What is the history of Pacific Coast Ministries ?
God planted a seed in the heart of Merrick Carter to consider starting a new church in the Ventura County area.   At the time, he was the Southern California Divisional Evangelical Evangelist with The Salvation Army with a ministry which took him all over the country.  His first response was, "Sorry, God, I think I will pastor a bible teaching church outside the state of California."

But God did not give up on him. God patiently continued to impress His calling on Merrick.  Finally, after starting up a bible study/chapel service in the Oxnard area, God had made it abundantly clear for Merrick to start and pastor a church in Oxnard.  In the spring of 2004, plans were set in motion to begin a new work.

God gave Merrick the vision to start a church that would value the community through reaching people that are hurting.  A church that would be multi-cultural, passionately pursue God, purposefully help others to develop their relationship with Jesus Christ and sensitively reach out to others who do not know Christ. These and other visions are what fuel us today.

This vision took the first step towards becoming reality when the appropriate actions were taken to become a church.  Pacific Coast Ministries, of Oxnard, Califonia was born!

Someone once said, "If you ever see a turtle on a fence post, you'll know it did not get there by itself!"  We are convinced that it is not our own human effort that has established this church, but rather it is God who called us into existence.  He continues to bless us with growth, love and unity.  Our desire is that Pacific Coast Ministries will always be known as a turtle on a fence post!

What is Pacific Coast Ministries?
We are a non-denominational, diverse group of people who share a vision of becoming a church that experiences and expresses the love of God.  We believe the best thing that can happen in your life is to experience the love of God that comes through Jesus Christ.  This can happen joyously through the worship experience on Sunday mornings as we praise God through our music, give thanks to Him in corporate prayer and feel our hearts lifted by the teachings of hope and redemption.  It can also happen quietly through one-on-one or small group prayer and bible study.  We believe the best thing that you can do with your life is to share the love of God with others.  We place a lot of importance on developing meaningful relationships with those in the church body, as well as with those in the community.  Together, we are eager to make a real difference in the world as we learn how to share God's love through service.

Who is Pacific Coast Ministries affiliated with?
PCM of Oxnard, Califonia is not affiliated with any denomination.  Though contemporary in style, PCM is deeply rooted in the truths of the Christian faith.  Find out more about what we believe in our What We Believe.

How long are the services?
Sunday services are normally one hour and fifteen minutes in length. 

What should I wear?
We are very casual in our dress.  We are much more concerned with connecting you with the power and presence of God than with what you wear to church.  There are many churches who care about such things...we are not one of them.  We just want you to come as you are and allow us the opportunity to minister to your needs.

How many people attend?
Over 60 adults and 15-20 children attend each Sunday and we are continually growing.

Do you have activities for youth?
Yes, our youth group is growing and vibrant.

What is a "Youth Group"?
A group of caring and happy go lucky kids that can worship and learn the Word of God together and yet have a little fun.

When I attend, may I participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper?
As a congregation, we celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the first Sunday of each month.  If you are a baptized believer in Jesus Christ you are welcome to join us in the communion service.

Is there anything to eat and drink?
Yes.  After each Sunday morning service we serve coffee, juice, donuts and fruit.  On the last Sunday of each month we have a birthday celebration pot-luck.  We are a church that strongly believes in eating and fellowshipping with one another.

What is your bottom line?
We are learning to love God and our neighbors and to experience the inside-out transformation that happens as we encounter Jesus Christ.  We desire to keep Jesus at the very center of our shared life together so that individuals, families and communities will be transformed by His unconditional love for us.

For more info, contact the church office at (805) 485-5365 or CONTACT US