Our Story
Our story and the history of Las Flores Church of the Nazarene began right after the end of World War II. Bustling Oceanside, California, where the church was first “planted,” had less than 10,000 people. So much has changed since then and would we even recognize our communities? Then Interstate 5 was only a concept. At that time, a loaf of bread cost 9 cents, and a gallon of gas? Just 21 cents.
It was then that 22 followers of Jesus Christ and members of the National Church of the Nazarene gathered in a modest home and became determined and delighted to grow a church. The Oceanside Church of the Nazarene was born. Reverand Elbie D. Green pastored that small group, followed by Reverend Richard G. Sales and Reverend Paul W. Urschel.
By 1971, Oceanside’s population had more than tripled and the congregation of Oceanside Nazarene had as well. Reverend Richard S. Miller, the church board, and the congregation knew if they were to continue to grow, spreading the good news, diving more deeply into God’s word, and loving neighbors, it was time to expand. Their current location was just too small.
The group sought land and found the right location at 1400 Las Flores Drive, in Carlsbad. They were excited to expand and see God’s hand in it all. And that ocean view was a plus. In 1973, the plot of two acres was purchased and the real work began. The congregation voted on a name change that reflected the mission and vision they saw as the future. It would be called Las Flores Church of the Nazarene.
Members donated time, energy, skilled and unskilled labor, their weekends, and spare moments along with money to construct the church. The original building remains the core of our campus while the expansions have reflected the growth of that first little home church and the determination of the group of 22 original congregants. Just as it was over 70 years ago, members and friends of Las Flores Church of the Nazarene are dedicated to the good news of Jesus Christ.
Our Mission Statement says: To know the love of Christ and to make that love known.
Our vision remains the same: By studying the Word and being in prayer, we strive to be an authentic community of believers who make the love of Christ known within our individual spheres of influence and by engagement in Christ's mission throughout the world.
Both of these are simple and deeply rich with meaning. They say who we are. They explain our focus now and for today and for the future.
Please visit www.nazarene.org to learn about our core beliefs. We know, without a doubt, that Jesus is the answer. He has the power to save, the power to transform. We invite you to be a part of our group.
Each Sunday, we meet for worship singing, a relevant and relatable sermon, and fellowship. Please join us. Carlsbad is a beach town so the “dress code” is comfortable, contemporary, and casual. You’ll meet like-minded people of all shapes, sizes, and colors, who come together because of their love of Jesus and you’ll always be welcome.
Like those who first joined to establish our church, we still seek the presence of God and believe the Bible is the living Word of God. May we share that love with you?
