The story of Southwinds began in 1947 with a small group of 17 charter members. Meeting in a home, they imagined a church that would be faithful to God, a light in the community, and make a difference for Christ in Tracy. This fellowship of Christ-followers grew and developed the property on Grantline Road that was used for 50 years. With vision for the future, in 1990 the church family purchased 16.5 acres of farm land on Middle Road.
In 1992, 120 people imagined a new kind of church. They began to realize a unique mission to be a different kind of church; a contemporary church for people who felt alienated from traditional churches; a compassionate church without barriers for people interested in exploring the faith; a committed church that was willing to take bold steps of faith. At this time, the Southwinds family took a risk and became a portable church, transforming rented school facilities each week for worship (Jacobsen School, 1992-1996; West High School, 1996-2007).
Southwinds began to experience significant growth. By the mid-1990s, with over 500 people attending each week, it was time to move forward and begin building a permanent ministry home. The "Possess our Land" (1997-2000) and "Building a Great Life" (2000-2003) campaigns, along with the sale of the Grantline facility, resulted in the construction of a 15,000 square foot building on our property. We moved into this building in March 2001 and used it primarily for offices and mid-week ministries for several years.
In 2006, the Southwinds family began to imagine where God might lead next. The "Imagine" campaign enabled Southwinds to move onto its own campus in July 2007, after 15 years of gathering as a portable church. When you are on our campus you can't help but notice the building we worship in today. We call it the "Sprung." It's a building that reminds many of a tent, or a garlic bulb, or even Jiffy Pop! While it's definitely a unique place to worship, we love it and we think you will too.
Today, over 1000 people gather for worship and learning and service to the Tracy community each week. We invite you to join us and find where God might take you.
