LOCATION & TIMES

Know & Follow Jesus @ Sonrise

At Sonrise Church, there’s a place for you to belong, grow, and serve right where Santee, El Cajon, and Lakeside come together. Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, build lasting friendships, or make a difference in East County San Diego, you’ll find open doors and genuine community waiting for you. From worship and small groups to serving opportunities and family ministries, Sonrise is where real people discover real hope in Jesus—together.

GATHERING TIMES
Sundays: 9 am & 10:40 am
Wednesdays: 6:30 pm

LOCATION
8805 Magnolia Ave,
Santee, CA 92071

QUESTIONS
Contact us

 

FIRST TIME @ SONRISE

Plan Your Visit

We know — visiting a new church can feel intimidating. That’s why we’ve made it as easy as possible for you to feel right at home from the moment you arrive. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit:

What to Wear

What to Wear

Come as you are. Jeans and a hoodie? Yep. Sunday’s best? Sure thing! Kid rocking a Ninja Turtle costume? Cowabunga, Dude! Just come. You’ll see.

Parking

Parking

We have plenty of parking, with spaces close to the entrance for easy access.

Kids Check-In

Kids Check-In

We offer a safe, secure check-in process for kids. We will gather a few important details from you as we enter you into our system, then your child will join the fun in their age-appropriate rooms.

Style of Worship

Style of Worship

Our worship music is modern, uplifting, and engaging. You can count on a full band with instruments playing songs, new and old.

Accessibility

Accessibility

We’re committed to accessibility. Let us know if you need assistance, and we’ll make sure you and yours are comfortable.

Safety

Safety

Your safety is important to us. Our campus is staffed with a trained safety team to ensure a secure environment for everyone.

Lead Pastor

Dr. Scott Smith

Dr. Scott Smith serves as Lead Pastor at Sonrise Church in Santee. He has a genuine heart for people and a passion for seeing lives transformed by Jesus. His warm and approachable leadership invites anyone—whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or have been following Jesus for decades—into a community where you are known, valued, and encouraged. Scott brings years of ministry experience, thoughtful biblical insight, and a friendly, conversational style that makes God’s truth accessible in everyday life.

When Scott preaches, you’ll find a message that is deeply rooted in Scripture, yet utterly relevant to real-world challenges—work, family, relationships, purpose, and hope. His teaching strikes the balance of being practical and prophetic: clear enough to understand, challenging enough to grow.

PROGRAMS @ SONRISE

Things For You & Your Family

Wednesdays @ Sonrise

Wednesdays @ Sonrise

Each Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8pm we gather at Sonrise Church (8805 N. Magnolia Ave) to hear a short message, pray, and then sit around tables in small groups to go through a bible study.

Sunday Classes

Sunday Classes

Grow in your faith and deepen your understanding of God’s Word through our engaging classes for all ages and stages of life. Whether you’re new to the faith or looking to go deeper, there’s a place for you to learn and connect.

Small Groups

Small Groups

You weren’t meant to do life alone. Our Small Groups are where faith becomes personal, friendships grow deep, and prayers are shared.

Sonrise Youth

Sonrise Youth

Sonrise Youth provides a safe, Christ-centered community where teens facing mental health struggles can find support, hope, and guidance—giving parents peace of mind that their kids are not walking this journey alone.

Sonrise Kids

Sonrise Kids

Sonrise Kids offers a loving, faith-filled environment for children dealing with anxiety, behavioral struggles, or other mental health challenges—helping them feel seen, supported, and equipped while letting parents know their child is safe and cared for.

Sonrise Nursery

Sonrise Nursery

A safe, nurturing environment where your little ones are cared for and begin experiencing God’s love through age-appropriate attention, play, and faith-filled care while you attend service.

MESSAGE & WORSHIP SAMPLES

Experience Sonrise Before You Visit

Do You Trust the Bible?

Do You Trust the Bible?

This message teaches that the Bible is God’s revealed Word—an inspired, trustworthy foundation for truth in a constantly changing world. It calls us not only to trust Scripture, but to build our lives on it, learning God’s Word so we can know and live God’s way.

The Battle Belongs To You

The Battle Belongs To You

Get a glimpse of what worship is like at Sonrise and see if it’s a place you’d feel comfortable engaging...

UPCOMING EVENTS

What’s Happening @ Sonrise

If you're near the East County San Diego communities of Santee, El Cajon, or Lakeside - you're invite to join us for some special upcoming events.

Salvation Army Donation Drive

Salvation Army Donation Drive

Join Sonrise Church’s Salvation Army Donation Drive, May 17–31, by bringing everyday items to help meet...

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid

Christian Youth Theater (CYT) is excited to bring The Little Mermaid to the stage at Sonrise...

View All Events for all events

Serve @ Sonrise

Ministry at Sonrise is made possible by people like you who use their time and talents to create a welcoming, meaningful experience for others. Whether greeting guests, caring for kids, running tech, or helping behind the scenes, every role plays a part in helping people encounter Jesus. Serving is a great way to build community, grow spiritually, and make a lasting impact. Join a team and discover how God can use you to make a difference each weekend.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Things to Know Before You Visit

If you’re thinking about checking out Sonrise, it’s natural to have questions about location, service times, what to expect, and how to prepare for your first visit. These answers are designed to help you feel confident and comfortable before you arrive so you can focus on connecting, worshiping, and experiencing community from the moment you walk in.

Sonrise Church is located in the heart of Santee, California, at 8805 Magnolia Avenue—just minutes from Lakeside and El Cajon in East County San Diego. We’re easy to find and have plenty of on-site parking available for guests.

We offer two Sunday morning services at 9:00 AM and 10:40 AM. Each service features the same worship and teaching, so you can choose the time that fits your schedule best.

Yes! Sonrise Kids is available during both Sunday services for children from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Kids enjoy a safe, fun, and engaging environment where they learn about Jesus in age-appropriate ways while you experience worship and teaching in the main service.

When you pull into the parking lot, our friendly greeters and volunteers will help you find your way around. You can grab a coffee at the Sonrise Café, check in your kids, and head into the worship center. Expect genuine smiles, modern worship, and a message that connects to real life.

Not at all. At Sonrise Church, you’ll see everything from jeans and t-shirts to more dressed-up Sunday outfits. We care more about you than what you wear—so come as you are and feel right at home.

Start Where You’re Comfortable. Then Grow From There.

You don’t have to have everything figured out to belong here. Whether you’re curious, returning, or ready to get more involved, there are simple ways to take a step at your own pace. From showing up and getting to know the community, to jumping into deeper relationships, to living out your faith in everyday life — this is a place to grow alongside others as you move forward.

Sonrise Church

Sonrise Church

8805 N. Magnolia Ave

Santee, CA 92071

Get Directions

Service Times:

  • Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
  • Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)

Learn More About Sonrise Church

Sunday Mornings at Sonrise Church: More Than Just a Service, It’s Community

Sunday Mornings at Sonrise Church: More Than Just a Service, It’s Community

Looking for a church that feels like home? Experience Sunday mornings at Sonrise Church, where faith, fellowship, and community come together. Discover why church is more than just a service—it’s a place to belong.

Worship, Connect, Serve: Discover Your Purpose at Sonrise Church

Worship, Connect, Serve: Discover Your Purpose at Sonrise Church

At Sonrise Church, faith is more than just Sunday worship—it’s about community, purpose, and making a difference. Learn how to worship, connect, and serve as you grow in your faith.