Who are we?

​Will I be welcome at Shell Ridge?
Yes! We welcome everyone and do our very best to be accommodating. All have something to contribute, as we are all partners in God's work. Some churches say you are welcome but then try to change you so you fit in better and believe what they believe. We think you are beautifully and wonderfully made, and we hope, with the help of God, to help you see that too. 
What do we believe?
We believe in the right of all people to experience God as they wish, to interpret the Bible in ways that bring them spiritual joy, and to seek and display the love of Christ in multiple ways. We do not always see eye to eye on every matter, but we welcome and respect the differences that we have. We experience God as a God of love, and we experience the world as a creation out of that love. As such, we are all children of God.
To us faith and belief are matters of the heart as well as of the mind. We do our best to educate ourselves and explore theological matters from an informed place. We also value the importance of feeling the Spirit move in our midst and in our souls. 
What about the Bible?
The Bible is fundamental to our faith. We read and examine scripture every service.  The Bible is a foundation for our exploration of belief and a guide for our lives. We believe the Bible was inspired by God. Although we do not take it literally, we do believe that it possesses truths about God, humanity, and the world.

What can I expect at Shell Ridge?
At Shell Ridge you will find a welcoming community that treats one another like family. We are here for each other as the need arises and we help one another gladly. We are also a church committed to fairness and equality, and seek to be God's hands in our community, and in our world.
What about the history of Shell Ridge?
​As a Progressive Christian faith community, Shell Ridge Community Church has its roots in the eastward flow of people into the suburbs from the East Bay cities following World War II. Numerous American Baptist congregations were “planted” in Central Costa County in the late 40’s and early 50’s, including Pleasant Hill Community Baptist Church in Pleasant Hill and Valley Baptist Church in Walnut Creek. Each church had a unique personality. The Pleasant Hill church was a bit looser and more community-based, while the Walnut Creek church was more formal and strictly organized. These two congregations flourished in varying degrees for a full generation. 
By the early 1970’s, each church faced challenges that led them to consider uniting. On Pentecost Sunday 1974, the two churches joined as one and American Baptist Community Church was born. The two existing properties were sold and the new congregation purchased land on La Casa Via in Walnut Creek. In August of 1979 the church moved to its new location where it remains today. In 1996, the church changed its name to Shell Ridge Community Church.
Today, Shell Ridge continues in its tradition of bringing people together for the purpose of worship, service, and fellowship. 

Are we "Welcoming & Affirming"?
Yes! On January 25, 2009 Shell Ridge Community Church voted to become a Welcoming and Affirming congregation. We believe that all people are welcome in the Kingdom of God and in God's Church regardless of age, race, ethnicity, economic means, sexual preference, or sexuality identity.
Our Direct Affiliations: 
Shell Ridge Community Church is an American Baptist-USA & Alliance of Baptists congregation that is  a member the Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches as well as the Pacific Coast Baptist Association.

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