started in costa mesa, california in 1997, ROCKHARBOR is a Bible-based, multi-generational church community being transformed by Christ to be a catalyst for changing lives in and beyond orange county.

the vision for ROCKHARBOR began with a pioneering pastor and team from mariners church in irvine, ca. they dreamed of an authentic, adventurous community of Christ-followers based in costa mesa that would engage disconnected people with the true message and genuine expression of God’s love.

from our first weekend celebration, ROCKHARBOR’s personality began to emerge—one shaped by volunteerism, flexibility, creativity, energy, a passion for worship, and more. clearly God was working, and at a faster pace than ever imagined by the church planting team. our search for additional ministry space began before ROCKHARBOR officially existed—and continued for more than seven years until God opened the doors in 2004 to a warehouse in east costa mesa that has become our first centralized, full-use ministry hub.

God has continued to bring a steady stream of new leaders, teams, and ministries. places throughout orange county have been transformed into "church" in many forms. we’ve gathered in homes, coffee shops, warehouses, tents, shopping centers, and countless other places to tell and be the stories of how God is transforming lives. we’ve also become a hands-on church where ministry is initiated, led, and carried out by teams of volunteers.

as we’ve experienced seasons of transition, stretching, and dependence, God has taught and reminded us that His church is led by Christ alone. modeling dependence, our elder board and pastoral leadership strive to stay close on the heels of Christ as they diligently seek God’s direction for ROCKHARBOR.

from the beginning we’ve been part of a much bigger story than our own—God’s global movement called the church. ROCKHARBOR’s story is still being written by God’s creative hand. each person we meet—including you—becomes a part of this story and changes it through who they are.