Awaken Church

About Awaken Church

Awaken Church is a growing and dynamic church with a bold vision to impact every city for Christ. Our mission is to be a church that makes a real difference in people’s lives, bringing hope, purpose, and transformation. At Awaken, you’ll be part of a welcoming and passionate community where you can meet great people, hear top-tier worship music, and experience powerful, life-changing messages. Led by Pastors Jurgen and Leanne Matthesius, we are committed to providing a church experience that is relevant, inspiring, and impactful.

Our Humble Beginnings

Awaken Church was established in 2005 by lead pastors Jurgen and Leanne Matthesius. The journey began when the Matthesius family moved from Sydney, Australia, to San Diego with the vision to plant a church that would not only impact their city but also change lives around the world. From the very beginning, the church has been committed to spreading the message of Christ, and we started by meeting in a variety of locations, including hotels, schools, performing arts centers, and even a hotel parking lot.

Despite the humble beginnings, the church has grown steadily over the years, driven by the passionate leadership of Pastors Jurgen and Leanne. Today, we continue to carry out their vision through multiple campuses, including locations in San Diego, Salt Lake City, and Boise. Every week, lives are transformed, and people come together to worship, learn, and grow in their faith.

Meet Our Founders: Jurgen and Leanne Matthesius

Pastors Jurgen and Leanne Matthesius are the senior pastors and founders of Awaken Church. Their leadership and vision have shaped the church into what it is today. Originally from Sydney, Australia, they moved with their young family to San Diego, knowing that they were called to start something new and impactful.

Their commitment to building a church that influences not just their community but also the nations is unwavering. From those early days of setting up services in unconventional places to now leading a multi-campus, multi-generational church, their journey has been one of faith, perseverance, and unwavering belief in the power of the Gospel. Their vision has always been clear: to create a church that is fresh, real, and powerful, with a heart for the Great Commission.

Our Vision and Mission

At Awaken Church, our vision is to be a church that not only impacts the city of San Diego but also influences nations toward Jesus Christ. We are committed to building a community where people experience the love and power of God, are transformed by His presence, and empowered to live out their purpose.

Our heart is to see individuals equipped to live out their calling and make a difference in the world. We believe that every person has a unique purpose, and we are here to support and encourage each person to discover and fulfill that purpose.

A Church for All Generations

At Awaken Church, we’re not just about reaching the next generation—we are a multi-generational church with a heart for all ages. Whether you are young or old, single or married, our church is a place for you to grow, connect, and serve. We believe in the power of community and that every person has something valuable to contribute.

Join Us and Be Part of the Movement

We invite you to be part of what God is doing at Awaken Church. Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or have been following Christ for years, there’s a place for you here. We encourage you to attend one of our services, get involved in a small group, or volunteer in one of our many ministries. Awaken Church is a place where you can grow in your relationship with God, make lifelong friendships, and be part of a movement that is impacting lives and changing the world for Christ.