John Sandford graduated from theological seminary with an M.Div. in religion. He pastored churches for twenty-one years before founding Elijah House. Paula Sandford was active in the churches in music and Christian education and also taught English and Spanish in the public high school for several years. She joined her husband in the team ministry of Elijah House from its beginning and was ordained in 1995. They are considered pioneers in the prophetic and healing movements of our day. They have been married since 1951, have six children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.