Early Life
1960-1982
Born in Brooklyn in March 1960 and raised on Long Island, Miles McPherson excelled in football through high school, went on to study engineering at the University of New Haven, and became the school’s first player to earn All-American honors and be drafted into the NFL.
The NFL
1982-1985
Miles played four seasons in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers (1982–1985), but during that time he fell into a struggle with cocaine that began to take his life off course.
Life Change
1983
After his second season in the NFL and after a weekend-long drug binge, he called out to Jesus Christ, accepted Him, and stopped doing drugs in one day.
Ministry Begins
1985-1992
After his football career, Miles felt called into full-time ministry, serving as a Youth Pastor at Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego while pursuing his Master of Divinity at Azusa Pacific University, which he completed in 1991.
The Rock Church
2000 - Present
In 2000, he felt called by God to start Rock Church in San Diego. A cornerstone of the San Diego community and the 23rd fastest growing church in America, the Rock seeks to make disciples who know God, grow in community, and make a difference.
Do Something Church
2013 - Present
Pastor Miles launched Do Something Church, a movement equipping believers to spread the love and hope of Jesus through practical, selfless acts that meet real community needs. Driven by the vision of Pervasive Hope, it challenges us to open our eyes, use our gifts, and make a lasting impact in San Diego and beyond.
The Third Option
2018
After writing three books, Miles’ newest, The Third Option, speaks straight into the racial divide we see all around us. His message is simple but life-changing: stop seeing people by the color of their skin and start seeing them the way God does—as His image-bearers.
National Spotlight
2020
At the height of racial tension in the U.S., the third option became an invaluable resource—books flew off the shelves as Americans searched for clarity and healing. It gained national recognition when featured by Anderson Cooper on CNN, offering a timely voice of truth during cultural unrest.
The Vision
2023-2024
Just 1 began as a vision from Pastor Miles McPherson to equip believers with the confidence to share the Gospel in everyday life. More than a study, it’s a Spirit-led training that empowers adults and youth to reach the next generation—one person, one story, one life at a time.
Just 1 Launches
2025
The launch of Just 1 Evangelism Training marked a pivotal shift—from inspiration to activation—as believers were equipped to share their faith with confidence. At the first Just 1 San Diego event, thousands from across the city gathered to worship, train, and GO—sparking a ripple effect of Gospel hope across homes, schools, and communities.
