We Love Jesus | We love the The Church and Community like Jesus | We build relationships | We equip people for leadership.
Meet The Pastor
Ernie and Mari Penuna have been married for 27 years and have lived in Fresno, California almost their entire lives. Together they have two daughters and a son-in-law who have also helped in ministry, Vanessa Penuna and Alvaro and Jasmine Hernandez. When Ernie sensed God’s call to pastoral ministry in 2014, the call was always to the city of Fresno. During his 10 years of serving in a local church on the westside, he was actively involved in youth ministries and small group bible studies. In the past two years Ernie has focused on the spiritual needs of our city and the hunger for Gods Word that brings life. He saw a need for a place where the unchurched are welcomed and where they can Encounter Gods Love and feel that they belong. This is where the vision of Encounter Church Fresno was birthed. To God be all the glory!
Our Foundation
We have a deep conviction that the church should be the most creative force in every sphere of influence of it’s community. This is rooted in the truth that Jesus doesn’t just save us from something, but He saves us for something. Just as Jesus came to introduce a new covenant and offer us a new relationship with God, He invites all to experience a “FRESH ENCOUNTER with God” through loving our community. That’s why we are starting Encounter Church Fresno - to help every person experience the full life for which God created them. We want Encounter Church Fresno to be a place where every person feels they belong and catches a vision to bring change in their community, through a new fresh Encounter with God.
Our First Five Years
PHASE 1
1. Strategic Prayer Groups
2. Unforgettable Sundays
3. Innovative Kids Ministry
PHASE 2
1. Community Awareness & Engagement
2. Developing leadership
3. Small groups Bible Study
PHASE 3
1. Global Missions Awareness
2. Global Missions Engagement
3. Supporting Missions
Common Questions
Dress in what is comfortable for you! Here at Encounter Church it is not about what you wear or look like. We love you for you!
If this is your first time, we will not embarrass you or make you feel uncomfortable. We want you to enjoy yourself and meet new people and create friendships with others.
Visiting a new church can always be a little scary. At Encounter we have a wonderful team who will greet you as you arrive, you may ask the team for any assistance!
Encounter Church has a wonderful Children's church staff. They will assist you with you and your child's needs for a comfortable visit.
At Encounter Church we are here to serve you! If it's your first visit, we don't want you to feel any obligation to give. You are our honored guest, and if you start coming regularly, you'll never be expected to give any more than you feel you should.
Plan A Visit
We would love to meet you! Join us