Our History
The thought of starting or planting a church first occurred to Pastor Doug Lee in seminary in the late 1990s, but the vision did not take shape until several years later when he visited Life Covenant Church in Torrance, California. Shortly after his initial visit, Doug discussed his sense of call with that church's planting pastor, Tim Morey. This and other conversations with key church and denominational leaders solidified the call to plant a church.
Several dynamic individuals with leadership experience from surrounding churches and ministries confirmed the calling by agreeing to form the core group of Catalyst. The group spent several months gathering, worshipping, praying and sharing a vision to be a multiethnic, intergenerational church in Culver City, California. Finally, Catalyst an Evangelical Covenant Church opened its doors January 1, 2006, in the Marina Room of the Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Westside, nearly one year after discussion first began.
Those that have come to Catalyst truly reflect our vision for diversity - spanning three generations, diverse cultural backgrounds, and broad professional and life experiences.
Catalyst is blessed to have the partnership and support of Life Covenant Church in Torrance, California. They not only prayed and nurtured our growing new community, but they also donated over $40,000.00 to help us on our feet. This was an amazing act considering that they themselves are a young church plant. We were truly blessed by their generosity. Our friends at Life Covenant Church continue to provide great encouragement. We look forward to following their example by supporting other emerging ministries as we build the kingdom of God together.