Victory Church
A Message from the Pastor
Victory Church in Chula Vista, CA is proof that Jesus is still alive and active today no matter where you are on your journey. In 2016, our founding churches, Church of Joy and Pilgrim, along with Lutheran High School, each with long histories, came to a place none expected to be. We were called to become pioneers instead of historians. To come together as a new creation called Victory Church not for our sake but for Chula Vista and the rest of the South Bay. Bringing people together with varied histories can be hard and a headache, just like your life today, but in the end, it’s the story of Jesus’ VICTORY over death that really brings us all together. From him, we learn grace, truth, and how to live life together in such a way that brings life and hope to our homes, our work places, our schools, and community.
I grew up in the city of Flint, MI. Yes, that Flint, MI. I grew up in a violent neighborhood with racial tension. My home was a sanctuary that taught me about Jesus, how not to be afraid of people but to love instead, and the importance of being a light in a dark place when others might leave. I worked in San Jose for 5 years with college students, and the last 13 in Chula Vista at Pilgrim and now Victory. I am married with three boys. I have found that people of all walks of life need to feel accepted but also need the unadulterated truth of God’s Word spoken from a position of love to make real change in life.
My prayer for Victory Church is that we continue down this path Jesus is leading and that on this site you may find the information you are looking for to join us.
Victory Church is a place of love and acceptance. No matter your walk of life, no matter your past, no matter who you are or where you are from, you are welcome here. More importantly, you are welcome in the family of God. He longs for a relationship with each and every one of us. Victory Church is simply a vessel for a closer connection with God. We hope that you will consider coming to visit sometime soon!
Pastor Tim Gerdes
Head Pastor at Victory Church
What We Believe
Grace Alone (Sola Gratia)
We are saved, not because of the good things we do, but solely because of God’s undeserved love and mercy for us in His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died in our place for our sins and rose from the dead to give us life.
Faith Alone (Sola Fide)
We cannot earn God’s love by what we do; we can only receive His grace through faith, which trusts in the promises of God and clings for hope and comfort to the cross of Jesus Christ.
Scripture Alone (Sola Scriptura)
The Bible is the only source and standard for Christian life and teaching. We find out who God is, what He has done for us, what He promises us, and what He expects of us in the Bible, all of which is God’s inspired and truthful Word to us.
Victory Church is a Christian church that is part of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The most important part of being a Lutheran is being a Christian first. This means our beliefs are centered on Jesus Christ and the triune God; consisting of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We believe that Jesus Christ came to earth and was crucified and died for our sins. And through the Grace that was given to us in Christ, we have salvation in heaven.
For more information about the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, please visit the LCMS website.
