Who Are We
We are a multi-generational and multi-ethnic church in downtown Walnut Creek that seeks to draw as many people as possible into an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus and authentic community with one another. Whether you are spiritually homeless, skeptical, curious, or a committed follower of Jesus, we make room for your process and support you in your journey.
Our Story
Nearly 150 years ago, in 1878, Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church was planted in the rural, farming community of Walnut Creek. Our church began as a mission church of Community Presbyterian Church, a congregation just down the wagon trail in Danville. When the Southern Pacific Railroad service (now the Iron Horse Trail) opened in 1891, Walnut Creek grew rapidly. Sixty years later, in 1951, the Broadway Plaza opened as Contra Costa’s first major retail center, and the population quadrupled in size.
While our story begins with roots planted in a small, rural town, over the years, the suburban bustle replaced the corner store, post office, and hitching post. Today, the transit village surrounding BART, one block from our church, has spawned thousands of apartments and condominiums, housing young millennials and scores of people from countries all over the world. The vibe around our campus is urban–eclectic and artistic–while our surrounding area still hosts suburban neighborhoods with good schools and family-sized yards. In the midst of transition from rural to suburban to urban we’ve remained in our central location to help people explore the Christian faith and become followers of Jesus. We use our acronym WCPC as shorthand for our mission: WCPC – We Connect People with Christ.
Our Vision - Why We Exist
To glorify God while drawing as many people as possible into an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus and authentic community with one another, all through the power of God’s Spirit.
Our Mission - What we do
We are a multi-generational and multi-ethnic church in downtown Walnut Creek that:
- Worships in a manner that exalts God, equips believers, and engages our friends and neighbors,
- Loves and disciples adults, students, and children,
- Supports and serves our community and world through sharing Jesus’ story, mercy, and justice,
- Operates as a healthy organization with integrity, caring well for its staff and volunteers,
- Partners with a Christ-centered preschool, and
- Stewards our campus resources, nine apartments, and Foundation toward influence and impact in the greater East Bay.
Words We Live By
At Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, our life together is shaped by values that reflect the essence of our faith and mission. These are the words we live by:
Christ Centered Worship
Jesus is at the center of everything we do. His life, death, and resurrection give us direct access to God and shape our entire existence. We live with Jesus as our guide and hope, always pointing back to His incarnation and love.
Joy Filled Community
Our joy is rooted in the deep assurance that God is in control. It is not dependent on circumstances, but is a gratitude-filled confidence in God’s promises and the power of Christ’s resurrection, which is making all things new.
Love Compelled Service
Christ’s sacrificial love is the driving force behind our lives. We extend His love to one another and to our neighbors, offering the same self-giving care that Christ showed us.