Our Story

Founded in 1984, the Goleta Vineyard was birthed out of the passion to take the whole message and experience of the life of Jesus Christ to the unchurched.

We began in homes, and have met in various locations during the course of our 27 year journey—including a school, a renovated commercial space in a shopping center, alternative times in rented church facilities, and now the Goleta Valley Community Center.

We meet in homes in a variety of locations during the week where we grow in intimate relationship with God and each other, taking the works of Jesus to those on the streets, in the workplace, and in various other locations making creative use of available space and resources.

We formally joined the Vineyard family of churches in 1986—a contemporary worldwide movement that has had a tremendous impact on this generation, and a great renewing influence on the Church at large across the whole spectrum from Protestant to Catholic. Founded in 1977 by John Wimber, former musical arranger for the Righteous Brothers, there are over 600 Vineyard churches in the U.S., and an even larger number internationally. The hallmark characteristics of the Vineyard movement are worship and compassion. In worship we experience the presence of the living God through beautiful and alive contemporary music, and the transforming power of His Holy Spirit. Compassion is the expression of the living Jesus through His people as they touch the needs of others.

This has taken many different creative and wonderful forms, both in our city of Santa Barbara, and as far away as Central Africa. We welcome you to explore our site to learn more about some of them and join us in the greatest adventure—the restoration of all things to their intended potential and fullness by the Prince of Peace!

Come and add your part to our story!