About TLC

In 1973, Twin Lakes had outgrown its original harbor neighborhood campus and moved to new land next to Cabrillo College in Aptos. Throughout the 1980s, Twin Lakes continued to expand with new facilities like a gym, preschool, and elementary school, fueling rapid growth in youth, college, and children's ministries. With each new facility, the church also funded construction of ministry buildings in under-resourced countries. This way, each local step also planted seeds for global impact that continues today.

In 1990, Senior Pastor Roy Kraft retired after 47 fruitful years, and in 1993, René Schlaepferbecame senior pastor at age 32. Worship Pastor Paul Barton also soon retired after 50 years, passing the role to Dan Baker. With new leadership, refurbished facilities, and a shortened name—Twin Lakes Church—the congregation entered a fresh season of vision, renewal, and growth.

In 2007, TLC launched the annual TLC Fall Food Drive tradition, which grew to provide millions of meals to the local community over many years. The first TLC-published curriculum was released in 2008, which led to multiple books and sermon series that continue to impact churches worldwide. Twin LakesChristian School doubled in 2011. In 2013, two new facilities were built: a new children’s center building on the Aptos campus and a classroom/health clinic in India.

In the 2020s, the ministry continued to grow despite the pandemic and massive CZU fire—raising over 2 million meals, expanding staff, launching online ministry in 187 countries, opening the church campus as a fire relief camp, and serving 6,000 people through People’s Pantry. In 2022, the new Loft coffee house and college ministry center opened. Even through global uncertainty, Twin Lakes found creative ways to meet needs and share the gospel. The new Hope Center, housing community outreach ministries, is scheduled to open in 2026.