Elders/Pastors

RITCH SANDFORD | Senior Pastor

Ritch and Laura were born and raised in Chicago’s western suburbs. After two tours of duty in Iraq as a U.S. Marine, Ritch moved to Naperville, Illinois where he met and married Laura and served as a pastor at The Compass Church for seven years. It was there that that he received his theological education (at Trinity International University).

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. In addition to the Mission Church, they are actively involved in the Salt Lake homeschool community, and enjoy the beautiful Utah outdoors.

ALLEN NIELSEN | Associate Pastor

Allen Nielsen grew up in Salt Lake City Utah in a Mormon fundamentalist home. At a young age he met and married his wife Diane who also grew up in a Mormon fundamentalist home. A few years later the two of them joined with the larger main stream LDS church and raised seven children to adulthood in the 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 currently works for Rio Tinto, Kennecott at the copper mine in the Engineering department. Allen is an avid reader and enjoys deep and meaningful conversations on such things as philosophy, the meaning and purpose of life and the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Deacons & Directors