Originally part of the global Hillsong and C3 movements, the Matthesiuses brought their particular brand of charismatic Christianity to San Diego in 2005. Two decades later, their church commands thousands of congregants across seven San Diego campuses (as well as Salt Lake City, Boise and Seattle locations) a growing media presence, and an equally powerful wave of controversy. With its latest expansion into Coronado, critics and religious scholars alike are grappling with what the church represents: a revitalized evangelical mission or a politicized movement that blurs the lines between faith and radicalization.
Jurgen and Leanne Matthesius' theological foundation stems from their training at Power Ministry School (now Hillsong College) in Sydney, Australia. After serving in New Zealand, they returned home to Australia to lead youth ministries within Hillsong and C3 Churches - two organizations known for celebrity parishioners like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez and for promoting the so-called prosperity gospel, a belief that faithfulness leads to material wealth.
In 2005, C3 leadership tapped the Matthesiuses to launch a new U.S. campus in San Diego. Originally branded as C3 San Diego, the church rebranded itself as Awaken Church in 2020 after a series of scandals rocked Hillsong's leadership - including the resignation and criminal charges against Hillsong founder Brian Houston, who was later acquitted of covering up child sexual abuse allegations involving his father, Frank Houston. The rebranding allowed Awaken to distance itself from Hillsong's implosion while doubling down on a vision that combined high-energy worship services, multimedia productions, and an increasingly aggressive socio-political agenda.
Jurgen and Leanne Matthesius' theological foundation stems from their training at Power Ministry School (now Hillsong College) in Sydney, Australia. After serving in New Zealand, they returned home to Australia to lead youth ministries within Hillsong and C3 Churches - two organizations known for celebrity parishioners like Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez and for promoting the so-called prosperity gospel, a belief that faithfulness leads to material wealth.
In 2005, C3 leadership tapped the Matthesiuses to launch a new U.S. campus in San Diego. Originally branded as C3 San Diego, the church rebranded itself as Awaken Church in 2020 after a series of scandals rocked Hillsong's leadership - including the resignation and criminal charges against Hillsong founder Brian Houston, who was later acquitted of covering up child sexual abuse allegations involving his father, Frank Houston. The rebranding allowed Awaken to distance itself from Hillsong's implosion while doubling down on a vision that combined high-energy worship services, multimedia productions, and an increasingly aggressive socio-political agenda.
For much of its early history, Awaken Church remained within the bounds of mainstream evangelicalism. That changed dramatically following the election loss of Donald Trump and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In mid-2020, despite state public health orders banning large gatherings, Awaken resumed in-person worship, resulting in several cease and desist orders. The church's decision to defy orders drew rebuke from local health officials and was linked to COVID-19 outbreaks at multiple campuses.
Rather than retreating, Awaken leaned further into political advocacy, inviting right-wing media figures like Tucker Carlson and Dennis Prager to speak. In 2022, it hosted a ReAwaken America Tour stop featuring conspiracy theorists and Trump allies like Eric Trump, Roger Stone, and Michael Flynn - framing the church as a safe haven for conservative grievance politics.
Sermons by Jurgen Matthesius became infused with references to spiritual warfare, election fraud, vaccine conspiracy theories, and culture war battles over LGBTQ+ rights and gender identity. He often depicted modern American society as being under satanic siege - and Awaken’s congregation as "patriotic warriors" enlisted to save it.
At times, sermons and social media posts invoked martial imagery: calls for followers to "take dominion" over cities and states, and warnings that enemies within the government were akin to Philistines and Delilahs betraying a Samson-like America.
Rather than retreating, Awaken leaned further into political advocacy, inviting right-wing media figures like Tucker Carlson and Dennis Prager to speak. In 2022, it hosted a ReAwaken America Tour stop featuring conspiracy theorists and Trump allies like Eric Trump, Roger Stone, and Michael Flynn - framing the church as a safe haven for conservative grievance politics.
Sermons by Jurgen Matthesius became infused with references to spiritual warfare, election fraud, vaccine conspiracy theories, and culture war battles over LGBTQ+ rights and gender identity. He often depicted modern American society as being under satanic siege - and Awaken’s congregation as "patriotic warriors" enlisted to save it.
At times, sermons and social media posts invoked martial imagery: calls for followers to "take dominion" over cities and states, and warnings that enemies within the government were akin to Philistines and Delilahs betraying a Samson-like America.
"Our vision is 16 campuses around San Diego - literally, surround the city and then we can say, 'Come out with your hands up, we have you surrounded,'" Matthesius once said.
Awaken Church’s ambition is not subtle. Its Vision Builders fundraising campaigns cite an explicit goal: to plant many campuses all across San Diego County and expand around the country. According to Awaken's own promotional materials, their aim is not merely spiritual revival but cultural "dominion," echoing Dominion Theology - a controversial belief system advocating that Christians should assert authority over secular society.
In Coronado, a bastion of moderate politics and secularism, the campus sparked immediate backlash. At its first preview service in January 2024, held at the Hotel del Coronado, more than 500 churchgoers attended - but were met by over 100 protesters waving rainbow flags and chanting "No Place for Hate." Many objected to Awaken's stance on LGBTQ+ rights, citing Lead Pastor Jurgen Matthesius' repeated claims that Pride flags represent "a disdain for God" and that critics opposing Awaken's presence were "demoniacs." His wife, Leanne Matthesius, inflamed tensions further by posting that the center of the words "Pride Month" spells "d-e-m-o-n."
