History of City Hill Fellowship
City Hill started in the spring of 1970 as a small, close-knit group of Christians from a wide variety of backgrounds. The early years found us gathering in homes, rented school buildings, even meeting outdoors in the summertime - as long as we could worship as led by the Holy Spirit, and the place allowed for our constant growth.
Coming from so many backgrounds, it was our common desire to see the promise in Matthew 16:18 come to pass: "I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." This promise helped build unity of spirit.
Known as New Testament Church of Eden Prairie, the church had moved several times by 1972. Forest Hills Elementary was the site for the next five years, but even in the early 70s we knew it was time to look for a permanent home. An eight-acre hobby farm between Baker Road and Highway 494 was available, complete with a house, garage and barn.
God miraculously provided the down payment, and soon construction on the current building started. By 1977, the church started having its services there, and the mortgage was paid off by 1991.
Since the beginning, City Hill's desire has been to follow the scriptures and New Testament church life principles as closely as the grace of God permits. The church's intimacy with Christ, submission to the Holy Spirit and His giftings, spreading the Good News of Jesus, service to others, fellowship, praise and worship, New Testament-style government, and prayer have all been foundational emphases.
With the call of an Acts 13 Antioch-type church, City Hill Fellowship has sent out many into full-time Christian service. With a desire to follow the scriptural imperative to spread the word in Jerusalem, Judea and to the ends of the Earth, CHF has trained and sent out many missionaries, both long- and short-term, to foreign fields and to begin new works here in the USA.
A large percentage of City Hill's elders have been sent out to support or lead other churches, and one of our main purposes is to minister to approximately 20 churches throughout the Twin Cities, the Upper Midwest and even in other parts of the country.
In 1997, we changed our name from New Testament Church to City Hill Fellowship. The new name is just one way to demonstrate our commitment to letting our light shine, but not just by sending out missionaries or providing apostolic oversight to other churches.
City Hill Fellowship has expanded its focus. We want to serve the people of the Southwest Metro area. We want to show people Christ's love in practical ways, lead them to Jesus, equip them for the work of the ministry and see them released into the call of God for their lives.