History
Clark and Sally Van Wick moved to Temecula in 1989, along with their two sons. They came from Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa where they were involved in the Children’s Ministry. Once in Temecula, the Lord put it on Clark’s heart to attend the Bible College in Vista. Around this time, He also opened the door for a Bible study to begin in their home. It started as a small group of people meeting together to study the Word and share Christ’s love. But after only few short months, the group outgrew the home and the Lord opened the door for them to meet in a recreation center at an apartment complex in Temecula. The Bible study continued to grow in number and within a few months the group asked Clark to change the meeting day to Sunday and become their pastor.
Finding a Home
As God continued to work, Pastor Clark discussed the situation with Pastor Chuck Smith. Pastor Chuck graciously opened up a couple of buildings at the Hot Springs Conference Center for the new church to meet in on Sundays. On April 6th, 1996 the congregation began nurturing the lawn, cleaning and painting the building, and getting the space ready. It took about eight days to get the building ready for services. Everyone pulled together and helped transform the old building into a sanctuary for the saints! What a labor of love! God continued to do a work, and there were too many miracles to write down. Ephesians 3:20!
After meeting every Sunday for about six months, the time at the Hot Springs was over. The Bible College had gained County approval, and this left the new church with nowhere to meet. But God went ahead, and what looked like a setback actually turned out to be a blessing. In September of 1996, Pastor Clark was driving home from work and the Lord prompted him to drive one block further. He led Clark into the parking lot of an abandoned nursery. At once Clark noticed the “For Sale or Lease” sign. The place was a mess, but the moment Clark stepped foot on the property he knew it was where God had directed them.
The church began holding many prayer meetings on the front porch seeking God’s will. They watched as God opened doors and made impossible things happen. They stepped out in faith and proceeded to purchase the property. From that point, God continued to bless the ministry. After the first rain they realized they needed a new roof, and within two weeks God brought the materials. As they approached the summer months, God provided air conditioning units. Little by little, the “Old Barn” began to look like a little country church. In October 1996, the first Sunday service was held in the new building. (If you have not looked at the photo albums, please do; you will be blessed to see the transformation. Again, what a labor of love!)
As the church continued to grow, it began to experience opposition from the enemy, but God always proved faithful. At first, the church received permission to move in and hold services, but when the “Calvary Chapel” sign went up, the vintners came against God’s people. At the vintners’ urging, the county attempted to pass an ordinance that would ban churches in the Wine Country. However, God had other plans. The church received phone calls from two attorneys volunteering their services, Jay Sekulow from the American Center for Law and Justice, and Bob Tyler. Once again, God proved Himself faithful! On June 22, 1999, the County gave CCBF their Public Use Permit; and on July 9, 1999, escrow closed, and the property was officially purchased. In March of 2003, the first Sunday service was held in the newly constructed facility, the “New Barn.”
Recently
By November of 2004 all major construction was complete. However, the body has continued to grow, and in May 2010 the church purchased an additional 30 acres of adjacent property and is moving forward with plans for a new sanctuary and school.
God has been so gracious to the people here at CCBF. The believers continue to stand in awe of the work that He does as they simply study His Word and lead others to Him. The vision for this church is, and always will be: Love God. Love others. Minister to the needs of God’s people. And continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.