Awaken Church’s ambition is not subtle. Its Vision Builders fundraising campaigns cite an explicit goal: to plant many campuses all across San Diego County and expand around the country. According to Awaken's own promotional materials, their aim is not merely spiritual revival but cultural "dominion," echoing Dominion Theology - a controversial belief system advocating that Christians should assert authority over secular society.
In Coronado, a bastion of moderate politics and secularism, the campus sparked immediate backlash. At its first preview service in January 2024, held at the Hotel del Coronado, more than 500 churchgoers attended - but were met by over 100 protesters waving rainbow flags and chanting "No Place for Hate." Many objected to Awaken's stance on LGBTQ+ rights, citing Lead Pastor Jurgen Matthesius' repeated claims that Pride flags represent "a disdain for God" and that critics opposing Awaken's presence were "demoniacs." His wife, Leanne Matthesius, inflamed tensions further by posting that the center of the words "Pride Month" spells "d-e-m-o-n."
Outside the hotel, protesters quoted Bible verses about love and acceptance. "Many of us believe in God," one protester said, "this is not about God - it’s about preaching love, and God is love." Passing motorists honked in support, and at one point a rainbow shone through the clouds - which demonstrators took as a sign.
Inside the service, security patrolled the aisles as packed crowds danced and worshipped enthusiastically. Pastor Jurgen Matthesius delivered a sermon titled "Casting Crowns," invoking Biblical references while suggesting that Coronado’s symbolic "crown" - its namesake - was being shifted toward God's authority through Awaken's presence.
"I believe that God wants to bring a shift over the atmosphere," Matthesius said, drawing cheers from the congregation as he linked Coronado’s future to spiritual realignment. He also referenced the high suicide rate associated with the Coronado Bay Bridge, framing Awaken’s mission as one of healing for the city.
Yet for many residents, Awaken’s arrival felt less like healing and more like an invasion. Brad Willis, a former NBC News investigative correspondent and Coronado resident, launched a petition titled "No Cults in Coronado", accusing Awaken of spreading disinformation, conspiracy theories, and anti-democratic ideology. His petition claims the church "vilifies and dehumanizes" opponents, and alleges ties to Christian nationalist movements that supported the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
Awaken’s promotion of prosperity theology also raises concerns. Jurgen Matthesius regularly preaches that faithfulness leads to earthly success and financial blessing. Vision Builders donors are urged to pledge tens of thousands of dollars to support Awaken’s expansion - framed not merely as charitable giving, but as participating in a divine mission. Critics note that public records show the Matthesiuses live in a $5 million home in Rancho Santa Fe, one of several luxury properties linked to the couple, while Awaken Church itself is registered as a nonprofit religious organization enjoying tax-exempt status.
Pastor Mike Yeager, who oversees the Coronado campus, defends Awaken’s financial model, insisting it’s about community generosity: "We believe it's God's heart to bless us so we can bless others," he has said.
Yet even sympathetic observers acknowledge that prosperity theology remains one of Christianity's most controversial doctrines, largely disavowed by mainstream evangelical denominations.
"I believe that God wants to bring a shift over the atmosphere," Matthesius said, drawing cheers from the congregation as he linked Coronado’s future to spiritual realignment. He also referenced the high suicide rate associated with the Coronado Bay Bridge, framing Awaken’s mission as one of healing for the city.
Yet for many residents, Awaken’s arrival felt less like healing and more like an invasion. Brad Willis, a former NBC News investigative correspondent and Coronado resident, launched a petition titled "No Cults in Coronado", accusing Awaken of spreading disinformation, conspiracy theories, and anti-democratic ideology. His petition claims the church "vilifies and dehumanizes" opponents, and alleges ties to Christian nationalist movements that supported the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
Awaken’s promotion of prosperity theology also raises concerns. Jurgen Matthesius regularly preaches that faithfulness leads to earthly success and financial blessing. Vision Builders donors are urged to pledge tens of thousands of dollars to support Awaken’s expansion - framed not merely as charitable giving, but as participating in a divine mission. Critics note that public records show the Matthesiuses live in a $5 million home in Rancho Santa Fe, one of several luxury properties linked to the couple, while Awaken Church itself is registered as a nonprofit religious organization enjoying tax-exempt status.
Pastor Mike Yeager, who oversees the Coronado campus, defends Awaken’s financial model, insisting it’s about community generosity: "We believe it's God's heart to bless us so we can bless others," he has said.
Yet even sympathetic observers acknowledge that prosperity theology remains one of Christianity's most controversial doctrines, largely disavowed by mainstream evangelical denominations.
Awaken Church draws fierce loyalty from its members, who describe it as a place of love, healing, and profound spiritual growth. But it equally provokes alarm among critics who see it as a vehicle for political radicalization cloaked in religious rhetoric. For now, Awaken’s expansion shows no signs of slowing. Beyond Coronado, Awaken has eyes on further San Diego County growth and plans to launch new campuses in other states.
The collision between religious freedom, political activism, and community resistance will define Awaken’s trajectory in Southern California - and perhaps shape broader debates over faith’s role in American civic life. As Awaken plants its flag in communities around San Diego, the questions persist: What kind of gospel is being preached? And at what cost to the social fabric of a diverse, pluralistic society?
The collision between religious freedom, political activism, and community resistance will define Awaken’s trajectory in Southern California - and perhaps shape broader debates over faith’s role in American civic life. As Awaken plants its flag in communities around San Diego, the questions persist: What kind of gospel is being preached? And at what cost to the social fabric of a diverse, pluralistic society?
Originally published on April 27, 2025.
