The Church at South Mountain was born out of a passion to fulfill the great commission "to go into all the world and make disciples" (Mt. 28:18-20). As an Associate Pastor at North Phoenix Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Richard Jackson, Marvin Knight consistently sought ways to extend the gospel to the then unreached area of South Phoenix where he grew up. After much prayer and planning, he and Associate Pastor Rich Wells followed God's call to plant a church.
- The Church at South Mountain began July 10, 1994, with 30 members.
- The first place of meeting was Holdeman Elementary School.
- CASM began baptizing new believers right away at First Southern Scottsdale and currently does so at First Christian Church.
- Rich Wells, Associate Pastor, officially came on staff in June 1995.
- In 1996, CASM moved to a larger facility, Nevitt Elementary School, to accommodate growth.
- In 1998, the first elders were ordained for church leadership.
- CASM meets for almost 6 years in business parks.
- In 2003, CASM purchases 3.3 acres of land on 7th Avenue, just north of Broadway.
- Also in 2003, CASM moves to Cesar Chavez High School to aid in the preparation for the construction of new facilities.
- In 2004, CASM temporarily moves to First Christian Church.
- Since December 2004, CASM has been meeting at Phoenix Preparatory Academy located at 7th Street and Fillmore in downtown Phoenix, Arizona.