Our Story

In the summer of 2017, in the backyard of a founding family, in 100 degree heat, 150 people gathered as Pastor John casted the vision for a church that would focus on loving God and loving people. Prodigal Church officially launched on September 24th, 2017 at the Bullard High School Theater in Fresno, CA. It began as a church plant in partnership with the Pacific District Conference of the U.S. Mennonite Brethren denomination. 

Over the next few years Prodigal has grown in attendance, in staff, and most importantly in love of God and of neighbor. We have had a front row seat in seeing countless changed lives in our community and in our world. The first years were highlighted by showing the love of Jesus in practical ways: partnering with a local ministry that frees women from human trafficking, blessing low-income households with Christmas presents for their kids, and helping build a Christian school in a small village in Malawi, Africa so kids don't have to walk 26km a day to attend school. 

We have a big vision here at Prodigal. We want to continue to grow larger as a church- just not at the expense of who we're called to be. We're called to be a church that focuses in on loving God and loving people. A church that is Jesus-centered and Kingdom-minded. A church that is diverse and non-judgmental. A church that is real and honest. A church that cares for the hurting in our world. A church that calls people out of rebellious living and out of religious living. A church that invites everyone to the party (Luke 10). 

In the spring of 2020 COVID-19 disrupted our families, our church, our city, our nation, and our world. Throughout the pandemic Prodigal Church continued its mission in loving God and loving people. As a way to love our neighbor- in the Spring of 2020 Prodigal immediately moved our in-person services and activities to online. In the Fall we had Drive-In services with an AM/FM Transmitter connected to our car radios in parking lots. When a winter surge of COVID occurred we moved back to only online services. In February of 2021, we began outdoor services in an elementary school amphitheater. And in June of 2021 we resumed indoor/in-person services. Throughout the pandemic we followed the guidance of federal and state health officials. We saw this as the best way to love those around us. We know that not everyone views the COVID-19 pandemic the same way- we appreciate your grace as we strive to love God and others in a greater way.