Antioch Progressive Church was founded in October 1986 when Dr. Curtis J. Mitchell, Ph.D., accepted the call to serve as its first Senior Pastor. For the next 38 years, until he transitioned to glory in 2023, Dr. Mitchell faithfully shepherded the Antioch family with a mission to "glorify God" and to "make and grow healthy disciples for the Kingdom of God."

From the very beginning, Dr. Mitchell cast a vision for Antioch to be a Bible-based and Christ-centered church that "Dared to be Different." Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually and numerically, even while Sacramento faced some of its most challenging seasons, including the AIDS health epidemic, gang violence, rising inflation, and a deepening housing crisis.

Dr. Mitchell was not only a pastor to Antioch but also a leader in the wider Sacramento community. He served on the Sacramento County Department of Health Task Force on AIDS, the Chief of Police Task Force on Youth Gangs, and the Board of Directors of Goodwill Industries. Through his service with the American Baptist Churches of the West (ABCW), he also provided guidance as a church consultant for Growing Healthy Churches.

As a preacher, teacher, counselor, and advocate, Dr. Mitchell's ministry touched countless lives. Through his dedication, Antioch Progressive became a pillar of hope in Sacramento — a church committed to discipleship, service, and community transformation.

Though he entered his eternal rest on March 12, 2023, Dr. Mitchell's vision and legacy continue to guide Antioch Progressive Church as we build on the foundation he laid. His ministry reminds us that to follow Christ is to be different, to serve faithfully, and to live boldly for the Kingdom of God.