Foothills Christian Church is a nondenominational Christian church at 365 W Bradley Ave in El Cajon, in the San Diego East County area it serves. Its mission is to advance Christ's rule in itself, families, the church and culture by reaching people with the truth of Jesus, encouraging one another as a family, building the kingdom of God on earth, and raising up the next generation. That wide ranging mission is visible in a large weekend church family and ministries spanning childhood, youth, young adulthood, discipleship, care, transportation outreach, missions, and Christian education.
A Weekend Rhythm of Worship and Welcome
Foothills worships on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. The church describes its atmosphere as relaxed: someone in jeans may worship next to someone in a suit and tie. First time guests are received at the welcome center, receive a gift, and can use it at Common Grounds, the church's coffee bar. A prayer team is available after services, and staff can help with questions.
The weekend gathering centers on relevant teaching, heartfelt worship, honest friendships, constant prayer, and compassionate care for others. Short term topical classes run on Sundays and during the week, and age specific children's classes meet during every weekend service. A live service is available online, and the sermon archive includes messages going back to June 2016.
Jesus, Friends, Others: Children from Birth Through Fifth Grade
The children's ministry mission is to partner with parents in teaching children to apply God's ways and respond in heartfelt worship. On a first visit, families go to the Welcome Center in the Children's Building, where a team member registers the children. Registration can take a couple of minutes, so families are encouraged to arrive with extra time. Later visits use the kiosks beside the Information Desk. Check-in begins 15 minutes before each class.
Children receive a name tag and two claim tickets for pickup. The children's team asks for a parent's cell phone number so the family can be contacted quickly in an emergency. All children's ministry staff and volunteers have background checks and remain with the children until the family collects them.
- Infants and Toddlers serve children from birth through age two in a calm, comfortable environment staffed by caring parents and volunteers.
- Preschool serves children ages two through five with activities, games, stories, and hands on lessons that introduce children to God's love.
- Kids' Church serves first through fifth graders with worship songs, games, free play, object lessons, and Bible teaching that connects Scripture to children's lives.
- Miracle Buddy pairs children with special needs with a trained adult who helps them participate as independently as possible in worship, crafts, and the Bible lesson.
Two scouting programs extend the children's ministry during the week. Royal Rangers welcomes boys ages 5 through 17 on Monday evenings from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. They earn badges and awards intended to develop mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well being, with quarterly camping, hiking, model rocket launching, wooden car racing, and service projects. American Heritage Girls welcomes girls ages 5 through 18 and their families on Mondays from 6:15 to 8:00 p.m. Its activities combine Christian faith, service, friendship, crafts, camping, and outdoor fun.
From Friday Night Small Groups to Mission 9:10
Junior High ministry recognizes the transition from childhood to young adulthood and seeks to give students a safe place to have fun, build friendships, learn the Gospel, and mature in holiness. It meets most Fridays from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Youth Auditorium. Groups of about 10 to 20 students are separated by sex and grade, and each group plans its own activity along with Bible study, worship, and prayer. About once a month, the students gather for one large event with shared teaching and worship. Junior High also meets Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in the Multipurpose Room.
The Core leadership program trains students to study the Bible, lead a small group, and serve the church. Students are encouraged toward prayer, reading God's Word, serving and loving the body of Christ, and holding themselves to a higher standard.
High School ministry welcomes students from all schools and backgrounds. The Mission gathers on Thursdays, with check-in at 6:00 p.m. and the main gathering from 6:40 to 8:30 p.m. Students begin with worship and then divide into groups by sex and grade. Earlier homework hours run from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., while the coffee bar, gym, game lounge, fire pit, and nine square court provide places to spend time before and after the gathering. Mission 9:10 serves ninth and tenth graders on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Students begin in the main sanctuary for worship, then move to Room A2 for biblical teaching and discussion. Future Quest adds a concentrated three day conference experience focused on God, his truth, his presence, and the response of students.
Young Adults Gather in a Coffee House Setting
Foothills young adult ministry serves people from age 18 through their thirties, including singles, married couples, college students, and adults beginning their careers. The main gathering is Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Youth Auditorium. Its coffee house atmosphere includes a live band playing contemporary Christian music and a weekly speaker presenting a scripture based message relevant to current culture. The coffee bar opens at 5:00 p.m., and college age home groups add worship, Bible study, and close fellowship. The wider ministry also includes a yearly retreat, mission opportunities in Kenya and Guatemala, and trips.
