SHARING CHRIST

BUILDING BELIEVERS

CARING FOR ALL

CELEBRATING 102 Years

Founded in 1923, Second Baptist Church of Santa Ana has been a spiritual home and pillar in the community for over 100 years. What began as a small gathering of faithful believers during a time of racial segregation has grown into a vibrant, multigenerational ministry with campuses in both Santa Ana and Irvine. Our church was built on a foundation of faith, resilience, and partnership—and that legacy continues today.

At SBC, our mission is simple: Sharing Christ, Building Believers, and Caring for All. We are committed to creating a welcoming space for worship, discipleship, and service, where people from all walks of life can grow in their relationship with God and each other. Whether you join us in person or online, you’ll find a church family that loves deeply, serves boldly, and believes in the power of hope and community.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

  • We believe Scripture is God’s infallible word, it is the supreme authority for Christ-followers and the Church.

  • We believe Scripture teaches that apart from God we can do nothing, we are a people of prayer, obedience, faith and risk.

  • We believe God is a relational being who created humanity in His image, and because the Scriptures call churches to interdependent relationships to most effectively carry out God’s mission, we value building relationships both between the church and the community at large.

  • We believe all men and women are made in the image and likeness of God, we embrace and celebrate the multiplicity of generations, ethnic backgrounds, and cultural expressions within the body of Christ modeling reconciliation to the world.

  • We believe each generation needs new life in Christ, we value the development of a new generation of leaders, and ministries that reach and serve next generations.

  • We believe Scripture places critical importance on the quality of leadership, we seek and equip leaders called by God, sanctified and gifted by the Holy Spirit who serve in various capacities and guide the Church in fulfilling His purpose.

SENIOR PASTOR IVAN S. PITTS

A Los Angeles native, Pastor Pitts was raised by his mother alongside four siblings. His service in the U.S. Navy allowed him to travel the world, shaping his global perspective.

He has pastored churches in South Carolina, New York, and Connecticut, and now serves as Senior Pastor of the Historic Second Baptist Church of Santa Ana. He holds degrees in Social Science, Counseling Psychology, Religious Education, and a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling. Alongside ministry, he has worked in both corporate and academic settings.

Pastor Pitts finds his greatest joy in being a devoted father to Imani, Rhyan, Eryn, and Donovan. He values family time, loves to travel, is an avid sports fan, and enjoys cycling and running marathons around the world.

Meet the Team

  • Robert Taylor

    Director of Ministries & Irvine Campus Pastor

  • Kelita Hull-Gardner

    Executive Director of Operations

  • Dwayne Roberts

    Director of Worship Arts

  • Imani Harris

    DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRIES

  • Jim Bowman

    Ministry Coordinator

  • Ernest Mitchell

    Leadership Board Chairman

  • Ramona Stafford

    Office Manager

  • Scott Partridge

    MEDIA DIRECTOR