Agape Chinese Alliance Church is part of the Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) denomination. We began in 1986 with a growing population of Chinese immigrants and college students in San Diego. The church plant started with founding pastor Rev. and Mrs. Gerald Chao and the support of its English-speaking counterpart, Balboa Alliance Church. With Cantonese Sunday worship, Bible study, and outreach effort, Agape CAC grew in its number. Many received Christ and people were discipled and baptized. In 1997, Rev. and Mrs. Patrick Chow and family re-developed Agape CAC to be a “purpose-driven church” that “lives and fulfills the Great Commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40; 28:19-20).

Agape Chinese Alliance Church was formally incorporated in July 1998. The church held Cantonese service with Mandarin translation and service, which later absolved after refocusing the needs and vision of the church. In 2000, after much prayer for relocation, the church moved to a strategic place close to Asian businesses and restaurants. Again, there was much work in evangelism outreach such as parent education, community health fairs, Chinese classes for children and adult ESL (English) classes. In addition, there were Agape CAC small cell groups and Bible study and worship… resulting in adult, youth, and children ministries that grew. The year 2005 brought in the first American-born English pastor to oversee English ministry, Pastor James Chuang.

In 2006, there was a transition time for the church, with Rev. and Mrs. Jack To and family arriving early 2007 to continue Agape’s existing ministry and envisioning growth both spiritually and physically. Later, the church partnered with Enoch Center, a community outreach center for Chinese people living in San Diego. In April 2011, Agape moved into a church facility with more rooms, parking lot and playground to accommodate its growth and needs.

In 2016, Agape CAC acquired present premise and ready to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Unfortunately Rev. Jack To passed away due to cancer at the same year. The church has faced a period of uncertainty and instability. Nevertheless, Agape church leaders and members have been faithful in serving Him. More importantly, praise the Lord for His faithfulness to His people!

In 2020 the Lord led Rev. and Mrs. Jonathan Lam to Agape CAC as Lead Pastor and later Pastor Joshua Cheng on board in 2021 to serve in the English congregations. Agape CAC continues to trust God as He is the Lord of the church. We will continue to strive for the vision and mission God has given us until the day we meet Him.