The Emmaus Project is a nine month program of Christian worldview and discipleship training. Its three aims are to identify God given abilities and gifts, develop biblical understanding and a Christian worldview, and experience ministry through weekly instruction and practical service. Pastors Mike Van Meter and David Matranga teach the program, which includes classes, readings, ministry responsibilities, mentoring, and several trips. Students can expect to devote about six to eight hours each week to the training.
Home Groups Make a Large Church Feel Small
Foothills home fellowships are mixed gender groups based in homes and led by trained, trusted lay pastors. They follow a common rhythm of worship, Bible study and discussion, and prayer. The groups seek to apply biblical wisdom to everyday concerns while making lasting friendships and providing pastoral leadership. They meet throughout the year with occasional holiday breaks. The finder includes groups for ages 18 to 26, 25 to 40, and 40 and older, as well as parents with children, all ages, daytime groups, men's groups, women's groups, and groups with a special focus.
The groups exist to make a large church feel smaller. They give people regular access to a pastor and community, create opportunities to serve together, and help members discover and use their spiritual gifts. Visitors are welcome to attend several groups before choosing one, and age ranges serve as guides rather than strict limits. Some groups provide child supervision, while others welcome children to remain with their families.
Typical gatherings vary by neighborhood and family needs. One Thursday group meets in Room A1 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a weekly potluck, live worship, and participatory Bible teaching called Digging Deeper. Other groups meet in homes or church classrooms for worship, Bible study, fellowship, service, and outreach. This variety allows adults to find a group that fits their schedule, stage of life, and interests.
Nobody Walks Alone: Women's Ministry
Women's ministry seeks to strengthen relationships within families, help women grow closer to God and one another, and offer relationship, training, and support. Its motto is Nobody Walks Alone. The ministry includes:
- Everyday Moms, a monthly gathering for mothers of young children with relatable speakers, a light breakfast, child supervision, and time to connect and pray.
- Raising Arrows Homeschool Ministry, which equips families who homeschool as either a primary or supplementary choice through biblical guidance, practical information, a faith based community, and collaboration with other homeschoolers.
- The Vine, a seasonal Tuesday Bible study for women that combines Scripture centered teaching, table discussion, and worship.
- Refresh, a Friday morning study with video teaching, small group discussion, homework, fellowship, and child supervision.
- Coffee Shop Drop In, a Thursday morning gathering where parents remain on campus while children use the playground or the Red Room for younger children.
- Hearts for Adoption, a monthly gathering for people considering adoption or foster care, adoptive parents, and foster parents, plus mentoring for women seeking individual Christian growth.
Two prayer gatherings meet at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday in Room A5, with both focused on prayer for the nation. The Kingdom Quilters is a nonprofit volunteer ministry that meets to sew, knit, and crochet. The volunteers make and deliver quilts, baby clothes, hygiene kits, school supplies, food, and medicine to families in Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States.
Men's Ministry for Mentorship, Purity and Fellowship
Men's ministry is committed to helping men grow in their walk with the Lord, strengthen marriages and families, build relationships with other men, and serve the body of Christ. Its leadership mentoring offers an individual relationship in which a mentor walks alongside a younger or fellow believer through the ups and downs of life with mutual respect and encouragement.
The Men's Discipleship Group meets every Saturday from 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. in Room A5 for Bible study, prayer, and encouragement. On the first Saturday of each month, the men's breakfast combines worship, a brief message, fellowship, and a full breakfast.
- Pure Desire supports men pursuing sexual integrity and sexual freedom from addiction. Participation is confidential, requires an orientation process, and is currently limited to men attending Foothills.
- Conquer is a seven week video and workbook series with biblical principles, practical tools, and strategies for pursuing purity and helping other men.
- The ministry for military veterans and first responders creates space for people who have experienced sleep problems, anger, and dark thoughts, pointing them toward the rest Jesus promises.
- The quarterly men's steak out combines an inspirational message, dinner, fellowship, and a movie.
