Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Lines.
Hi Caleb, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
University Christian Church (UCC) began in 1906 as University Heights Christian Church, a small mission-style congregation in San Diego, and quickly grew into a thriving community, adopting its current name in 1911. From the beginning, UCC has nurtured a rich legacy of social justice and deep community connection. In 1999, the church became the first Open & Affirming congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Southern California, publicly embracing and celebrating LGBTQ+ inclusion. Today, UCC is a progressive, welcoming, multiracial, and multicultural church committed to justice, environmental care, and radical inclusion.
That commitment comes to life in many ways. We are home to the Climate Hub, which houses several environmental justice nonprofits, as well as the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus and Amor Ministries. We operate Hillcrest Preschool, where children learn the values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from a young age. Our Associate Minister, Rev. Marshela Salgado, co-founded SD United, an Open & Affirming youth group, while our Latinx Community Minister, Rev. Diego Salazar-Galvis, recently launched the Border Dignity Project to support LGBTQ+ migrants in Mexico. Beyond San Diego, our congregation is recognized as a leading national voice in the Progressive Christian movement, with our Senior Minister serving as Co-Executive Director of the Center for Progressive Christianity. And each Sunday, our vibrant music program continues to inspire and unite our community in worship.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road—like most churches, we’ve faced the challenges of declining religious affiliation, the disruptions of the pandemic, and the realities of sustaining a vibrant ministry in a rapidly changing culture. But rather than pulling back, we’ve leaned into our identity as a radically inclusive, justice-centered church. Our theology and social stances have drawn people who might otherwise feel excluded from faith communities, and we’ve seen continued growth both in-person and online as a result. By embracing progressive Christianity and creating space for authentic belonging, we’ve turned what could have been struggles into opportunities for deeper connection and renewed mission. This has led to a congregation that isn’t just surviving, we’re thriving!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about University Christian Church?
University Christian Church is more than a congregation—it’s a community hub where faith, justice, and inclusion meet. We specialize in creating a spiritual home for people who may have felt excluded or marginalized by other churches. What sets us apart is our commitment to radical inclusion, progressive theology, and engaging worship that speaks to the world we live in. We are known as a safe, affirming place for the LGBTQ+ community, a leader in climate justice, and a congregation that creatively connects faith to contemporary culture. Our vibrant worship services reflect this approach: through series like the Theology of Broadway (happening now!), [Pop]Culture Theology, and cultural traditions from around the world, including Día de los Muertos, Lunar New Year, and Indigenous Peoples’ celebration, we make faith relevant. These services combine dynamic music, storytelling, and rituals that invite everyone to experience God’s presence in meaningful and contemporary ways.
At the heart of everything we do is the conviction that God’s love is expansive, and that church can be a place of healing, justice, creativity, and hope. We want readers to know that if they’ve ever wondered whether there’s a church where they can bring their full selves, UCC is that place.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
At University Christian Church, we see risk-taking as an essential part of living out our faith and mission. One of our most significant risks was our recent building project, in which we tore down underused church spaces to create room for nonprofits, our preschool, and housing. This was a bold investment—not only financially, but in our vision for the community—demonstrating that we are willing to put resources and creativity into projects that have real, tangible impact for people in need.
We also take risks in how we live our faith publicly. By embracing radical inclusion, progressive theology, and social justice, we have often taken stands that other churches might avoid. These stances—on LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial justice, climate advocacy, and immigrant rights—have gained national attention on social media and in wider faith communities, sparking important conversations and sometimes controversy. But for us, risk is part of being a church that chooses hope, justice, and action over comfort and complacency.
Contact Info:
- Website: uchristianchurch.org
- Instagram: @university_christian_church
- Facebook: facebook.com/uchristianchurch
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@universitychristianchurch-2728
- Other: calebjlines.com, progressivechristianity.org
Image Credits
Photos: Riley Smith, UCC Staff Photographer
