THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

What THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA does

The First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica is a nonprofit religious organization and local congregation of the United Methodist Church denomination, founded in 1875 and headquartered at 1008 Eleventh Street in Santa Monica, California. It delivers weekly in-person and online worship services, spiritual formation programs, pastoral care, children's and youth ministries, a music and theater arts program, and community outreach addressing homelessness, hunger, and education. The church operates the First UMC Preschool (founded 1948) as a wholly-owned ministry subsidiary, serving children from six months through pre-kindergarten with a developmental curriculum. Its technology stack is a standard nonprofit SaaS configuration: a WordPress website with integrated livestreaming, a Subsplash-hosted mobile app (FirstUMC_SM) for iOS, Android, and Amazon, CloverGive online giving, and a virtual Chartres-style labyrinth walk; a Safe Sanctuaries child-safety program is licensed from the United Methodist Church.

The business model is a multi-stream nonprofit funding base anchored by recurring tithes and offerings (in-person and via CloverGive) and preschool tuition. Secondary streams include designated donations (Flower Fund at $80 per dedication, memorial contributions, planned giving), program fees for seasonal children's events (Messy Camp at $150/$125 per child, Kids Night Out at $40 plus $20 per sibling), and external fundraising such as the Westside Food Bank Hunger Walk ($5,660 raised in 2024). The church maintains a global network of mission partnerships including Upward Bound House (since the early 1990s), Westside Food Bank, The People Concern, Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles, the Children, Youth and Family Collaborative, Harvest Home, UMCOR, Heifer International, and international engagements in Haiti and Vietnam. Distribution is primarily direct on-campus (a single physical campus with a handicap-accessible sanctuary, underground parking, and an installed permanent labyrinth) supplemented by global online livestream and on-demand sermon archives.

The congregation is led by Senior Pastor Rev. Greg Batson (appointed July 2024) alongside a clergy and lay staff of approximately 15-20 including a Business Administrator (MBA, CPA), Communications Director, Music Director (since 1965), Staff Organist, Deacon Associate for Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Associate, Congregation Care Associate, Family Ministries Coordinator, Co Preschool Directors, and an Office Manager. Governance flows from the congregation and the denomination's annual appointment process under Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank of the California-Pacific Annual Conference; no parent company, external shareholders, or holding structure exists.

Name

THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA

Legal name

First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica, California

Website

https://santamonicaumc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1875

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica is a 150-year-old Methodist congregation in Santa Monica, California offering weekly worship, a preschool, youth and family ministries, and community outreach addressing homelessness and food insecurity, funded by tithes, tuition, donations, and program fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Religious Institution Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (8131), Educational Services (61)

SIC

Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAJAA

Local Congregations & Worship Communities (Churches, Mosques, Temples, Synagogues)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Religious & Faith-Based Organizations

SECONDARYEDACAAAN

Faith-Based Childcare Centers

Education/Early Childhood Education/Daycare & Childcare Centers

SECONDARYBPAGAJAE

Faith-Based Missions & Evangelism Organizations (Domestic & International)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Religious & Faith-Based Organizations

SECONDARYMPABALAN

Religious Music & Worship Broadcasting

Media, Entertainment & Sports/Broadcasting (TV & Radio)/Religious/Faith-Based Broadcasting

Keywords

• Religious worship services
• Early childhood education
• Community outreach programs
• Youth ministry programs
• Spiritual formation services

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Monica

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Tithes and Offerings: Weekly Sunday offerings and tithes from congregation members, both in-person and online giving options available through CloverGive platform
2. Preschool Tuition: Tuition fees for the First UMC Preschool program serving children, which was established in 1948
3. Donations and Special Funds: Various designated donations including Flower Fund ($80 per dedication), memorial contributions, planned giving, and specific ministry support
4. Program Fees: Fees for programs such as Messy Camp ($150 first child, $125 sibling), Kids Night Out ($40/child + $20 sibling), and special events

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica delivers weekly Sunday worship services (in-person and online livestream), spiritual formation programming for all ages, a tuition-based preschool (First UMC Preschool established 1948), children's and youth ministries, music and arts programs, and community outreach supporting homeless families and food-insecure residents in the Westside Los Angeles area. The congregation is supported by recurring tithes and offerings, designated donations, and program fees.