Care Through Prayer, Counseling and Support Groups
Healing Prayer teams are available on Sunday mornings to pray for physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Appointments receive priority, while walk ins are also welcome. Counseling is grounded in Christ and offered to individuals, married couples, and families by mature Christian counselors trained to provide biblical guidance. Because of high demand, counseling resources are reserved for people who have attended Foothills in person weekly for at least four months. The ministry also recommends involvement in a home group as an additional source of support.
Several classes address particular stages of family life. Marriage Prep is a six week course about building a strong marriage. Parenting the Younger Child is a five week class led by counseling pastor Danny Eslinger and Nitsa Eslinger, covering biblical principles, practical wisdom, discipline, and shared parenting goals. Legacy is a five week course for parents of teenagers and preteens. Forgiven and Set Free is a ten week Bible study for women working through the pain, guilt, and grief associated with abortion. Deeper Still is a weekend retreat for men and women who have experienced or been part of an abortion.
- GriefShare is a 13 week group for people who have lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend. It teaches coping practices for the unpredictable experience of grief while providing support.
- Celebrate Recovery is a Christian 12 step program for people struggling with addiction. It meets Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Room A1 and works through the Gospel of John with additional biblical readings.
- Freedom Ministry offers six live classes once a year on true freedom, levels of change, the kingdom of God, hearing God, life in the kingdom, and breaking strongholds. The three day Freedom Conference continues this teaching through worship and presentations by Foothills pastors.
- Hope and Healing meets every other Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. on the Foothills campus for people affected by homosexuality, same sex attraction, gender confusion, or transgender identity. The ministry emphasizes love, grace, and truth.
From One Bus in 1996 to Transportation Outreach
The Bus Ministry began in 1996 with one bus, one driver, two volunteers, and two children picked up in Santee. It has grown into a transportation ministry with more than 40 volunteers, five routes serving El Cajon, Santee, and Lakeside, and weekly ministry to more than 100 children and families. The fleet now includes 23 buses, cargo vehicles, and youth vans used for church programs, camps, retreats, and mission trips. The transportation team also provides drivers and vehicles for other local churches and ministries.
On Sunday mornings, teams pray before leaving the church, pick up children at designated stops, and deliver them by 10:30 a.m. The children gather in Room A1 for a hot breakfast or brunch prepared by the bus kitchen team. For many, that meal is the only breakfast or lunch they will have that day. Elementary children remain for classroom activities, while older students join their youth ministries. After worship, the children receive a treat and return home on the same routes. Some are dropped off at Youth Venture along the way.
Weekly visits to families build the relationships behind the rides. The teams also host barbecues, pizza parties, and activities at apartment complexes, parks, and other neighborhood locations. Youth Venture has operated for 25 years and runs four teen centers where young people can find a safe place for sports, games, pool activities, homework, mentoring, and occasional field trips. The bus and Youth Venture teams work closely together so children can move from neighborhood relationships into church community and age appropriate discipleship.
Missions That Put Faith in the City and Around the World
Foothills supports local and global ministries that share hope through education, care, recovery, youth services, and practical assistance. Its partners include:
- Youth Venture, which provides a safe after school environment with games, a skate park, a pool, occasional trips, and biblical mentoring.
- Vision International University, which provides academic preparation for professional Christian ministry.
- Cru, which equips Steve and Cheryl Bratton with digital tools for sharing the Gospel worldwide.
- Sonshine Haven, which provides after school worship, Bible lessons, games, and snacks at more than 40 elementary and middle schools in San Diego County.
- Pregnancy Care Clinic, which supports women in crisis pregnancies with education, resources, and alternatives to abortion.
- Restoration Ranch, a Christian drug and alcohol recovery program on a working farm that uses the 12 step process.
- Pure Desire Ministries, which provides hope and freedom from sexual addiction through groups, resources, and training.
- City Church Ministries, which encourages unity among spiritual leaders in San Diego churches and seeks to restore and equip the body of Christ.
Pastors Neil Hoffman and Mike Van Meter highlight local and global mission causes during Missions Sunday. The church also hosts a TPUSA Faith Chapter that educates, motivates, and activates Christians through discussions of daily life and cultural issues, practical action steps, biblical citizenship, and training resources. Compassion Ministry organizes memorial services, receptions, and celebrations of life for grieving families. Mission donations can be directed to a particular effort through a note on the giving form.
