Our History

Northwest Community Church began in October 1955 as an idea in the minds and hearts of a small group of believers as they met in a northwest Phoenix home to pray about the spiritual needs of their community.  The first services were held in rented facilities at Washington Women’s Club on December 5, 1955.  The church was incorporated as Northwest Missionary Church in 1956.

A two-acre tract of land was purchased in 1957 for the church site.  Newly constructed facilities were dedicated to the Lord on December 7, 1958.  In 1974 the church purchased a new 10-acre site, strategically located in the prime growth area of the Valley of the Sun on 43rd Avenue and Bell Road.  The church temporarily met at Cortez High School until they could occupy the new facility.  In 1976 they joyfully moved into the new worship center and changed its name to Northwest Community Church.

Pat Shaughnessy served as Senior Pastor until 1987.

Jay Letey became Senior Pastor in 1988.  Prior to coming to Phoenix,  Jay served at Grace Community Church in California, assisting Pastor John MacArthur by overseeing the work of 43 pastors on the church’s staff.  Jay served as Senior Pastor until he left Phoenix in February of 2000 to serve as Executive Pastor of First Evangelical Church in Memphis Tennessee.

Larry Wright, who had been a member of NCC for over 10 years, became the Teaching Pastor, sharing his unique life experiences and teaching style.  On October 7, 2001 Larry suffered a heart attack during the pre-service prayer time.  Although he was rushed to the hospital, the Lord saw fit to take him home at this time.  Larry’s ministry touched thousands of lives and he is greatly missed.

Randy Murphy, who had served as one of our Associate Pastors for a number of years, assumed the role of Senior Pastor in October 2002 and served in that capacity until May 2007.  John Politan served as Teaching Pastor from April 2003 to December 2006.

In October, 2007, after filling the pulpit for several months, Kent DelHousaye came on staff as NCC’s lead pastor.  He capably served until June, 2010, when he accepted a call to become the teaching pastor at Bethany Bible Church (another great church in the Phoenix area).

While seeking God’s provision for a new lead pastor, NCC is being blessed by wonderful teaching from a number of guest speakers, including former NCC pastors Pat Shaughnessy and Paul Madson.  We are committed to continuing our long-standing commitment to solid Bible teaching during this exciting transition period, and invite you to join us on this journey of faith and discovery!