How it all started...
How It All Started
God makes all things new.
Over 40 years ago, Sentinel Community Church — formerly known as Eternal Life Temple — was founded by Pastor Joe Herrera with a heart to see lives transformed through Jesus Christ. What began as a faithful act of obedience grew into a strong church family rooted in prayer, worship, and the Word of God.
Through seasons of growth, transition, and renewal, God has remained faithful. Today, under the leadership of Pastors James and Diane Martinez, we move forward with fresh vision while honoring the strong spiritual foundation that was laid decades ago.
What Is a Sentinel?
A sentinel is a watchman — someone who stands guard, remains alert, and protects what matters most.
In Scripture, watchmen were placed on the walls to:
At Sentinel Community Church, we believe we are called to be spiritual watchmen in our generation.
We stand:
That is who we are.
Though our name has changed, our mission remains the same:
Know God. Trust God. Obey God.
We are a place of hope, restoration, discipleship, and spiritual growth. We believe God is still saving, still healing, still restoring — and still making all things new.
And we are honored to stand watch in this season.
God makes all things new.
Over 40 years ago, Sentinel Community Church — formerly known as Eternal Life Temple — was founded by Pastor Joe Herrera with a heart to see lives transformed through Jesus Christ. What began as a faithful act of obedience grew into a strong church family rooted in prayer, worship, and the Word of God.
Through seasons of growth, transition, and renewal, God has remained faithful. Today, under the leadership of Pastors James and Diane Martinez, we move forward with fresh vision while honoring the strong spiritual foundation that was laid decades ago.
What Is a Sentinel?
A sentinel is a watchman — someone who stands guard, remains alert, and protects what matters most.
In Scripture, watchmen were placed on the walls to:
- Stay vigilant in prayer
- Warn of danger
- Guard the people
- Proclaim what they saw from their position
At Sentinel Community Church, we believe we are called to be spiritual watchmen in our generation.
We stand:
- Guarding truth in a changing world
- Praying over families, marriages, and future generations
- Watching for the movement of God
- Protecting the unity and health of our community
That is who we are.
Though our name has changed, our mission remains the same:
Know God. Trust God. Obey God.
We are a place of hope, restoration, discipleship, and spiritual growth. We believe God is still saving, still healing, still restoring — and still making all things new.
And we are honored to stand watch in this season.
Expanding the vision...
At Sentinel Community Church, our vision is simple and eternal:
to see souls saved and lives transformed by Jesus Christ.
We believe the church is not a building — it is a place of encounter. A place where broken hearts are restored, chains are broken, and hope is renewed.
We welcome everyone to come just as you are.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to have it all together.
You simply have to be willing.
We believe that when you step into God’s presence, He begins the work.
He restores.
He refines.
He renews.
Our prayer is that every person who walks through our doors would:
We are His vessels — surrendered, obedient, and willing.
And He is our Deliverer.
We do not rely on our own strength. We trust the One who saves, heals, restores, and leads. As spiritual sentinels, we stand watch over our community with prayer, truth, and compassion — believing that God is still moving and still calling people to Himself.
Know God. Trust God. Obey God.
This is our mission.
This is our calling.
This is our watch.
to see souls saved and lives transformed by Jesus Christ.
We believe the church is not a building — it is a place of encounter. A place where broken hearts are restored, chains are broken, and hope is renewed.
We welcome everyone to come just as you are.
You don’t have to be perfect.
You don’t have to have it all together.
You simply have to be willing.
We believe that when you step into God’s presence, He begins the work.
He restores.
He refines.
He renews.
Our prayer is that every person who walks through our doors would:
- Encounter the love of God
- Experience the power of His presence
- Grow in truth and discipleship
- Walk in freedom and purpose
We are His vessels — surrendered, obedient, and willing.
And He is our Deliverer.
We do not rely on our own strength. We trust the One who saves, heals, restores, and leads. As spiritual sentinels, we stand watch over our community with prayer, truth, and compassion — believing that God is still moving and still calling people to Himself.
Know God. Trust God. Obey God.
This is our mission.
This is our calling.
This is our watch.
Where we are headed...
Our future is rooted in truth and led by the Spirit.
In Acts 2:38, Peter declared:
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
This is not just history — it is our direction.
We are headed toward a church that boldly proclaims repentance, salvation, and transformation through Jesus Christ. A church that does not dilute the Gospel, but declares it with love and clarity.
We are committed to:
We believe the same Spirit poured out in the early church is still moving today. We are pursuing a deeper hunger for His presence, a greater boldness in evangelism, and a stronger commitment to discipleship.
As spiritual sentinels, we are watching, praying, and preparing — believing that revival begins with surrendered hearts.
Where are we headed?
Toward salvation.
Toward spiritual growth.
Toward Spirit-filled living.
Toward a community transformed by Jesus.
Know God. Trust God. Obey God.
And follow Him wherever He leads.
In Acts 2:38, Peter declared:
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
This is not just history — it is our direction.
We are headed toward a church that boldly proclaims repentance, salvation, and transformation through Jesus Christ. A church that does not dilute the Gospel, but declares it with love and clarity.
We are committed to:
- Calling people to true repentance
- Celebrating baptisms as a public declaration of faith
- Teaching the fullness of God’s Word
- Walking in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit
We believe the same Spirit poured out in the early church is still moving today. We are pursuing a deeper hunger for His presence, a greater boldness in evangelism, and a stronger commitment to discipleship.
As spiritual sentinels, we are watching, praying, and preparing — believing that revival begins with surrendered hearts.
Where are we headed?
Toward salvation.
Toward spiritual growth.
Toward Spirit-filled living.
Toward a community transformed by Jesus.
Know God. Trust God. Obey God.
And follow Him wherever He leads.
