Founding Pastor Denny Bellesi and his wife Leesa had long dreamed of starting a church where people could discover and experience a relationship with God, a relationship that would serve as a touch point throughout their busy lives.  That dream began to take shape in 1985 as a small Bible study in a living room among a handful of neighbors and friends. Later that year, Coast Hills Community Church officially began. Dana Hills High School became Coast Hills’ first meeting place but when we grew to 400 families, more space was needed. The next year, a brand new church building was completed in Aliso Viejo. Today, more than 3,500 families call Coast Hills “home”.

Founding Pastor Denny Bellesi served as Senior Pastor from 1985 until 2003.  Prior to coming to Coast Hills, he served in Youth Ministry for 15 years and then for five years, as Associate Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Westlake Village. Denny completed his theological studies at Denver Theological Seminary and received his Master of Divinity degree in 1979. He resides in Aliso Viejo with his wife, Leesa and has two married daughters, Brooke and Natalie, and a grandson, Caden. Denny is an avid golfer and sports enthusiast.