Steve Babbitt

A Life Rooted in Faith, Community, and a Little Bit of Honey

Steve Babbitt arrived in San Diego from Carlsbad (the New Mexico one, not the beachside version up the coast) as a wide-eyed 18-year-old ready for adventure. He attended Point Loma Nazarene University, where he earned a degree in Journalism, wrote for local newspapers, and even picked up a city-wide college journalism award for an article on homelessness—a topic that shaped his heart for people on the margins.

After a short run in public relations and web development, Steve took on a much more rewarding role as the first Outreach Director for the Discovery Center in Ocean Beach. Somewhere between community events and late-night burritos, he began seminary studies, eventually earning a Master's degree in Theology and Biblical Studies from Bethel Seminary.

In 2003, Steve and his wife Tammie, along with a small circle of friends, started Spring Valley Community Church with a simple dream: create a neighborhood church where faith is real, friendships are genuine, and Jesus changes lives from the inside out. Today, they continue that work in South Spring Valley, raising three adult children, loving their community, and finding joy in serving together.

Steve has also invested in the broader Spring Valley community through years of involvement in local boards and committees dedicated to safety, youth, and neighborhood growth. Beyond church and community work, he builds websites for a living, tends to a few very busy beehives in his backyard, and has learned more about patience and teamwork from honeybees than from any leadership book.

Life is full and often hectic, but Steve wouldn’t trade it. “This is home. These are our people. We believe God has bigger dreams for this community than we could ever imagine, and we’re grateful to be part of His plan here.”