ABOUT US

Jesus

Ministries

THE VISION

The existence of Jesus Ministries is to glorify our Lord Jesus Christ through the stewardship of Agape Farm. The Body of Christ can utilize the property to evangelize, teach, train, disciple, build, rebuild, and refresh to expand the Kingdom of God. This is achieved while interacting, in a Christ-like manner, with the surrounding community by purchasing products and services from our local businesses, visiting neighbors and local churches, sponsoring local Christian events, and performing outreach for the local expansion of the Kingdom of God.

OUR MISSION

Practicing the presence of God such that others will feel the presence of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and God, the Father, when at Agape Farm.
Developing and maintaining wholesome Christ-like relationships between members, showing others by example what it means to be Christian.
Facilitating events that promote evangelism, teaching, and discipline of the Body of Christ.
Providing Christ-like, safe environment and activities for families
Striving to achieve a responsible balance between the physical, spiritual, and financial aspects of the ministry before God.
Mediating sufficient business activities that support the vision and ministry of Jesus Ministries.

JESUS MINISTRIES

HISTORY

The establishment of Agape Farm is a simple story of two men's complimentary visions and dreams, combined with the hard work of many stewards.

The idea of starting Jesus Ministries came from the large Jesus movement of the early 70's, where the concept of a "Christian Woodstock" was born. Harold Zimmerman and John Musser, two gentlemen from the Lancaster, PA area, had an idea to start a Christian music festival (similar to Woodstock) in the Pennsylvania area. Through the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship, they met Don Shaffer of Mercer, PA. These three men combined their ministries (Agape Ministries and Jesus Ministries) to start Jesus Ministries Inc. In 1973, the first Jesus festival was held in Morgantown, PA.

The festival continued for the next four years, going between Morgantown and Mercer, PA. In 1977, God opened a miraculous door, allowing these men to combine their monies and purchase a 285-acre farm in Shirleysburg, PA, halfway between Mercer and Morgantown. Between 1977 and 1979, buildings were erected on the farm, including the hotel, kitchen, and dining hall. The stage building was not built until 1984 and is still used today for smaller events. When needed it becomes the backstage area for larger events. The last year that the Jesus festival was held was in 1989; since then, we have hosted the Creation Festival Northeast until 2021.

JESUS MINISTRIES

TIMELINE

RELIGIOUS WOODSTOCK

1972

The Concept of a “Religious Woodstock” (Explo ’72 – meaning spiritual explosion) was born in Dallas, Texas. The largest gathering of its kind – 75,000+ people, mostly high school and college students gathered to sing, pray, bible study, and feel inspired during the Jesus Movement; which at that time, was seeing growing interest among young people across the country. The attendees arrived in chartered buses and cars; staying at local hotels and pitching tents on the outskirts of town. Speakers and entertainment featured the Reverend Billy Graham, Johnny Cash, and professional athletes -including Roger Staubach, who spoke of their conversion processes and commitment to Jesus. This was just the beginning.

1973

MORGANTOWN, PA

The 1st Jesus Festival was held on a farm

1974

MERCER, PA

The 2nd Jesus Festival was held in Mercer

1975

MORGANTOWN, PA

The 3rd Jesus Festival took place, returning to Morgantown

1976

MERCER, PA

Fourth Jesus Festival took place, returning to Mercer, PA

1975-77

SHIRLEYSBURG, PA

Agape Farm was purchased and developed with a campground, water and sewage systems, and a hotel for the purpose for housing the Jesus Festivals.

1977

SHIRLEYSBURG, PA

Jesus Festival ‘77 was held for the first time at Agape Farm, with Tim Landis serving as Producer of the event. Most of the structures, including the hotel, were erected.

1984

SHIRLEYSBURG, PA

Creation Festival ‘84 was held for the first time at Agape Farm; the Stage building was erected.

1989

SHIRLEYSBURG, PA

Creation Festival ’89 was the last Jesus Festival.

2023

SHIRLEYSBURG, PA

The first annual Agape Fest held at

Agape Farm.