A Brief Introduction
ALC is a welcoming and diverse community of people from all walks of life who are committed to authentic relationships, spiritual growth, and faith-filled living.
As a ministry of the United Methodist Church, we believe God’s grace is for everyone and that church should be a place where people are known, loved, encouraged, and transformed.
We value human connection, meaningful worship, compassionate service, and creating space where people can explore faith honestly, ask meaningful questions, and grow in their understanding of how God is at work in their lives and in our world.
How We Began
Abundant Life Community traces its roots to the early 1990s, when leaders at Korean United Methodist Church of San Diego (KUMCSD) recognized the growing need for an English-language service that could minister to second-generation Korean Americans and others seeking to worship in English. In 1992, that vision became a reality with the inauguration of our first service. In 2001, the congregation officially adopted the name Abundant Life Community.
From the beginning, our story has been one of mutual partnership. The founding congregation provided encouragement, leadership, and support as ALC was established. In turn, generations of ALC members invested faithfully in children, youth, worship, and mission, helping nurture the life of the entire church community. That spirit of shared ministry continues today.
Our Story Continues
Today, Abundant Life Community is a multicultural congregation of The United Methodist Church. While we honor our Korean-American roots, our church family now includes people of many cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences who are united by the love of Christ. We continue to grow as a multigenerational congregation fostering discipleship for adults, children, youth ministry, and our expanding young adult ministries.
Looking ahead, we believe God is continuing to write our story. As we follow Jesus together, we seek to become a caring community where all people can experience God's grace, discover authentic belonging, and join in mission and service.
Our Mission and Vision
ALC focuses on the mission of Jesus Christ in our daily lives - bringing hope, healing, and abundant life to the world.
As a United Methodist congregation, we find our direction through the three guiding principles taught by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism:
Do no harm: We strive to be a safe, inclusive space where all are respected and valued.
Do good: We are committed to active service, showing God's love through tangible support for our neighbors in San Diego and beyond.
Stay in love with God: We nurture our spiritual lives through worship, prayer, and a deep connection to the grace of Jesus Christ.
These rules guide how we treat one another as we grow into a tighter, more diverse family. Whether you are new to faith or looking for a home, there is a place for you in this journey.