Grace Fellowship of San Diego began September 20, 1987 as a church plant from Community Church of San Diego in Mira Mesa. What started as a small Bible study of around twenty believers quickly grew into a local church. In the early years, the church met at Carl Sandburg Elementary School in Mira Mesa. Steve Whitten, a graduate of Talbot Theological Seminary, served as the founding elder and helped establish the church’s commitment to biblical teaching and shared leadership. Over time, additional elders were recognized to help shepherd, teach, and care for the congregation.

In 1998, Grace Fellowship relocated to La Mesa, California, where the church began meeting in a facility rented from a local Seventh-day Adventist congregation. During this season, the church continued to grow both in attendance and in leadership. Throughout the early 2000s, the elder team continued to grow, with several men sharing responsibilities in teaching and preaching. By 2006, the church had grown to approximately 120 members and was being served by a team of six elders.

In 2009, Grace Fellowship entered a new chapter when East County Bible Fellowship (ECBF) in El Cajon generously gifted its church property and facilities to the congregation. ECBF had faithfully served the East County community since 1976. In 1981, ECBF purchased the property on 3rd Street where Grace Fellowship continues to meet today. It was a small house, but additions and improvements were made to the building beginning in 1985, helping establish the facility as a place for worship, fellowship, and ministry for generations of believers. With the unanimous support of both congregations, Grace Fellowship relocated to El Cajon and has continued ministry there ever since.

Over the years, the church has continued to grow and develop through seasons of change and transition. Today, Grace Fellowship of San Diego is an independent, elder-led church served by bi-vocational elders and deacons who work together to shepherd the congregation and support the ministry of the church. The church remains committed to teaching Scripture, making disciples, strengthening families, supporting missions, and encouraging meaningful fellowship among believers.

As Grace Fellowship looks toward the future, the desire remains the same as it was from the beginning: to faithfully proclaim God’s Word, equip believers for ministry, and glorify Christ together as a local church family.