“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” Psalm 107:1-2
Our History
Let us tell you a bit about our church’s history.
In the late 1970’s, a group of Christians from various churches who were hungry for more of God in their lives began meeting in a house in Salida. It launched in 1979 as Salida Christian Fellowship, with Mike and Barb Webb serving as the founding pastors. By 1982, it officially became a Vineyard church.
The church first began to meet in-between two bars on lower F Street. During that time in Salida, lower F Street was not known for being the best part of town. Those who were part of the church at the time didn’t mind at all though, and regularly welcomed the down-and-out, just as they would anyone else.
By about 1986 the church had outgrown its space and moved into its current location—formerly an old retail store—on Highway 50. During this time the church continued to grow and welcome everyone who was looking to connect with Jesus.
Dave Blakeslee, a potter by trade, was called around 1989 to become the pastor of the Salida Vineyard and served faithfully for a long tenure through 2011, alongside his wife Lisa.
In 2007, the congregation completed an update and substantial addition to the building, with new areas including the current sanctuary and lobby, upstairs offices, and an immersive kids area named Black Bear National Park in the basement. Old classrooms were transformed to become the Garage Band hangout space and, later, an all-ages gathering space called The Grove.
Orchestrated by God, our prayers were answered when a local church approached us about considering sharing the building. Cornerstone Church now owns half of the building alongside Salida Vineyard as their Salida campus, and in February 2024, started holding Sunday evening services at our location. Cornerstone maintains a separate congregation and governance, but we share the blessing of our beautiful space.
God has led this church ever since its simple beginnings, and we look forward to however He leads us in the future!
Salida Vineyard Mission & Vision Statement
“Living the great adventure through lives changed by encounters with Jesus; led by the Holy Spirit to go out and love the world.”
Salida Vineyard Values
- Jesus: We focus on Jesus, who is our lens for understanding the Bible, our lives, and the world.
- Beloved Identity: We belong to the God who loves everyone. Even you. Really!
- Holy Spirit Empowered: We are surrendering our own brokenness and the brokenness of the world to the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
- Deep Discipleship: We are being transformed through deep relationship with God and one another.
- Holistic Worship: We bring our whole lives into worship by submitting to the rhythms of God’s grace.
- Outward Focus: We leave the building on a great adventure to share the Good News, invite everyone into the God’s Kingdom, and serve the world in love.
- Team Led: We don’t hike alone. In the Kingdom, we work and play together… because we are better together.
We are part of a larger association of churches with shared values and theology called The Vineyard. For more information, check out vineyardusa.org.