“TO GOD BE THE GLORY; GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE!” 

A brief history of the Mission Viejo Church of Christ 

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Pr. 16:3)

 In November 1970, our Lord inspired five families to plant His church in Mission Viejo. Bible studies in the home of one of the five families led to the first official worship service on February 7, 1971, at Linda Vista Elementary School. The congregation was legally incorporated in California in April 1972. Two elders were installed in January 1974, and a 2.7-acre property site on Marguerite and Medical Center Road was purchased in April 1974, with the note due in October of 1976. In June 1974, the first full-time minister was employed. Deacons were selected to serve in October 1975.

 “Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matt. 7:7)

 In April 1976, an amazing property exchange began following a fervent prayer by John Williams the night before. With just six months left before a balloon payment was due, with fund-raising sources apparently exhausted, the Mission Viejo Company proposed to build a medical center (as we later found out) on the original site, and offered to make a land swap. During negotiations it was agreed that we would acquire the present 4.1 net useable acre site on Marguerite and Felipe, including all sewer, gas, electrical, and water lines, automatic sprinklers and landscaping on the slopes, the architectural re-design of our building plan to the new location, a protective perimeter wall, rough grading of the site, as well as a reduced property note, paid in October, 1976. “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15)

 “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Pr. 16:9)

 February 1979 saw the addition of another elder. In April 1982, following 11 years of meeting in homes, schools, and office buildings, ground was broken for Building Phase I, followed by the first worship in the new building on September 19, 1982. In December 1984, and December 1985, two additional elders were added, as well as a second minister in March 1984. In the fall of 1987, ground was broken for Building Phase II. Subsequent staff included a children and seniors’ minister, 1987; a youth minister, 1988, and a Hispanic minister in 2003. The Marguerite Christian School was opened in 1992. In 2005 we constructed a new auditorium, a new fellowship hall, classrooms, and modification of our existing facilities to complete our planned facilities.

 In faith we continue to build for the Master Builder, spreading the gospel through community outreach, Marguerite Christian School, and individual varied ministries.

 Missions have included World Bible School, Escuela Biblica (Honduras). City of Children (Ensenada, Mexico), Trevor and Pauline Williams (England), Simon and Pam Williams (England), Victor Barviks (Latvia), Jerry Golphenee (Nepal), “Iglesia De Crista” (local Hispanic work), Oasis after school program (Vicente Guerrero, Mexico), and Raja Rao (India).

 “To this you were called… that you should follow in his steps,” (In Peter 2:21) “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Ph. 2:13)

 Special appreciation is extended to the Walnut Hill, Dallas; Northside, Santa Ana (no longer existing); Costa Mesa; and Glendale congregations for prayerful and financial support during the early years of this congregation, as well as many gifts from individuals.

 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ…in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:3-4, 12)