Our History
Praise Chapel Christian Fellowship was founded by Pastor Mike & Donna Neville in Maywood California in 1976
Praise Chapel is a Family of Fellowships of Churches and Ministries International. Linked together through relationships that have come out through Local Churches with a vision to Evangelize the lost, Disciple the Believer and Multiply through Church Planting. Win-Build-Send clearly states our purpose.
In May of 1975, Pastor Michael Neville and his family came to South East Los Angeles to assume the pastorate of a small church. At first the transition was rough for the existing, "well-established" congregation and this "bold" new pastor and his young family. The neighborhood had changed from a middle-class "white" area to a predominately Latino community. It was Pastor Mike's conviction that the church should "reflect" its neighborhood. This caused an immediate ?exodus' of members who were not comfortable with change. However, God graciously rewarded Pastor Neville's vision with souls! The church was soon filled with people of different nationalities. The church had truly become a reflection of the multicultural face of Los Angeles. Many young gang members gave their lives to Christ and a sovereign wave of revival swept through the community.
Pastor Neville began to "disciple" these young converts and soon began to see the church stretching out beyond the four walls of the local church. God began to deal with him about planting pioneer churches and in 1980 the first "baby church" was planted in Ontario, California. Since that time, over 200 churches have been planted across the United States and worldwide.
The little church in Maywood, California had birthed a fellowship of churches and ministries. Thousands of lives have been greatly influenced by Pastor Neville's leadership. He was known for his jovial and warm personality and his great love and faith in people. He never met a stranger! He often embraced those who had never experienced genuine acceptance and convinced them that they could do anything. Those great qualities gave those around him the confidence to "go for it".
In January of 1996, at 49 years of age, the Lord called Pastor Mike home after 30 years of ministry and almost 20 years in Praise Chapel. He leaves behind him a great legacy. His vision will continue to motivate this church until we are called home!
Today Praise Chapel Family of Fellowships has multiplied into many areas of the United States and the world. With over 175 churches in the United States and hundreds more in over 13 nations. Praise Chapel has become a "Family of Fellowships." What started with one church, became a Fellowship of churches and now has multiplied into a "Family of Fellowships" all over the world.