About Us
Faith That Grows
Our Rich Heritage
El Buen Pastor's story begins long before our founding in 1976. Our roots trace back through California's spiritual history to the first Christian baptism in Alta California at "La Cristianita" in 1769, and ultimately to the biblical promises made to Abraham and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. We are "globally grafted" yet "locally rooted" in San Clemente.
Rooted in Faith, Growing in Grace
Our Founding
In 1976, British missionaries Phillip and Susan Kavanagh, after 14 years serving in Bolivia, planted Iglesia "El Buen Pastor" at 708 Avenida De La Estrella in San Clemente. They recognized the need for Spanish-language ministry outside the Catholic church and established a community focused on evangelism and discipleship. The name "El Buen Pastor" (The Good Shepherd) was chosen to reflect the church Phillip served in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
1980
Incorporated as "Believer's Chapel" while maintaining Spanish ministry
2020
Pastor Ernesto and Corinna Hernandez answered God's call to steward the "Living & Loving Legacy" of both Believer's Chapel and Iglesia "El Buen Pastor"
1990s-2000s
Ministry moved between locations, hosted by generous partner churches
Anchored in Truth
Who We Are Today
El Buen Pastor and Cornerstone Community Church (C3) minister together as "two branches of the ONE vine," reaching the Tri-city area (San Clemente, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano) and beyond. We focus particularly on "GenNu" (Generación Nueva) - second and third-generation individuals who uniquely bridge:
Language (primary and preferred)
Age (multi-generational connections)
Culture (transformative influence)
Expression (speech, dress, worship styles)
Experience (educational/socio-economic backgrounds)
Identity (the hyphen in Mexican-American, etc.)
Connect With Us Today
Join us this Sunday as we continue "living the loving legacy" established by generations before us. Everyone is welcome at El Buen Pastor!