Schools, Homeschooling and Biblical Formation
Foothills began opening schools more than two decades ago and now offers preschool through high school education from a biblical worldview. Foothills Elementary School, Foothills Middle School, and Foothills High School form the church's school network. Raising Arrows provides a separate community for parents who homeschool, with instruction, encouragement, information, and collaboration for families at different stages of the homeschooling journey.
The church's educational options work also include guidance for independent homeschooling, Christian homeschool programs, public charter schools, and private schools. Its resources cover legal questions, reading and spelling support, tutoring, homeschooling organizations, and family resources. The Foothills 5 classes add a church based path for spiritual growth. They can be taken in any order and at the participant's own pace:
- Freedom Foundations
- Gifts of the Holy Spirit
- Covenant and Kingdom
- Masculine Virtues and Women by Design
- Understanding the Bible
Completion of all five classes is marked by a Foothills 5 graduation. The church bookstore also carries books written by its pastors on biblical faith, prayer, freedom, discipleship, and the kingdom of God.
What Foothills Believes
Foothills holds unity in essential beliefs, liberty in nonessential beliefs, and love in all its beliefs. Its statement of faith includes:
- Belief in the triune God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Creator of all things, and in humanity existing to enjoy him and bring him glory.
- Belief that sin separates humanity from God and that God's grace saves helpless sinners through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, received through faith. The Holy Spirit comes to live in those who follow Jesus and continually gives power to live according to God's Word.
- Belief that each believer receives the Holy Spirit at conversion and that baptism in the Holy Spirit brings power for sanctified living and the administration of spiritual gifts. Receiving the Holy Spirit can be repeated throughout a believer's life.
- Belief that the whole Bible is the Word of God without error and the unfailing rule for personal and public life.
- Belief that Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth and commands his church to make disciples of all peoples, teaching them to love, honor, and obey God.
- Belief that Satan is defeated, Jesus will return in glory, the earth belongs to the Lord, and every area dominated by sin needs transformation, including individuals, families, the church, and society.
- Declaration of the Lordship of Christ in every sphere through the preaching of his Word, prayer, and the lifestyle of the believer.
A Place for Newcomers and a Place to Serve
Next Step, held on the first Sunday of each month, is an introduction for people who are new to Foothills. It includes a meal with pastoral staff, an explanation of the church's core beliefs, an opportunity to ask questions, an introduction to home groups, and ways to become involved in ministries. It also gives newcomers a chance to meet others who are relatively new to the church. Short term topical classes offer additional ways to study particular subjects.
Serving opportunities include children and preschool care, Royal Rangers, American Heritage Girls, Youth Venture, the bus routes, the coffee bar, the bookstore, worship, connections, the high school ministry, and office support. The church emphasizes that service does not require a particular talent or background; volunteers are needed in many roles, including driving, mentoring, teaching, greeting, childcare, media, and administration.
The Foothills mobile app provides access to events, recent messages, and giving. Giving is available online as a one time contribution or a scheduled recurring gift, while other donation methods include stocks, mutual funds, charitable gift annuities, and real estate through Foothills giving.
Teaching, Worship and Leadership at Foothills
Neil Hoffman serves as lead pastor, with David Hoffman and Mark Hoffman serving as founding pastors. Mike Van Meter is teaching pastor, Phil Ortiz is administrative pastor, and Jim Deyling and Marc Dupont serve as staff and associate pastors. Don Bastrom leads the Bus Ministry, Hank Dmochowski leads worship, Kevin Miller leads connections, and Danny Eslinger leads counseling.
David Matranga serves as young adult and career pastor, Jeremy Chan as high school pastor, and Parker Kiefer as junior high pastor and assistant worship director. James Harper leads children's and family life, Nitsa Eslinger directs women's ministry, and Bryce Stacy serves as local outreach pastor. Together these leaders oversee a church family whose work ranges from worship and teaching to formation, family support, transportation, education, and neighborhood outreach. Foothills Christian Church continues to pursue its stated mission of advancing Christ's rule in itself, families, the church and culture through the truth of Jesus, encouragement within a church family, the work of God's kingdom, and the raising of the next generation.