Product overview

The First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica offers a collection of ministry programs and services rather than a unified technology product. The church operates several key programs including the First UMC Preschool (established 1948) for early childhood education, and a mobile application for iOS, Android, and Amazon platforms that provides access to sermons, events, and Bible resources. Additional programs include worship services (Sanctuary Worship, REFLECT Worship, Messy Church), youth and children's ministries, mission outreach, music/theater arts, and health ministries. The church does not offer a platform-plus-modules architecture but rather distinct ministry programs serving the congregation and community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• First UMC Preschool: A preschool program operated by the church, started in 1948, serving children and families with a developmental approach.

Products and services

• First UMC Preschool A community preschool established in 1948 offering developmental early-childhood education programs for children, recognized as one of the finest preschools in Santa Monica. Operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary ministry of First UMC.
• First UMC Mobile App Free mobile app enabling users to listen to Sunday sermons, receive event notifications, access an audio/written Bible with daily reading plan, and share church programs. Available on iPhone, iPad, Android, and Amazon devices.
• Sunday Worship Services Weekly worship services held Sundays at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary at 1008 11th Street, Santa Monica, with simultaneous online livestream via website, Facebook, and YouTube. Includes traditional sanctuary worship, REFLECT worship, and Messy Church formats.
• Messy Camp Week-long summer day camp for children in grades TK through 5th, featuring science experiments, games, Bible stories, crafts, songs, and a hands-on mission project benefiting charitable causes such as Heifer International.
• Kids Night Out One-time evening childcare event for children ages 2 years through 5th grade offering games, crafts, pizza, and a movie; priced at $40 per child plus $20 per additional sibling.
• Sunday Flower Fund Dedication Weekly flower dedication program for $80 per dedication, allowing members to honor or remember a loved one during Sunday worship services.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,500 families transitioned from homelessness to permanent housing through Upward Bound House partnership
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Haiti Mission PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010Ongoing mission partnership following 2010 earthquake. Sent teams over eight years to collaborate with Haitian Methodist partners. Currently provides financial assistance for local community including goats, holiday food, and emergency assistance.
• Prayers and SquaresminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2003Organization promoting prayer through quilts. First UMC became a chapter in 2003. Combines prayer with hand-tied quilts as gifts of love for those in need.
• Upward Bound HousecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1990Long-standing partnership since the early 1990s when Rev. Don Shelby and church members focused the mission on homeless families. The church partnered with Upward Bound House to raise money and lend property for building state-of-the-art housing. Church members continue volunteering daily and at the Urban Farm.
• Westside Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly food collection bins at the church, monthly volunteer sorting sessions, annual Hunger Walk team participation, and $5,660+ raised in recent walks. The church is recognized as a top fundraising team.
• The People ConcerncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMonthly volunteer days on third Saturdays making sandwiches and assembling sack lunches for homeless clients. Provides essential integrated services to homeless individuals, domestic violence victims, at-risk youth, and veterans.
• Habitat for Humanity Greater Los AngelesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst UMC is one of nine churches in a coalition to fund and build a home in Culver City, working to eliminate substandard housing through partnership with God and people everywhere.
• Children, Youth and Family Collaborative (CYFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNationally recognized organization serving over 2,500 foster youth and youth on probation, with programming in nine school districts. First UMC serves as a mission partner.
• Harvest HomeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization transforming lives of homeless pregnant women and their children by providing housing, support, and programs that equip women to become great mothers.
• The Wesley Foundation 560 Cafe UCLAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity dedicated to building justice through dialogue, creative expression, belief and activism. An Immigrant Welcoming, LGBTQIA+ Inclusive, and Gender Affirming Community serving UCLA students.
• United Women in FaithcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal women's organization with local chapter at First UMC. Focuses on education and mission with priority toward women, children and families. Raises funds for local and global missions through events like Christmas in July boutique.
