A history of Jesus Burgers and revival: Isla Vista, CA
An arial view of “the loop” in Isla Vista in 1956
Isla Vista, CA
The City
1954 - 1969
After the University of California Santa Barbara, moved their campus to the Goleta mesa, students elected to live in the adjacent neighborhood of Isla Vista to avoid dormitory curfews and restrictions. As the city grew in population and was further developed, it quickly became known for its party scene.
A Jesus Movement
1969-1981
Strongly influenced by the counter-cultural “hippie” movement, Isla Vista buzzed with a free-spirited attitude that pushed the boundaries of cultural norms and morals - with traces of this era still etched through the city. Yet, within this setting of spiritual hunger, the stage was set for a move of the Holy Spirit. Originating on the West Coast, the “Jesus Movement” swept through Isla Vista. Students were coming to Christ, being baptized in the ocean, and experiencing the presence of God. However, this movement faded away in the early 1980’s.
A photo of Del Playa Dr at night
Jesus
Burgers
2001
20 years later, a group of college aged kids, many of whom were from Calvary Chapel - a church born from the “Jesus Movement” in the late 60’s and 70’s - had an idea to reach the city of Isla Vista through a BBQ. For four consecutive months, once a month, these students would host a BBQ in a local park then head to Del Playa to pray for people.
A photo from 2002 of the very first Jesus Burgers at the house on Del Playa, on Halloween night.
A house on Del Playa
2002
As they continued to love the city through a simple BBQ, God opened a door to move into a house in the middle of Del Playa and continue to host a BBQ from the house. (Full story in Jesus Burgers: Volume 1 chapter 2.)
The name “Jesus Burgers”
2002-2003
With the BBQ moving from once a month to once a week, the students of Isla Vista began calling these people the “Jesus People” a term which evolved into “Jesus Burgers.” The name simply stuck.
Upper Room Worship
2009
In the early years of Jesus Burgers, the time beforehand was devoted to praying for the night. Then in 2006, worship was casually incorporated into that time until, in 2009, worship beforehand became a vital part of the night. This time of worship became known as Upper Room, a 2 hour time of worship, prayer, and teaching before starting the grill around 10pm.
From this time of worship there have been two live worship albums, “Live from the Upper Room” and "Ryan Ellis Live from the Upper Room II”
The “Free Blessings” sign
2011
In 2011, people from the Jesus Burger’s house made a large sign reading “free blessings” and started standing with it across the street from the Jesus Burger home. Students walking on the street would stop for prayer, a blessing, to ask questions, etc. This sign is a vital part of a night at Jesus Burgers to this day. At this sign, Hundreds have experienced God, given their life to Christ and been healed.
