Todd Proctor, the lead pastor, 39, makes a statement of humility by sharing a small office with another staff member. You help yourself.Įven the staff is laid-back. Wooden crosses stand in the corners with a cup of juice and bowl of crackers at their bases. The church doesn’t pass a plate for donations, but leaves envelopes by the door. Coffee is available, but many churchgoers bring their own from Starbucks. The backdrop for the pulpit changes every few months, often displaying bright fabrics and funky patterns. The giant warehouse looks more like an art gallery, with sepia-toned photos, framed artwork, a mural of Jesus’ nail-pierced feet surrounded by worshipful hands. Rock Harbor, which now meets in a converted warehouse in a Costa Mesa industrial park, holds seven weekend services, including two about a mile away at the Shark Club. “It has the look, feel and vibe that’s not to be expected, but the truth, message and heart that you would expect at an older-person church.” “It’s postmodern meets Southern Baptists,” said Aaron Roohk, 34, a member of the prayer team.

Its growth shows how charismatic leaders at the church have managed to target a very specific demographic – hip, young people who want a modern setting but the traditional message of Christ.

Today, average weekend attendance is 5,000. In 1997 at a Costa Mesa senior center, about 250 people gathered to worship in a new church called Rock Harbor, an offshoot of Mariners Church. This is church in a bar, Rock Harbor style. A cross is propped next to a covered painting of a topless woman. They sit on red velvet lounge chairs or bar stools under gleaming silver disco balls.īut the only thing on tap here is the grape juice for Communion.Ī black curtain is draped over the bar, hiding the Bacardi, vodka and beer. Tattooed twentysomethings are text-messaging furiously before the service. COSTA MESA – It’s Palm Sunday at the Shark Club nightclub in Costa Mesa.

Pastor mike todd scandal