Our story

Family from the Start

Our church isn't the walls we meet in on Sunday—it is the people who are learning and growing together, loving one another through good times and bad, and worshiping and serving together. We are here to continue the mission our Savior Jesus Christ gave us to spread the good news (the gospel) that we can be made right with God our creator through Jesus' perfect life on this earth, sacrificial death on the cross, and triumphant resurrection from the grave.

Church of the Canyons was started by 5 families in 1969, and we are still just one large extended family. We affiliated with the Evangelical Free Church of America in 1972 and moved to our current campus in Canyon Country in 1980

Expanding and Growing

Three Senior Pastors served COC in our first 50 years. Donald G. Botsford served as the senior pastor 1973–1985. He oversaw the acquisition of the land when it was purchased in 1977 for $56,000. With a total cost of under $500,000 supplied by 75 families, the new building was constructed in 1980. During Botsford’s tenure, church membership tripled.

Jim Harris was the senior pastor 1986–1990. Harris elevated the teaching and theology of COC and also taught Bible and theology at The Master’s College during those years. After he served at COC, Harris was called to serve in Idaho where he planted four churches. Currently, he is the senior pastor of Heritage Bible Church in Boise and teaches on Heritage Bible Radio.

Charles W. Smith, known as C.W., served as the interim pastor 1990–1995. Smith also taught Bible at The Master’s College for 15 years. Known as a wise and gentle man, he loved people and was a faithful expositor. He provided stability for COC during a time of transitions between senior pastors.

Faithful Through the Years

Bob Childress began serving as the senior pastor in 1995. During his tenure, the mission and vision of COC as a teaching, discipling, and sending church was formalized and woven into the church culture. His dedication to the study of God’s word helped COC establish a love for Scripture, discipleship, and one another. He retired in 2020 after 25 years and has continued to minister faithfully from his new home in Arizona providing pulpit fill, mentoring, and writing on discipleship in the church.

Discipleship, missions, and training for greater ministry has also been a large part of COC, as it is throughout the greater Santa Clarita Valley. In the last 30 years, COC has been involved in the training of six senior pastors, five associate pastors, four worship pastors, four church planters, five youth pastors, three seminary professors, two Bible college professors, and seven missionary families. Many of these have been sent out directly by our church. Countless others have learned and grown at COC and are now deeply involved in ministry all over the world.

Many ministries over the years have thrived at COC. AWANA was a highlight for many years, bringing many children and families to know the Lord and learn His word. Thriving men's and women's ministries helped singles and married people grow. The Bridge, evangelism at a local swap meet, and Canyon Praise's music ministry were among the highlights. Groups like Faithbuilders, Sarah's Sisters, and Joy of Living Bible studies all provided teaching from God's inerrant word. Care groups and community groups provided places for fellowship, prayer, and Bible study.

Renewed Mission - Same Message

Pastor Kris Ullman was called by Church of the Canyons in 2023 to serve as our fourth senior pastor. The next part of our story is still being written. We trust God will do abundantly more than we can ask or think. Our mission today continues to add strong links in the chain of faithful ministry that has come before: we exist to glorify God, proclaim Scripture, and make disciples. And our vision is how we will fulfill our mission: by equipping the saints for service, speaking the truth in love, defending sound doctrine, and building up the body of Christ to maturity. 

Our message, the gospel of Jesus Christ, has never changed! We hope you will come join us on Sunday for our worship service on one of the many ministries hosting special events and regular meetings throughout the week. We would love to meet you!