DISCOVER

About

who we are

We’re a gospel-centered, intergenerational church

No matter where you’re at, you’ve probably discovered at times, life is hard. Relationships break down. We lose perspective. We wonder where we fit in this world. Does God really care?

One of the things we're convinced of is in spite of an unpredictable economy, changing politics, or the ups and downs of relationships, there is only one sure certainty in life.

Our Creator loves us. His character never changes. God’s heart for you, your family, this community and the world is focused on inviting people into an intimate relationship with Him.

We’re a gospel-centered, intergenerational church made up of people who come from all kinds of experiences, stories, and brokenness—but, we have embraced the grace of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Our Story

We're a church defined
by grace

ENCOUNTER began under the name of Bible Fellowship Church in Ventura in 1953. From our humble roots in a living room, to our existing campus, our goal has always been to communicate and share the grace of God locally and globally.

W e ' r e a c h u r c h d e f i n e d b y g r a c e
Est. 1953
Our Beliefs

We're committed to three essentials

We want to learn more about God and discover His purposes for our lives.

Encountering God

We encounter God in a very personal way through our weekend services. When we come together, everything focuses on getting to know Jesus better through His Word and expressing our love for Him through music, prayer, communion, and the arts.

Encouraging each other

When we center our attention on our relationship with God, we discover authentic community with each other. We encourage each other through loving actions and using the unique abilities God gives us to serve others. God actually went so far as to define Himself as “love” — not the mushy love popularized in the media, but the kind that really cares, forgives, makes sacrifices, and reaches out to people. Here at ENCOUNTER we meet in community groups so we can get to know each other beneath the surface and extend this love to each other.

Engaging the world

As Christ followers, our focus turns outward to a world of people who really need what God offers. So, we intentionally share the love of God with people who have never come into a relationship with Him. We invite others to join us. We serve those who are hurting or in need. In our church. At our work. In our schools. Around our neighborhoods. We are a part of what God is doing globally to relieve suffering and hopelessness and bring the gospel to those who have never heard. We describe all of this as engaging the world.
Our Faith

Statement of faith

We believe in one God, Creator of all things ...

We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

We believe man was created in the image of God ...

We believe man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore separated from God who is holy. From the beginning of history, God’s plan was to restore people to an eternal relationship with Himself through faith in Jesus Christ. As believers, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. By His power, we are growing spiritually into the likeness and character of Christ.

We believe Scripture clearly teaches us that Jesus Christ ...

We believe Scripture clearly teaches us that Jesus Christ is true God and true Man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. His death on the cross paid the penalty for our sin, and His bodily resurrection from the dead clearly proved His power over sin and death.

We believe all of the Bible is the inspired Word of God ...

We believe all of the Bible is the inspired Word of God and without error in the original writings. It is God’s authoritative direction for our lives here and for eternity in His presence.

We believe Jesus Christ will return for all who have ...

We believe Jesus Christ will return for all who have placed their faith and eternal hope in Him. God’s plan will be fulfilled in the establishment of a new heaven and earth, and believers will be with Him for eternity. Those who reject His offer of salvation will be separated from Him forever.

We believe because of these truths, we who trust in Christ ...

We believe because of these truths, we who trust in Christ for our salvation are given the privilege of being His representatives to invite others to know Him personally by faith.

About

Sunday Services at 9AM & 10:45AM

(805) 656-7766  |  6950 Ralston Street, Ventura, CA 93003

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We have ASL interpretation available for the 9 AM service


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