The Ashes And The Ascent: 5 Ways Calvary Church Pacific Palisades CA Is Rebuilding After The 2025 Fire

The community of Pacific Palisades, California, continues to show remarkable resilience following the devastating events of early 2025. On this day, December 14, 2025, the story of Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades stands as a powerful testament to faith and recovery, especially after the catastrophic Palisades Fire that swept through the area in January of this year. The church, an evangelical congregation and a cornerstone of the West Los Angeles community, suffered severe damage to its main sanctuary and facilities, forcing its leadership and members to immediately pivot from worship to a massive, ongoing rebuilding effort.

The immediate aftermath of the wildfire saw Lead Pastor Justin Anderson confirming that the physical sanctuary was likely a total loss, yet his message was one of hope and continuity. This article explores the current status of Calvary Church, detailing the journey of recovery, the ministries that have kept the congregation connected, and the vision for its future as it rises from the ashes.

The Resilience of Leadership: Pastor Justin Anderson and the Calvary Staff

The strength of a church during a crisis is often reflected in its leadership, and Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades has been guided through its most challenging year by a dedicated team. While the church is a medium-sized, non-denominational body, its impact on the local community is significant, drawing attendees from Pacific Palisades, West LA, and Malibu.

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The current face of this resilience is Lead Pastor Justin Anderson. His immediate, transparent communication following the January 2025 Palisades Fire provided a spiritual anchor for the congregation, focusing on the church as a body of believers rather than a building. Anderson has been instrumental in spearheading the massive rebuilding campaign while simultaneously ensuring that the church’s core mission continues uninterrupted. He has shared updates, often via video, detailing the damage assessment and the miraculous preservation of some areas amidst the destruction.

Long-time leader Steve Faubion, who has served as Senior Pastor for over a decade, also remains a foundational figure, representing the continuity of the church’s values and historical commitment to the community. The leadership team is currently seeking a new Worship Pastor/Director to help cultivate an environment of authentic worship, highlighting a commitment to spiritual growth even as the physical structure is reconstructed.

Key Leadership and Entities:

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• Lead Pastor Justin Anderson
• Senior Pastor Steve Faubion
• Calvary Christian School (Affiliated Entity)
• Worship Pastor/Director (Current Search)
• Calvary Palisades (Official Name)

The Phoenix Project: Recovery and Rebuilding After the January 2025 Palisades Fire

The most defining event in the recent history of Calvary Church was the devastating wildfire that hit Southern California in January 2025. The Palisades Fire caused extensive damage, including the near-total loss of the main sanctuary. This tragedy, however, has become a powerful narrative of faith and community action.

The damage assessment by CAL FIRE and the church leadership confirmed the severity of the loss. The experience was described by Pastor Anderson as a time when they would have to "rebuild" their main worship space. The recovery process immediately shifted the focus of the entire congregation to supporting the rebuild, which is currently underway and represents a major, fresh news story for the community.

The church’s response was swift, utilizing its strong digital presence to maintain connection. They quickly transitioned to holding services in temporary locations and online, ensuring that the Sunday Worship Services (traditionally held at 8:30 am with acoustic worship and a 10:30 am service) continued without interruption. This commitment to meeting, even without a permanent home, has been a beacon of stability for the Westside community.

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Active Ministries and Community Life: More Than a Building

Despite the physical devastation, the internal life of Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades has not only continued but has thrived, proving the church's motto: "Encounter God, Live Connected, Practice Formation and Change Our World." The ministries currently running are a testament to the congregation’s dedication to connection and service.

The church has maintained a vibrant schedule of community-focused programs. These programs are vital for providing spiritual and social formation for its cross-generational attendees from Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and West LA. The ongoing ministries are crucial LSI entities that define the church's topical authority beyond just its location.

Key Current Ministries and Programs (2025–2026):

• Mom Life 2025–26: A dedicated ministry for mothers, showing a commitment to family and young families.
• Third Thursday Men's Meetup: A regular gathering focused on fellowship and spiritual growth for men in the community.
• Calvary Weekly Open Basketball Run: A popular weekly event that uses sports as a way to engage the community and promote connection.
• Wednesday Nights at Calvary: A mid-week opportunity for deeper study, fellowship, and connection.
• The Sermon on the Mount Series: A recent sermon series that provides current, relevant spiritual teaching to the congregation.
• Global Missions Partnerships: The church maintains a strong focus on partnering with individuals and organizations serving across the world, demonstrating an outward-looking focus.

The church also maintains a strong relationship with Calvary Christian School, which shares the campus history, having moved to its present location in 1989. This educational affiliate further deepens the church’s roots and commitment to the Pacific Palisades community.

Five Pillars of Calvary's Future Vision

As the rebuilding project moves forward in late 2025 and into 2026, the church’s vision is focused on creating a space that is not just a replacement for the lost sanctuary, but a renewed hub for ministry and community engagement. The following five pillars represent the core of their forward-looking strategy:

1. Restoring the Sanctuary as a Center for Authentic Worship

The primary goal is the full reconstruction of the main worship space. The new design is expected to focus on creating an environment that facilitates authentic worship and spiritual connection. The search for a new Worship Pastor is directly tied to ensuring the new space is utilized to its maximum potential for glorifying God.

2. Expanding Community Outreach and Local Partnerships

The period of displacement has highlighted the church's ability to operate successfully outside of its physical walls. The future vision includes expanding their local outreach programs, such as the Calvary Weekly Open Basketball Run and other local initiatives, to serve the broader needs of the Pacific Palisades and West LA population.

3. Strengthening Cross-Generational Ministry

Calvary Church is known for being a cross-generational church. Future plans emphasize strengthening ministries like Mom Life 2025–26 and the Third Thursday Men's Meetup to ensure that every age group, from children attending Calvary Christian School to senior members, has a dedicated space for formation and connection.

4. Leveraging Digital Ministry Post-Fire

The necessity of moving services online and utilizing platforms for communication during the fire recovery has created a robust digital ministry. The church is committed to maintaining and expanding this digital reach, ensuring that its message and services remain accessible to those in Malibu and West LA who may not be able to attend in person.

5. A Continued Global Missions Focus

Despite the massive financial and emotional undertaking of the rebuild, the church has not wavered in its commitment to its global partners. The Month of Missions Podcast and other initiatives will continue to ensure that their vision remains focused on changing the world, not just their local corner of Southern California.

The story of Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades is a powerful example of a community turning a disaster into a defining moment of faith. The rebuilding of the sanctuary is more than a construction project; it is the physical manifestation of a congregation’s unwavering spirit and a fresh, inspiring chapter in the history of this vital West Los Angeles institution.