Orange County, California, is home to a diverse array of African American churches that serve as vital centers of faith, community, and outreach. These churches offer not only spiritual guidance but also a sense of belonging and support for their members and the wider community.
Christ Our Redeemer AME Church
We are delighted you chose to visit us here at CHRIST OUR REDEEMER AME CHURCH. Our Pastor, Staff, Members, and Officers do not take your visit lightly. To God be the glory for ordering your steps.
COR Church is actively engaged in making a difference in the lives of our members and community. The borders of our church extend far beyond its walls, impacting the young and elderly, the sick and disabled, disenfranchised individuals, and families. We find great joy in doing God's work!
On behalf of the entire Christ Our Redeemer Church family, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for considering a visit with us. It is truly a blessing to extend our worship service to you, and we pray that your time spent here will be enriching.
If you feel inspired, we invite you to join our community's mission. Through various ministries, church events, and outreach programs, our church aims to make a meaningful impact both in our community and beyond. Your presence and support can make a significant difference, whether through your time, talents, or financial contributions. We look forward to seeing you in person soon!
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Theme and Message
November 3, 2025 Theme: "Prepare for Your Blessing" Scripture: Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NIV) "Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time… Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'" Message: Preparation is key. God’s promises are sure, and waiting with faith positions you to receive your blessing.
Church of Amazing Grace International (CAGI)
SINCE its inception in 2009, the Church of Amazing Grace International (CAGI) has been involved in preaching, teaching, leadership training, administrative work, pastoral care, crisis counseling, and immigration issues.
Our first task as a church is to pray individually and communally to discern what God is calling us to accomplish here in Southern California. Through worship and Bible Study, we expand our capacity to listen to God in order to refine our efforts, increase outreach and make plans to grow the church.
As a community of believers, we are called by God, shaped by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a community of praise, love, and service. We believe in the sovereignty of God, the authority of the Scripture, justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and in the priesthood of all believers.
Our Christian theological beliefs follow reformed tradition and informed by the African philosophy of sharing and mutuality guided by the motto I am because we are. We believe that our salvation through Jesus is God's generous gift to us and not the result of our own accomplishments. Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is the means by which we are forgiven our sins.
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We also recognize the cost of discipleship and rooted in our faith, we seek to develop and use our gifts and talents for the glory of God. We teach, learn, and serve together with creativity and joy. We believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His death and resurrection. We believe in Jesus as the Son of God. He is the Savior of the world.
We believe the Church is the family of God that comprises those "called out." They are "called out" from sinful lives into the pursuit of God's righteousness by faith in Jesus Christ. Hence, they are "a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God."
God has offered us salvation because He loves us. We know that we do not deserve such a great salvation. However, we also know that through Jesus, who was without sin, God redeemed us. We believe that the church is called to serve God and his people.
Ministry and service at the Church of Amazing Grace International is derived from the ministry of Jesus Christ, given by Him who came to minister and to give His life a ransom for many. Supporting the work of God at the Church of Amazing Grace International through giving, time and talents.
Working for peace, justice, freedom and human fulfillment; living responsibly in the personal relationships of life for the glory of the true God. God sends the church into the world as instruments of redemptive mission to the unevangelized and backslidden, and to the poor and the weak.
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We believe that each member of the Church of Amazing Grace International should participate in God's work for the redemption of the whole life of the people, and ultimately for whole creation. Every members is calle to live the life of witness in his/her daily contact with the world, wherein lies the church's evangelistic task and opportunity.
CAGI has had several phases of development from its inception. In December 2009, the then organizing pastor, Rev. Dr. The fellowship was registered under the banner Kanitha wa Ũtugi wa Magegania wa Gĩkũyũ (KUMG). The fellowship, which was the only of its kind in Southern California, appealed to Kenyans from various Christian denominations. The group preferred worshipping in their native Gĩkũyũ language.
As more people expressed an interest in joining the fellowship, it became necessary to seek another meeting location to accommodate the growing number of members. The fellowship relocated to Downtown Community Center in Anaheim. In August 2014, the organizing pastor and his wife received a call to return to Kenya to serve on a different capacity.
Rev. Dr. Johnson Kĩmũhu together with the leadership of KUMG, invited Rev. Dr. Johnson Kĩriakũ wa Kĩnyua (from Atlanta Georgia) to come and continue with the work of organizing the Kenyan immigrants in Southern California. After six months of service, the pastor together with the discernment team started planning for the next phase of KUMG’s development.
