Elders/Pastors

RITCH SANDFORD | Senior Pastor

Ritch and Laura were born and raised in Chicago’s western suburbs. Ritch grew up in a Christian home where he gave his life to Jesus at a young age, but wandered away from the Him in his teen years. After High School, he joined the U.S Marines, where he served two tours of duty in Iraq. After returning from the war, God drew Ritch back into a life-changing relationship with Him and began transforming the course of his life. He later moved to Naperville, Illinois where he met and married Laura and served as a pastor at The Compass Church for the next seven years.

In 2013, the Sandfords moved to Utah where they planted The Mission Church in their home. Ritch and Laura have 6 kids and live in the Salt Lake suburbs.

ALLEN NIELSEN | Pastor/Elder

Allen and Diane grew up in Salt Lake City in Mormon fundamentalist homes. A few years after getting married they joined with the larger mainstream LDS church and raised seven children to adulthood in that faith. By his loving kindness and unmeasured grace... God saved them both and planted their feet firmly on the truth of His Word and into a personal and saving relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ —all glory be to Christ!

Allen and Diane live in the Riverton area, where they have been faithfully serving the people of The Mission Church since its earliest days.

Mike Bair | Pastor/Elder

Mike was born and raised in a small farming community in southern Kansas. In his early years he attended First Baptist Church of Burden, Kansas, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of eight. Mike and Rene’ met in college and were married a few years later. They just recently celebrated their 40th anniversary. In 2001, the Bair’s moved from the Kansas City area to Utah for Mike’s career with Denny’s Restaurants. He has been with the Denny’s brand for over 42 years.

Mike and Rene’ live in the West Jordan area. They have three sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law and six adorable grandchildren.

Nathaniel Smith | Pastor/Elder

Nathaniel was born and raised on the island of O‘ahu in Hawai‘i. He attended Hawai‘i Baptist Academy—where he gave his life to the Lord in fourth grade during a chapel service, and later met his wife Erica during high school years. They married in 2007 and have four sons, whom Erica faithfully homeschools.

Nathaniel has worked in construction since 2004 and co-owns Solid Rock Builders which he founded with his brother-in-law when both families moved to Utah in 2018. He enjoys building and woodworking, music, playing drums, cooking, and camping. Above all, Nathaniel treasures time with his family, meaningful conversations with friends, and serving where he sees need.

Deacons & Directors