JOy house is Living

Life in

Community

The strength we get from a group of people encouraging each other to believe for great things and take risks can't be found on our own.

Our DNA

Heritage

Founded in 2006 as "The Ark" a group of Cal Students sought God believing for revival on Berkeley's campus. The name pointed to the group's sincere priority for hosting the presence of God.

Authenticity

We are here following God's leading. There are no professionals, no career clergy. Just college and career age people being the church.

Grounded In Faith

The good news of Jesus making the way for another generation to enter into His kingdom.

Joyful Living

The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace and Joy. We have all three and celebrate it often.

Sending Center

Our community is encouraged to go into every corner of the earth bringing the good news and power of the kingdom.

Life in community

encouraging each other to believe for great things and take risks

the church alive in Jesus

encouraging each other to believe for great things and take risks

The strength we get from a group of people encouraging each other to believe for great things and take risks can't be found on our own.

Vince & Sophia McCarrie

They enjoy romantic walks on the beach and reading by the fire. But, they have a huge family and a dog named Maggie that join them wherever they go. So, they instead celebrate busy Bay Area living and the many joys of a full life. They also have day jobs in the homebuilding industry and serve as the senior leaders of the Joy House.

Don & Irona Kim

Joy House's Operations and Worship leaders. Graduates from UC Davis they now serve the Bay Area workforce as engineers and landscape architects. Food, Friends and a cat named xxxx bring a lot of life to this home.

Nicola Smith

The Children's and operations leader. A UCLA transplant, Nicola has adopted Berkeley as her own and orchestrates our mission to serve Joy House's families at Joy House Kids along with a regular stream of activations for the greater Joy House community.

Vince & Sophia McCarrie

Don & Irona Kim

At Joy House Berkeley, our leadership team is united by a shared passion for empowering everyday people to live bold, Spirit-led lives. Balancing professional careers with shepherding a vibrant church family, we bring both technical excellence and spiritual sensitivity to everything we do—from leading genuine worship to orchestrating Joy House Kids and community gatherings. Together, we create a welcoming environment where common people are empowered by the Holy Spirit, where worship prioritizes God's presence over performance, and where young professionals, students, and families build meaningful relationships as we live out our faith in Berkeley and beyond.