Our Story

Central Presbyterian began with a small group of believers praying for a Christ-centered, gospel-proclaiming church in the heart of Orange County. What started as informal gatherings has grown into a worshipping community rooted in the Word and reaching into the city. We are still new but we are committed, hopeful, and hungry for God to work through us for His glory.

Our Mission

At Central Presbyterian, we believe the church is the pillar and buttress of the truth and, as such, should be a faithful steward of the apostolic faith passed down from generation to generation. Our beliefs are not invented or improvised; they are inherited—richly and reverently—from the church’s historic confessions. We hold to the Westminster Standards (the Confession of Faith and the Shorter and Larger Catechisms) unapologetically. These documents summarize what Scripture teaches about God, man, salvation, the church, and the world. We do not hide our theology but believe wholeheartedly that doctrine is foundational to the Christian life. This creedal and confessional emphasis, rather than stifling a vibrant faith, provides the very soil for true spirituality and godliness to flourish.

When newcomers visit, they will find a church that believes in the centrality of the Word of God. This emphasis shines through in how we conduct worship. Scripture is read, sung, prayed, and preached. We worship the Lord both reverently and joyfully.

But we are not just a church in Irvine—we are a church for Irvine.

We believe the church is not a fortress to retreat from the world but an outpost of the kingdom of God. That means we do not exist to isolate ourselves. Our goal is to bring the gospel to the center of every neighborhood. Our mission is to see sinners saved, saints strengthened, and Christ exalted.

Evangelism is not just for a select few—it is the calling of the whole church. Whether through casual conversations, Bible studies, hospitality, or formal outreach, we want Central to be a church that speaks the truth in love as every member participates in the Great Commission as God has uniquely gifted them.

A Church that Plants Churches

From the beginning, Central has existed with a vision not just to grow one congregation but to plant others. We desire to see gospel preaching, Reformed churches in every corner of Orange County and beyond. Our aim is to raise up men for ministry, train leaders, and send teams to form new fellowships rooted in the same confession and mission that shapes us. As a congregation of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, we belong to a broader family of churches committed to this very work.

Come As You Are, Be Transformed by Grace

At Central, we are committed to being salt and light in this unique place God has planted us. Whether you are a college student at UCI, a family settling in Orange County, a professional navigating career and life, or someone exploring faith for the first time, you are welcome here. We do not ask people to clean themselves up before coming in the doors. We believe the gospel changes us from the inside out. The grace of God in Christ brings forgiveness, healing, and restoration.

Central is a place where sinners meet a great Savior. A place where broken people are made whole by the cross. A place where the weary find rest and the lonely find family.

We do not offer self-help. We offer Christ.

How to pray for us

• That the faithful preaching of the Word would convert sinners to Christ
• A long-term meeting space
• Numerical and spiritual growth (Adult and covenant children baptisms)
• That the Lord would bless our various outreaches
  • Coffee Shop Bible Study
  • Evangelism at UC Irvine
  • A presbytery-wide outreach event at Huntington Beach (WestCoastWitness)

For more information about Central Presbyterian, please visit our website.

©Cliff Foster. All Rights Reserved.

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Post authored by:

• Cliff Foster

  

  Cliff Foster is a student at Westminster Seminary California, pursuing his MDiv. Passionate about sharing the gospel, he finds great joy in evangelism and engaging others with the truth of Scripture. When he is not studying, Cliff enjoys playing basketball. He is husband to Bre and father to their daughter, Amayah.

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