Our HISTORY
Gospel Community Church began as a small group of believers with a big vision: to love and serve the people of Santa Cruz and boldly share the good news of Jesus Christ. From day one, our desire has been to plant a gospel-centered, Bible-preaching church that shines as a light in our city.
beginnings
In May 2018, a small group began gathering each Sunday in a living room to worship, share meals, and study the book of Ephesians together. From those early weeks, there was a tangible excitement about what God could do through a handful of people committed to His mission.
We faced plenty of uncertainty—we had no money, no building, and no idea how everything would come together. But God quickly showed His provision. Through the generosity of our young church and the North American Mission Board, Brandon O’Sullivan was able to step into full-time ministry from the very beginning. That step gave needed energy and focus to the many logistics of planting, pastoring, and preparing for what God had ahead.
As the living room filled, the group spilled out onto the back porch. We prayed for the right people, a meeting place, and financial provision—and God answered every one of those prayers. Soon we began renting our first location: the historic “Circle Church” building on the Westside of Santa Cruz.
2018: One of our first Bible studies.
the Circle Church
On October 7, 2018, we held our first Sunday service at the Circle Church. God blessed those years with growth, new friendships, and many opportunities to reach our neighborhood and local students.
When COVID-19 struck in March 2020, everything changed. Churches across the country closed their doors, and GCC spent eleven weeks online—including Easter Sunday. On May 31, 2020, we regathered outdoors on the Circle Church lawn, where we worshiped week after week until late 2021. Those services deepened our resilience as a church and reminded us that the mission doesn’t stop, even in uncertain times.
2019: Service at the Circle Church on the Westside of Santa Cruz.
2020: Thriving during COVID as we met outdoors at the Circle Church.
The present
On October 3, 2021, GCC entered a new season, holding our first service at the Santa Cruz Seventh-day Adventist Church on Cayuga Street. Though it was difficult to leave the Circle Church behind, we were grateful to worship indoors again and to welcome new guests every Sunday.
During this time, we also launched the Anchored Project, a season of prayer and generosity in which we raised funds toward a down payment for a future property. The project was completed successfully, and we continue to pray that God will provide the right building in His timing, one that will anchor us long-term in Santa Cruz and expand our capacity to reach young people, families, and neighbors with the gospel.
Today, GCC continues to grow as a faith community that is bold in truth and committed to reaching the lost. We are praying that many more in Santa Cruz will hear the gospel and come to know our Savior, Jesus Christ.
2021: Service at the Santa Cruz Seventh-Day Adventist Church on Cayuga St.
2024: GCC leadership prays over the church plant.