• Methodist Foundation of Santa MonicacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded in 1967, provides aid to religious, educational and charitable causes. Oversees scholarships for students pursuing post-secondary education. Administered by volunteer Board of Trustees.
• Appalachia Service ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth Service Project partners with Appalachia Service Project for annual summer service trips to Johnson County, Tennessee. Youth learn teamwork, power tools, and help provide safe housing.
• Sierra Service ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth Service Project collaborates with Sierra Service Project for summer service trips. Board member Tricia Guerrero serves on Sierra Service Project Board of Directors.
• InnerChangeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization that journeys with the poor, working long-term with people who face enduring poverty. Through collaborative transformative action, lives and communities are changed.
• Good Samaritan Medical & Dental Ministry VietnamminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTodd and Leigh Erlandson support the Cao Bang Province ministry. Planning a Family Health Center to provide local primary care and reduce stress on regional hospitals.
• Wise & Healthy AgingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-based nonprofit advancing dignity and quality of life of older adults through leadership, advocacy and innovative services. Referenced in community resources.
• Meals on Wheels WestminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome-delivered meal service for seniors supported through United Women in Faith donations and mission work.
• American Red CrossminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlood drives held throughout the year at the church. Provides opportunity for congregation to donate blood and support community health.
• United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal humanitarian relief organization with A+ rating from CharityWatch. First UMC collects donations and supports disaster response efforts including Hurricane Helene relief.
• Heifer InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal organization ending hunger and poverty by providing livestock and training. Messy Camp 2025 raised over $2,200 through lemonade stands and donations to sponsor animals.
• United Methodist Church (Denomination)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPart of the larger United Methodist Church denomination with focus on making disciples of Jesus Christ for transformation of the world. Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank appoints pastors annually.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• St. Monica Catholic Church: Historic Catholic parish in the same city of Santa Monica, serving overlapping Westside families — comparable in community presence, school/formation programming, and breadth of ministries but denominational differences make it a regional rather than direct peer.
• Vintage Church Santa Monica: Non-denominational church with a Santa Monica-area campus — comparable progressive theology, modern worship, and family/youth ministry profile, though smaller and newer than the subject institution.
• Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church: Progressive Westside-area congregation (Pasadena) with comparable theology of radical inclusion, social justice orientation, and family/youth ministry — adjacent faith tradition serving similar coastal California demographics.
• Brentwood Presbyterian Church: Westside LA Presbyterian congregation with comparable progressive theology, robust music/arts programming, and similar family-and-youth ministry profile — adjacent denomination, similar demographic catchment.

Direct peers

• Wilshire United Methodist Church: Mid-Wilshire Los Angeles UMC congregation with comparable progressive theology, music/arts programming, and community outreach profile — same denomination, similar urban LA catchment.
• Peninsula Center UMC: Suburban Los Angeles United Methodist Church in the same California-Pacific Conference — same denomination, appointment structure, and ministry model, serving a similar upper-middle-class coastal catchment.
• First United Methodist Church of Los Angeles: Historic downtown LA United Methodist congregation in the same California-Pacific Annual Conference — shares denomination, governance model, appointment structure, and similar ministry portfolio (worship, outreach, music arts, faith formation).

Broad incumbents

• Churchome: Multi-site church with Southern California presence and broader national footprint — operates a wider ministry portfolio and digital platform reach, representing a larger-scale model of the worship + app + community engagement architecture First UMC has built.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC46wMihIMKR-36OYRmo9gYQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/santamonicaumc
• Instagraminstagram.com/santamonicaumc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-first-united-methodist-church-of-santa-monica-california

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA