Goleta Presbyterian Church is a warm and welcoming Christian church characterized by an open-minded embracing of questions about faith and tradition, acceptance of human diversity, a strong emphasis on social justice and care for the poor and the oppressed, and environmental stewardship of the earth.
One of the most-cited, most highly valued characteristics of the GPC congregation is the warmth and sense of welcoming hospitality that members share with one another and toward visitors. Authenticity of community is often cited by congregants who appreciate the support they have experienced from others during times of psychological, physical, and emotional challenges, such as illness, hospitalization, and bereavement, and also during times of joy and celebration, such as baptisms and weddings.
GPC has long prided itself on being a mission-oriented church with many active missions within the church, the local community and the world.
A former visiting pastor declared us "the kindest church in Santa Barbara County."   Come see!

We are a mission-oriented church and seek to maintain a critical awareness of how well the church and the wider society serve “the least of these.” Locally we are active with Transition House, Community Kitchen, Isla Vista Youth Project, and Alzheimer’s Walk. For over 20 years we have offered a semi-annual "Love of God" retreat for youth from our church and wider community. We have a sister relationship with a Presbyterian church in Patriensa, Ghana. Donations from GPC helped build a bakery there, where a number of people are employed and which serves not only the local community but surrounding communities as well. Members of the Patriensa church have visited with us here more than once, and members of GPC have visited them in Ghana.
When we built our new sanctuary we sold a portion of our property at a below-market price to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Thirteen permanent housing units were built where a number of CP-affected people have found homes. Several of these residents have become active participants in our church.