Gregg Johnson founded the non-profit organization in 2002, declaring that J12 would reach a generation before they need to be rescued, traveling around the U.S presenting Jesus at 12 through events for the local church. As the movement spread, people everywhere were catching a passion to reach 8-12 year olds. They moved their base to Anaheim, California in 2005 where the very first J12 Local Church model was established at The Rock.

     J12 at The Rock became a proven model for preteen ministry in a local church environment. Since then, J12 has established preteen local church ministries all over the globe. Every year the ministry of J12 produces new resources and tools for parents, teachers, and preteens. The ministry of J12 continues to travel, producing events, sharing at conferences, and aiding churches in starting preteen ministries as they fulfill their mission of “Reaching a generation before they need to be rescued”.