church. They continue to pastor South Bay Community Church.
The South Bay Church is part of the LA Church of Christ. It was founded in downtown LA in 1989. As it grew, it spread into surrounding communities. It now has multiple locations. The South Bay Church is diverse. It includes families, young married couples, singles, students, and teens. It is ethnically and socioeconomically diverse. They celebrate their differences.
The South Bay Christian Center offers many opportunities to connect. They have worship services. They encourage friendship. They also offer discipleship and ownership. Services start with Christ-honoring worship. This is followed by a Biblical message. The message is relevant to your spiritual growth.
Discussion groups meet after service. Wednesday Night Bible Study is held on Zoom. You can learn from the lives of those that came before. SBCC also has a Men’s Basketball League. DivorceCare provides a safe place. Caring people help you heal from the pain of separation or divorce. A trip to Greece is planned for the fall of 2025. You can visit Greece and the Churches of Revelation.
South Bay Christian Center helps people find and follow Jesus Christ. They pursue the lost. They disciple the found. They commission the discipled. Consider visiting South Bay Christian Center. You will find a welcoming community. You will find opportunities for spiritual growth. You will find a place to connect and thrive.