From Gang Member To Megachurch Leader: 5 Shocking Facts About Pastor Sergio De La Mora's Journey

Pastor Sergio De La Mora is one of the most compelling and dynamic figures in modern Christian leadership, known for his raw honesty and powerful story of transformation. As of December 2025, he continues to lead the massive, multi-site Cornerstone Church of San Diego, a ministry that has grown into a spiritual hub for thousands, particularly in the Southern California region. His life story, which includes a dramatic shift from a troubled youth to a globally recognized pastor, forms the core of his message on restoration and spiritual revolution.

His ministry is rooted in the belief that true change begins with a "turned heart," a philosophy he champions through his sermons, books, and weekly podcast. De La Mora's unique background as a second-generation Mexican-American and former gang associate provides a powerful, relatable narrative that resonates far beyond traditional church walls, making his recent activities and ongoing influence a topic of widespread interest.

Sergio De La Mora: Complete Biography and Profile

The journey of Sergio De La Mora is a testament to radical change, making him a figure of both spiritual and cultural significance in the United States.

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• Full Name: Sergio De La Mora
• Born: 1966
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Second-Generation Mexican-American
• Spouse: Georgina de la Mora
• Primary Role: Founder and Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church of San Diego (also known as Heart Revolution Church)
• Church Location: National City, California (main campus at 1920 Sweetwater Road)
• Ministry Founded: 1999
• Key Projects: Host of "The Road to Restoration with Sergio De La Mora" podcast, Author of *The Heart Revolution: Experience the Power of a Turned Heart*
• Noteworthy Achievement: Leads the largest congregation by a Latino pastor in the history of San Diego. Named a 2013 Outreach 100 Church.

The Road to Restoration: From Skateboarding Gang Member to Megachurch Pastor

The most compelling aspect of Sergio De La Mora’s public life is his dramatic personal transformation. His early life was marked by the streets and the culture of a gang member, a past he openly discusses to illustrate the power of faith and restoration. This candid approach is central to his ministry's appeal.

A Troubled Youth and the Culture of the Streets

De La Mora grew up in an environment where he was heavily involved in the street culture, even associating with a skateboarding gang. His office is still decorated with framed skateboards, a symbolic reminder of the life he left behind and the demographic he often seeks to reach. This personal history gives him a unique credibility when ministering to those struggling with addiction, crime, and moral failures.

He frequently shares that his journey into ministry was not a premeditated path to becoming a megachurch pastor. Instead, it was a profound, life-altering experience of faith that redirected his life's purpose entirely. This authenticity is what has drawn a massive following to his ministry, "Turning a Generation" toward spiritual awakening.

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Founding Cornerstone Church of San Diego

In 1999, Sergio and his wife, Georgina de la Mora, founded Cornerstone Church of San Diego. The church quickly grew, converting a former theater into a large, 1,000-seat worship space. Its main campus in National City, California, now accommodates approximately 4,000 weekly attendees, making it a prominent multi-site megachurch.

The ministry's success is often attributed to its multiethnic and multicultural approach. De La Mora’s background as a Latino leader has allowed Cornerstone to become a beacon for the Hispanic community, establishing it as the largest congregation in San Diego led by a Latino pastor. His philosophy centers on not limiting the ministry's reach by ethnic lines, but rather focusing on a universal message of hope and change.

The Heart Revolution and Current Projects (2025 Update)

Pastor Sergio De La Mora's influence extends far beyond the physical walls of his church. His current projects and media presence are designed to disseminate his core message—the "Heart Revolution"—to a global audience, solidifying his role as a modern Christian thought leader.

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The Road to Restoration Podcast

One of his most active current platforms is his weekly podcast, "The Road to Restoration with Sergio De La Mora". The podcast delves into a variety of topics, including personal growth, spiritual warfare, leadership, and, most importantly, the concept of divine payback and restoration after life's struggles.

The series is lauded for its "raw honesty," with De La Mora frequently discussing his own past moral failures and struggles, which makes him highly relatable to listeners seeking spiritual growth and a new beginning. Recent episodes continue to explore themes like "Raising A New Generation of Leaders" and "Jesus the Revolutionary," maintaining a focus on practical Christian living and leadership.

Literary Works and Media Partnerships

De La Mora is the author of the influential book *The Heart Revolution: Experience the Power of a Turned Heart*. This work outlines his core philosophy: that leading with one's heart is the key to reaching the next level in life and faith. The book is a foundational text for his ministry, inspiring many in Christian leadership to adopt a more authentic and empathetic approach.

Furthermore, his ministry has partnered with major Christian media platforms. He has contributed new content to Pray.com, a significant move that expands his reach during key cultural moments like National Hispanic Heritage Month. This strategic use of digital media ensures his message of hope and restoration is continually updated and accessible to a diverse, global audience.

De La Mora's Enduring Legacy: Turning a Generation

Sergio De La Mora’s ministry is not just about church attendance; it is about cultural impact and generational change. His unique story—from a former gang member to the leader of a multiethnic megachurch—positions him as a powerful messenger of hope to those who feel marginalized or past the point of redemption.

His work has been recognized by influential publications like *Outreach Magazine*, which named Cornerstone Church of San Diego a 2013 Outreach 100 Church. The church's growth and impact on the National City and San Diego communities illustrate a successful model for multiethnic ministry in the 21st century.

By leveraging his personal history and focusing on the authentic struggles of modern life, Pastor Sergio De La Mora continues to build a legacy centered on the idea that no past mistake is too great to prevent a future of restoration. His ongoing work through Heart Revolution Church and his media projects ensures that the message of "turning the hearts" of a new generation remains fresh and relevant.