History

Saddleback Covenant Church was founded in 1978 with the expressed purpose of gathering people and resources to establish a local church and provide a platform to extend the kingdom of God. Many of the original members moved to Mission Viejo with that goal in mind. Robert Grant served as the church's founding pastor, and throughout the late 1970’s and early 1980’s the church was characterized by its emphasis on personal pastoral care and discipleship, small groups, Christian education, and leadership development in the family, church, and community. Transition took place in the mid-1980's when the original Elders of the church were sent out to various parts of the country to establish new churches and/or strengthen existing ones. Kevin Davenport was ordained as Senior Pastor in 1987, and continues in that role to this present time. SCC is governed by a presbytery of Elders dedicated to serve and strengthen the church and its ministries. SCC is part of the Association of Covenant Ministries, a network of churches and ministry teams seeking to equip leaders and strengthen the local church.


Throughout its history, Saddleback Covenant Church has strived to be true to Biblical mandates, build community through relationships, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. While rooted in its heritage, SCC has sought to be flexible in methods and resolute in Biblical purpose and principle. Prayer, worship, fellowship and service are vital ingredients of our walk together. Outreach has expanded to help start new works, short-term missions to Latin America, Europe , and Asia , and sending our first overseas missionaries to Africa in 1990. Locally, church members have been active in inner city Rescue Missions, campus outreach, pro-life ministries, intercession, seniors, hospital ministries, food distribution, counseling and mentoring; seeking to extend God's love and the good news of the Gospel. We gratefully acknowledge those who have gone out from SCC to strengthen and serve the greater Body of Christ.

Since its inception, SCC has been active in networking with other churches and ministries through joint services, retreats, guest speakers, and ministerial associations. It is our ongoing prayer that we will to an increasing measure fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) through the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) for the glory of God. It is a testimony to the Lord’s sustaining grace and enduring love that 2003 marks twenty-five years of life together in Christ. It is through His grace that we look to the future in faith, anchored in hope and motivated by the love of God.