In January 2003, God called our founding pastor, Chuck Obremski, to start a church based on straightforward expository Bible teaching. He had taught an adult Bible fellowship class for 20 years at Calvary Church of Santa Ana. Kindred began holding Sunday services at the Elk’s Lodge in Santa Ana.  We experienced an immediate and overwhelming response, with an average weekly attendance of over 700 in our first few months. From our first week, Kindred provided an adult worship service, Sunday School classes for children from pre-school through high school, and nursery care. God provided an abundance of gifted people to serve in the Sunday School classes, to lead worship, to set up and tear down the seating, as well as to serve in many other ministry positions. From its very beginning, Kindred has been a church of believers who love serving the Lord in His church and experiencing the joy of using the gifts He has given them. Visitors to Kindred often comment about the love and graciousness they experience at our church, and the large number of people committed to serving in the various ministries of the church. The teaching of the Word, the strong sense of community, and the many opportunities for service draw people to Kindred.

During our first year, the Lord provided us with an opportunity to purchase a large church property in Anaheim Hills, where a smaller church existed for many years. The property had great potential due to its size and its location in an expanding residential area. The property is well known for its large cross atop a hill that has been lit up every night for over 20 years and is seen by millions of motorists traveling on the 91 freeway.

As God opened the door of opportunity to purchase the property, Pastor Chuck was diagnosed with a very rare and serious form of soft-tissue cancer. God provided Pastor Chuck with His peace and direction, together with a vision as to what could be accomplished through Kindred in its new home. In November 2003, Kindred purchased the property. In the spring of 2004, construction began to expand the existing worship center to accommodate a larger congregation, as well as to make other property improvements and add more modular units. During this construction phase, we continued to meet on Sunday mornings at the Elk’s Lodge, and in people’s homes throughout the week for other ministry activities.

On February 6, 2005, the second anniversary of Kindred’s first service, we moved into our new home and celebrated God’s blessings and provision for our new church. We began using our new facilities for Sunday service, and for more classes and events throughout the week, including a mid-week Bible study on Wednesday evenings. During 2005, we saw growth and change in the lives of the people coming to Kindred due to the teaching of God’s Word and the love and ministry of the church body. Many people became involved in leadership and ministry to meet Kindred’s growing needs.

On September 18, 2005, the Lord called Pastor Chuck home to be with Him after Chuck’s two years of riding the “cancer coaster.”  We miss him greatly but rejoice that he is with his Lord and Savior. We are grateful to God for using him to found Kindred Community Church. Pastor Chuck set an example of loving God’s Word and serving in His church.

Philip De Courcy joined Kindred October 2007 after serving as  the Senior Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Toledo, OH. Born in Northern Ireland, he attended  the Irish Baptist College and was the Pastor of Carr Baptist Church.  After moving to California for graduate studies at the Master's Seminary, he also was the Pastor at Placerita Baptist Church in Santa Clarita. Philip is married to his wife, June and they have 3 daughters.