Our Story

The story of SouthWinds began in 1947 with a smalll 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 church grew and developed the property on Grantline Road that was used for 50 years. With vision for the future, church leadership purchased 16.5 acres of farm land on Middle Road in 1990.

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 SouthWinds took a risk and became a portable church, transforming rented school facilities each week for worship.

SouthWinds began to experience significant growth. With over 500 people attending each week, it was time to move forward with Phase One. 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 have used it primarily for offices and mid-week ministries until today.

Today, we begin to imagine again. With God's help, we believe the completion of Phase Two and the relocation to our Middle Road property for all of our ministry activities, will be the most influential and strategic step our church has ever made.

For more history details and a timeline of events, click here.

Our Vision for the Future

Our future is a dream...of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with thousands of residents, young and old and with diverse ethnic backgrounds, in the West San Joaquin Valley.

...of a place where the hurting, the depressed, the frustrated, the addicted and the confused can find love, acceptance, hope, forgiveness, guidance and encouragement.

...of building healthy and successful lives, marriages and families by providing biblically based principles for living and solutions to life’s problems in a positive, personal and practical way.

...of welcoming people into the fellowship of our church family, becoming a biblically functioning community – loving, laughing, learning and living in harmony together.

...of developing people to spiritual maturity through worship, small group Bible studies, seminars, ministry learning events, retreats and our Discovery classes.

...of equipping every believer for significant ministry by helping them discover the gifts and talents God has given them.

...of sending out and supporting missionaries and church workers all around the world and empowering every member for a personal life mission in the world. It is a dream of planting new churches in United States and overseas.

...of tearing down all unnecessary barriers to authentic Christianity by re-defining Christian culture, worship and ministry for the 21st century. This will be done with a positive attitude and without ever compromising the truth of the Bible.

...of at least 16 acres, on which will be build a regional church for West San Joaquin Valley – with attractive, yet efficient, facilities... including a worship center, a counseling center, classrooms for Bible studies and training, and a recreational area. All of this will be designed to minister to the total person – spiritually, emotionally, physically, and socially – and set in a peaceful, inspiring natural landscape with trees, flowers, rolling hills, and green grass.