The Lord revealed to us that we as a church needed to be outward thinking instead of inward looking. It became obvious that the church had outlived its first mandate since Kenyans from other ethnic communities were joining the church. The Church continues to explore other avenues of reaching out to the younger generations and other members of our diverse immigrant community.
One other longings for us as a community of faith is to connect globally for mission work both locally and abroad. CAGI represents the new face of modern mission work in which immigrants seek to partner with other mission-minded Christians.
CAGI women's Fellowship is a very dynamic group known for its generosity. Women of God aspire to stay united and actively engaged in the community. The purpose of this group is to be together and to proactively inspire members to grow spiritually and socially. Atumia A Magegania (Amazing Women) group is one of our church groups.
CAGI youth group is vibrant and full of energy. The youth engage in activities such as Bible Study, talks, campings, seminars and sports with the goal of bonding, praising and also outreach to fellow youth who are unchurched. They also communally enjoy sleep-overs and movie nights. Children's Ministry at C.A.G.I is one of our foundational pillars in our outreach.
We have Sunday School programs for preschoolers and Elementary aged Children. Our children learn God's Word through Sunday lessons prepared around major stories from the Bible. The Men's Fellowsip has witnessed tremendous growth in the last three.
Apart from being an active member in our church, the Men's Fellowship group has been involved in various activities to support and encourage each other. Throughout the year, the group organizes and contributes towards get-together activities such as retreats and games.
Districts drive our primary pathway to discipleship and transformation. Members gather in homes, halls, or online rooms for fellowship, prayer, and Scripture. We urge every congregant to join a District.
Step inside our Media Center: monitors beam live mosaics, a digital mixer hums, and our agile tech team switches cameras and lyrics with flawless timing. The Development Team guides the Church Session on acquiring land, enhancing facilities, and stewarding finances. Rev. Dr. Alice Nganga, Ass. Elders partner with the minister to provide pastoral leadership and care through every life stage-worship, childbirth, bereavement, weddings, family transitions, and illness.
Key Figures and Their Roles
- Rev. Dr. Ebenezer: Senior Pastor at the Church of Amazing Grace International (CAGI), Fullerton, California.
- Tabitha Gichuru: Serves in various ministries at CAGI, born and raised in Kenya.
- Pastor Janeth Wakesho Masinde: Serving at the Church of Amazing Grace International.
- Pastor Johnson Kĩriakũ wa Kĩnyua: Senior Pastor at CAGI.
I serve as the Senior Pastor at the Church of Amazing Grace International (CAGI), Fullerton, California. - Rev. Dr. Ebenezer is His name. Serving the Lord along side Rev. Dr Johnson Kinyua has opened doors and opportunities to meet some of the most amazing people God created including members of CAGI.
I am humbled to serve in the various ministries in our church. My name is Tabitha Gichuru. I was born and raised in Kenya in the Rift Valley province. I grew up in the in the house of the lord as my dad was an elder at the church. I accepted the lord as my personal savior, at a young age. My name is Pastor Janeth Wakesho Masinde and Christ is my Lord. I was born in Taita, Kenya.
I am thankful to God for the opportunity to serve at the Church of Amazing Grace International. My name is Pastor Johnson Kĩriakũ wa Kĩnyua, Senior Pastor at CAGI. Born in Kenya, I moved my family to the USA. My wife Mary and I nurture three children-Milkah, Ayub, and Eunice. I have pastored in Africa and the United States and worshiped among English congregations, gaining broad intercultural insight.
In Atlanta, I unite immigrants from Kenya, Angola, Congo, Nigeria, Namibia, and Korea for fellowship, celebrating vibrant diversity. My Reformed convictions blend with Africa's “I am because we are,” urging shared life and mutual care. God calls me, a teacher-theologian, to heal and reconcile amid sin and injustice while the church awaits Christ's return and kingdom renewal.
Events and Outreach
Join Church of Amazing Grace International, 1201 Dorothy Ln, Fullerton, Sunday, June 15, 2025, 11 AM, for ‘Rooted & Rising’. Bishop Stephen Gachengo will deliver a message that digs deep and lifts spirits. Come early, bring everyone, and discover depth that anchors and propels you forward.
