Our History

Santa Cruz Bible Church and the people that make it up are part of Santa Cruz history. For over 100 years the church has withstood relocations, name changes, earthquakes and transitions to become one of the largest evangelical churches in Santa Cruz County.

During the 1940's, a building fund was started, and in 1957, a new worship center was built at our current location, where Broadway meets Frederick Street. In 1982, the church received help from Los Gatos Christian Church in being revitalized with new leadership and an influx of new members. The church thrived with adult programs, youth and children's ministries, and expository preaching.

Chip Ingram became pastor in 1990, taking the helm from Interim Pastor Phil Comer. Chip led Santa Cruz Bible Church through a great season of growth that resulted in construction of a Worship Center on neighboring land. In 1995 the church launched a new radio ministry, Living on the Edge, which eventually took the gospel message across the nation and around the world.

In 1997, Dan Kimball and Josh Fox launched our “Graceland,” service on Sunday nights—now a nationally known innovative response to the post-modern culture. In 1999, SCBC completed its facility plan by building both a Children’s Center and an Adult Center complete with an on-site coffee house. 

In July of 2002, Chip felt led of the Lord to accept the position of President of Walk Thru the Bible, moving him and the radio ministry to Atlanta, GA. Dean Bouzeos became teaching pastor in 2005, taking the helm from Interim Teaching Pastor Dave Gschwend.

SCBC is now unfolding a new chapter of history with the hire of our new Senior Pastor Dave Michelson in 2008. The faithfulness of God has been vividly evident in the history of Santa Cruz Bible church, and excitement builds as we consider what the future holds."

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