Take a moment to read about what we believe, our values and priorities as a church, and even meet our staff. But first, let us tell you a bit about our history.
Our History
In the late 1970’s, there was a group of Christians from various churches who were hungry for more of God in their lives and they began to meet in a house in Salida. By 1982, that group officially became a Vineyard church with Mike and Barb Webb serving as the founding pastors.
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 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, a beautified gathering space called The Grove.
The Salida Vineyard has also been blessed & shaped through the service of other pastors and their families along the way, including Dan Trujillo, Scott Sailors, Kenneth Wilcox, Ben Folman, Kevin & Missy MacPhail, and most recently Jason Smith.
Orchestrated by God, our prayers were answered when a local church approached us about considering sharing the building. In February 2024, Cornerstone Church started holding Sunday evening services at our location and splitting operation costs with Salida Vineyard. Cornerstone maintains a separate congregation and governance, but we share the blessing of our beautiful space.
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 share values and theology called The Vineyard. For more information, check out vineyardusa.org.