On 1 June 2025 at 11 AM, Church of Amazing Grace International and Soil Merchants hosted a marketing-networking event, ‘Thriving Beyond Boundaries,’ in Fullerton. Speakers Rev. Dr. Johnson Kĩriakũ, Rev.
Friendship Baptist Church
Welcome to Friendship Baptist Church, where Christ is truly magnified!
Service Information
- Service Times: 8:00 am and 11:30 am (typically 90 minutes).
- Bible Study: 10:00 - 11:00 am for all ages.
- Location: 17145 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda.
We are located on Bastanchury Road in the City of Yorba Linda. Some navigation apps will direct you to stop on Imperial Highway, but there is no entrance from Imperial. Head to the main parking lot from Bastanchury Road and look for one of our parking attendants and parking signs so you’ll know where to park. We have saved you a great spot near the entrance of the quad!
As soon as you step onto the quad, look for our Hospitality Services, (which will be to your left) where our ministry team will assist you and point you in the right direction. Stay up to date with what we're currently teaching & study past lessons at your leisure.
This is truly a Bible based church , with loving, kind, helpful, friendly God focused people. They have many outreach programs for anyone who is in need. They share their knowledge of a wonderful God but they don't force their opinions on anyone "Best church in North Orange County! ""Great church.""An excellent place to worship, fellowship and learn the word of God surrounded by love. It's my absolute favorite place to go!"
Take advantage of our guest parking and be sure to join us in the quad after each service to meet with Pastor Curry.
Community Services
- Food Assistance: The Good Samaritan Food Pantry offers a no contact drive through food service Tues-Thurs from 2:30p -4:30p with no income limits.
- Prayer Line: Every Wed. at 6:30a, 12noon & 6:30p. Call 1 (413) 418-4274 & enter 287 683 504#.
- Grief Share: Friendship offers Grief classes and counseling at no cost to its members. Additional services available for guests.
Click here to view any open positions here at Friendship Baptist Church. The COVID-19 Membership assistance fund has been funded and applications are now being accepted.
Orange Coast Community Church
For the past 32 years I've had the privilege of pastoring Orange Coast Community Church. I'm 71 years of age and I thought it would be good to leave behind a legacy, so that people could know, not simply what I believe, but why I believe it. That will be the topic that will occupy our attention in our two sessions together.
The christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. The first purpose of a christian is to worship God. The second most important thing a christian is to do, is to love others. Life as part of a group of believers provides the right place in which a person can grow in both areas.
One can be encouraged by others and have plenty of opportunities to serve and support fellow believers. Don't try to do this on your own. If you don't have a home church, we would be delighted to open our arms to you.
We recognize that helping our children and youth understand who God is, will make a powerful impact in their lives.
Rick Rzeszewski Was born in Tacoma, WA in 1952 and grew up in Virginia. Rick was born into a military family and his father eventually was stationed in Hawaii. That exposed Rick to the ocean and the waves, which became one of Rick's passions.
In 1965 Rick became a Christian and eventually, attended Biola University and later received a Masters degree in Divinity from Talbot Theological Seminary in 1980, Rick has lead five different churches, and he has been the pastor at Orange Coast Community Church for the last 28 years.
Jeremiah Batson has served as the Youth Pastor at Orange Coast Community Church since 2018. He comes to us full of enthusiasm for the young people and has served in similar roles with the Presbyterian church and at Harvest Fellowship where Greg Laurie serves as the Pastor.
Jeremiah is a teacher in mixed marital arts and has won a few black belts in his competitions. He has an upbeat, positive attitude. He is also a solid bible teacher and he loves to engage in various activities with the youth. Jeremiah also engages in regular outreach to the youth at Villa Park High School. He is a welcome addition to our Ministry Team.
Dave Tursini Is from Youngstown Ohio. His family came to California when he was in junior high. During his youth, Dave made some choices that let him down a dark life, away from God and he considers it miraculous that he is not only alive, but of sound mind today. He gives glory to God for those gifts.
Upon becoming a Christian, Pastor Dave made it his priority to study the Bible with all his might.
Black Ministries Department
Let this be your first stop for information on our churches, schools, educational scholarships and special events in the Black Ministries Department.
We are made up of 17 churches in SECC that are predominately African-American congregations. Our churches are located in Riverside, Orange, San Diego and San Bernardino counties. We are also blessed to have the first Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist church on the Pacific Coast. Plan to join us June 20-24, 2024 in Riverside, CA. We have an annual Shift Conference in the summer.
