The Temecula Valley has its fair share of churches. Some have even gone so far as to call the area the “California Bible Belt,” although others will say it’s the Central Valley. No matter what you call it, it’s hard to argue that there aren’t a lot of churches in the Temecula Valley.
It’s not immediately obvious how many churches there actually are. Unlike other areas of the United States, many of the churches in the Temecula Valley don’t have traditional church buildings. You won’t see a lot of structures with steeples and stained glass windows. Some hold their services in middle school gymnasiums, while others, like Sunridge Community Church in Temecula, hold Sunday services and other church activities in converted warehouses in industrial parks. Still other churches in the Temecula Valley are found in strip malls, nestled among hair salons and restaurants. When you really start to count them up, there are a lot of churches in the Temecula Valley!
Unlike other areas of the country, where denominational ties are a very important factor in deciding which church to attend, it seems to be less of a factor for people in the Temecula Valley. While there are definitely denominational churches in the area, many are independent community churches, or are only loosely tied to a denomination. In recent years, some churches have even taken their denomination out of their name, such as Redeemer Bible Church in Temecula, which was formerly called Rancho Baptist Church.
Instead of the denomination being a deciding factor, many people in Temecula tend to choose their church based on style of worship and program offerings. They want a place where they can learn about God, while also feeling comfortable and supported. Some like lively, modern worship music with a full band, while others prefer to sing traditional hymns. Some people are looking for a place with robust programs for their children or teens, while others crave mid-week Bible study groups for adults. And then there’s preaching style. Does a pastor teach from the Bible in a verse-by-verse manner, or are their sermons more topical? Is the church large or small?
Fortunately, with the number of churches in the Temecula Valley, there is almost certainly something for everyone, and new churches seem to be popping up all the time. Some Christians see all of the church options as a positive thing, while others lament the fact that the Christian community in the area seems to be so fractured. The latter group will often talk about how churches go too far in catering to the preferences of their attendees (or those they hope to attract), rather than focusing on the teaching of the gospel or making disciples. They long for a more united Christian community where people can set aside differences and preferences, and worship together in a spirit of grace. The former group is grateful for the diversity of church communities in the area—where they can worship and serve with like-minded individuals.
