In 1970

Wayman and Nelda Mitchell moved to Prescott, AZ to take over a small, struggling congregation. Shortly after arriving, God saved a number of young hippies who were very different than anyone in the church. But as they were welcomed, God began to pour out His Spirit on the congregation. As Pastor Mitchell sought to reach young people, they saw the possibilities of the “coffee-house” concert ministry. At the first concert they ever tried as an evangelistic tool, more than 200 young people attended, with many saved. Out of this a regular concert ministry was birthed. 2 nights a week, bands played, testimonies of salvation were given and the Gospel was preached, with many being saved each night.

From the beginning

Pastor Mitchell understood that concert ministry was to be a training ground of ministry development; It was run by young people who were committed to Jesus and His church. From the beginning, people who had been radically converted sought to share with others what God had done in them. Personal evangelism began to be one of the basic foundations of the church. God began to move with His plan of discipleship: Training young couples for ministry within a local church. In 1973 the first couple was launched directly into the ministry – and God blessed them! Churches then began to be planted throughout the Southwestern United States, and then further across America as converts prayed for the Gospel to be preached in their hometowns. Today there are nearly 3500 CFM churches, in 136 nations on earth!

In 2010

The first couple was planted into 29 Palms, and several more followed. We thank God for the Brooke’s, the Wrights, the Ryal’s and the Ciaccio’s, who worked tirelessly with a pioneer spirit in our community. In 2019, Pastor Jake and Jen Snyder were sent to take over the church, and the following photos/moments are what has ensued! God is moving in the Hi-Desert!