Our Story

In 1980 two small groups formed the Highland Evangelical Free Church in a home. Chuck Miller was the first pastor of the church. Their guiding vision was encapsulated in this mission statement: "We are a people longing to glorify God by being a church for the people of our time, in the greater Inland Empire, and throughout the world; through teaching the Scriptures, worshiping the Lord, loving one another in Christ, and passing on the love of Christ to others in the power of the Holy Spirit." The Lord blessed the church; during the first two years, the church grew from 20 to over 400 adults. To accommodate growth, the church moved four times within the first four years.

Dr. Larry Poland succeeded Chuck Miller in 1985. In 1987, the church's name was officially changed to Trinity Evangelical Free Church. The church soon developed a vision for a permanent home, established a building fund, and acquired land. In 1991, Dr. Poland resigned to devote himself to Mastermedia International, a ministry that builds bridges between the media and people of faith.

The church called Dr. Gary Inrig to serve as Senior Pastor beginning in September, 1992. When Gary & Elizabeth Inrig came to Trinity Church, the congregation was dreaming of having their own facilities. Gary led us through the first of several building projects. Our first Sunday services in our own Worship Center on Reservoir Road was held on December 18, 1994. With a new permanent home, ministries began to flourish and multiply. After 21 years of fruitful and faithful ministry at Trinity Church, Gary & Elizabeth Inrig stepped down from their respective roles as Senior Pastor and Women's Ministries Pastor in June, 2013.

Todd Arnett accepted the call to serve as the new Lead Pastor of Trinity Church in June 2016. He and Joanna moved their family from Victorville, CA after serving at High Desert Church for 14 years. Todd led Trinity through a season of new focus with a new mission statement: Rooted in Jesus, Reaching our Worlds. After almost six years of leading Trinity Church, Todd accepted a call to return to High Desert Church as their new Senior Pastor in March 2022.

Doug Baker was invited to be the Interim Lead Pastor of Trinity Church in 2022. Coming out of retirement to fill the role, he purposed to encourage, renew, and inspire during his time, wanting to hand off a healthy and growing church to the next Lead Pastor. In May of 2024, he became that next Lead Pastor, as he was presented and called as the official Lead Pastor with overwhelming support.

 The story of what God started with two small groups in a living room continues to be written. We look forward to what God has in store as we continue to be Jesus' influence in our world.