From a small gathering of just 12 people in a hotel room to more than 6,000 worshippers each Sunday, the rise of 2819 Church has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In an interview with CBN, Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell explains how this growth has nothing to do with human strategy.
“There is no way we could manufacture what’s happening right now in our own strength… we’re just thankful that we are allowed to be a part of what He’s doing,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell’s story begins far from the pulpit. Raised in Queens, New York, in what he described as a “very strong urban environment,” his early life was marked by struggle, legal trouble and deep personal darkness.
After relocating to North Carolina at 18, he spiraled further—battling hopelessness and even attempting suicide.
Everything changed in November 2003.
A Supernatural Encounter That Changed Everything
Mitchell recalls a defining moment when his then-girlfriend—now his wife—responded to a car accident by worshiping God.
“I remember watching her thinking… I don’t know what that is, but whatever it is, I want that for myself,” he said.
That hunger led him to cry out to God in a bathroom—a moment he describes as undeniably supernatural.
“God met me in that bathroom in a very supernatural and powerful way… for the first time I felt guilty for sin… and I knew I had passed from death to life.”
Some time later, while reading Proverbs 3:5–6, Mitchell sensed a call to ministry—but ran from it for four years.
From Ambition to Surrender
After launching Victory Church, Mitchell admits his early motivations were mixed.
“I had a lot of jealousy, a lot of covetousness… want a big church… want to be known… all these things were in my heart,” he said.
A turning point came during a trip to Israel, where a prophetic word from a group of Brazilian believers reshaped his calling.
“God says to you, ‘young man, do you want to go back to your country and do something about it?’”
Mitchell responded with a resounding yes.
Soon after, the church was renamed 2819—reflecting the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19—and everything changed.
“We had 183 disciples when we changed the name and everything changed,” he said.
A Message the Church Can’t Ignore
Despite the rapid growth, Mitchell resists taking credit.
“I think people are showing up because God is causing them to,” he said.
Instead, his focus has shifted to a sobering burden—one he believes the global church must urgently hear.
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“I feel… this deep sense from God that time is running out on us… and a large portion of His bride is not paying attention,” Mitchell warned.
His message is clear: the church must move beyond division and return to its core mission.
“We need to be about the business of the spread of the gospel… winning souls, multiplying disciples… I’m preaching like a man running out of time,” he said.
A Call to Repentance and Readiness
Mitchell believes the path forward begins with a renewed vision of God’s holiness—and a deep awareness of sin.
In a generation hungry for authenticity over comfort, his uncompromising call to repentance is resonating.
And as the clock ticks, his message echoes with urgency: the time for passive faith is over. The church must awaken—before it’s too late.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
