Shocking pictures and video clips of the recent rioting in Los Angeles have highlighted the failed policies of Democratic lawmakers in California for the nation to see. Indeed, there are significant issues in our state resulting from misguided policies and poor leadership:
- Homelessness has surged across major cities, with tent encampments overtaking public sidewalks and parks.
- The education system is increasingly shaped by radical ideologies, with public schools undermining parental authority and pushing content that confuses and harms children.
Bible-believing Californians sometimes feel weary of the governance and policies of this state. Friends across the country shake their heads in disbelief.
Yet when we look at the spiritual need around us, we’re reminded of the words of Christ to His disciples:
The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. (Matthew 9:37–38)
I’ve spent forty years preaching in California, and Lancaster Baptist Church is a testimony to the grace of God in this state. Other cities await their opportunity for revival—but the need for laborers is real.
California is not beyond hope. It is a harvest field—vast, ready, and waiting for laborers. Before you write it off as an impossible place to live or see revival, consider these points:
1. California is the most populated state.
California is a massive and influential mission field. Consider these facts:
- Population: Nearly forty million people—1 out of every 8 Americans—live in California.
- Largest Cities: This state is home to 3 of the 10 largest cities in the U.S.—Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. All of these cities need more churches.
- Many Cities: California has 75 cities with populations over 100,000, many of which do not have a soulwinning, Bible-preaching Baptist church.
- Languages: Over 200 languages are spoken in California homes—offering global gospel reach without crossing borders.
- Influence: Social trends, legislation, and media that begin in California often shape the rest of the nation.
The mission field here is immense—and strategic. What happens in California often sets the tone for the rest of the nation, culturally, politically, and spiritually.
2. People in California need the Lord, and many are receptive to the gospel.
The spiritual need in California is undeniable, but so is the openness of many hearts. Just this past week, on an average summer Sunday at our church, fifteen people walked the aisle to be saved, and fifteen others followed the Lord in baptism.
Contrary to what some might assume, many Californians are not hardened to the gospel. In fact, most people are kind and open to receiving a gospel tract. Many are not entrenched in generational cultural Christianity. They are hearing the gospel clearly—often for the first time—and responding with sincerity.
3. There are still millions of conservatives and Bible-believing Christians here.
Yes, it’s disheartening to see the headlines with our governor and LA mayor defending rioting and vandalism.
But what most of our friends across the country are not seeing are the everyday lives of most Californians—people who go to work, take their kids to school, mow their lawns, and want to live in safe communities. They’re not shouting in the streets or showing up on viral videos. In fact, much of California looks more like your neighborhood than what you see on the news.
For perspective: in the last presidential election, over 6 million Californians voted for Donald Trump. That’s more people than voted for him in Michigan, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Delaware combined.
This is not a lost cause. This is a state with a remnant of believers and a large population still open to truth.
4. We are called to bring the gospel to those who need the Lord.
Firemen don’t run from fires—they run to them. Likewise, soulwinners don’t retreat from lost people—they move toward them with the gospel.
The idea of leaving California simply because of the political climate, while ignoring the spiritual need, would be inconsistent with the very heart of missions. If we applied that logic globally, we’d have to apologize to every missionary who has ever left the safety of America to preach the gospel in places like Thailand or Indonesia.
Real Christianity doesn’t run from difficulty—it runs to the need. And right now, California needs gospel laborers who are willing to stay, serve, and shine the light of Christ.
5. Great churches are being built here by the grace of God.
I can think right now of over a dozen churches in this state that have grown both spiritually and numerically over the past twelve months. Three or four of these are pastored by graduates of West Coast Baptist College and have seen their congregations grow by over two hundred people in the past year alone.
Additionally, I’m thrilled to see the growing involvement of fearless church planters who are standing in the gap and starting new churches across this great state.
Yes, there are challenges. But this state is a fruitful field—and God is still building His church in California.
6. Leaders and politicians with law and order or family values appreciate the spiritual leadership of sound pastors and churches.
In a state where biblical convictions are often under fire, many local leaders and some state leaders still respect and welcome the influence of pastors who stand for truth. These leaders need pastors and churches who support them.
We have seen multiple elected officials come to Christ—and we continue to witness to many more.
7. This is a beautiful and needy state.
From the coastline to the mountains to the deserts, the natural beauty of California is unparalleled. But beneath the beauty lies great spiritual need—and great opportunity.
Faith grows here. The gospel still changes lives here. And the harvest is ready.
You Are Invited to Make a Difference…
To our friends across the country, please know this: God is at work in California. You can sit around the table at Cracker Barrel and crack sarcastic jokes about this state. But I implore you instead to push away from the table and join us in a revival of soulwinning and church planting.
How can you help?
1. Pray for us. Pray for the pastors, church planters, and Christians here who are faithfully laboring for the Lord and for souls.
2. Move to California and start a church. If God is stirring your heart for church planting, California is wide open with major metro areas that still lack gospel-preaching, soulwinning, Baptist churches. Additionally, there is a growing network of pastors actively setting aside financial support and ready to provide on-the-ground help to assist new church planters. Visit CA4Christ.org to learn more or to contact us with questions.
3. Take a missions trip here. Plan a visit to California and spend a few days serving alongside a church planter. You’ll be encouraged by the opportunities and challenged by the need. The Spanish-speaking population alone in the Los Angeles area numbers in the millions. California is home to people from all around the world, making it a place where local outreach has global impact.
4. Enroll in West Coast Baptist College, and be involved on weekends helping a church planter. If God has placed church planting on your heart, WCBC offers a front-row seat to real-time ministry in the harvest fields of California. During your training, you’ll have the opportunity to serve alongside church planters—gaining hands-on experience as you help establish and grow new works. It’s a distinctive opportunity to learn ministry while actively participating in it.
5. Join us at Spiritual Leadership Conference this fall. Come to Lancaster, California this September 21–24, and catch a fresh vision for reaching the West with the gospel. You’ll be encouraged by what God is doing, equipped for greater ministry where you serve, and connected with others who are burdened to make a difference in California and beyond. Visit slconference.com for more details and to register.
This is the time to pray, to go, to give, and to believe that God is still working in this great state. The need is real, the field is ready, and the gospel still works.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth… (Romans 1:16)
