ABOUT US Who We Are Valley is an independent, Bible-based, non-denominational church.  We recognize that a healthy church is not about programs or buildings, but people!  We grew from a movement of Christians at the turn of the 19th century who said, "Let's not be the only Christians, but Christians only.  Let's set aside creeds and denominations that tend to divide us and simply take the Bible as our guide."  No, we're not perfect...but, we pursue lives that are dedicated to Jesus and invite you on this journey with us! We are a church family dedicated to "Knowing Jesus and Making Him Known."  Our Purpose We desire to focus upon a changed life in Christ by becoming "disciples" or followers of Jesus.  In order to demonstrate this, we design everything we do to intentionally:    ∙ Help people become spiritually mature by knowing Jesus more, and/or    ∙ Introduce people to a real relationship with Jesus by making Him known.   Our Journey Based on this Purpose, in 2008, the church family at Valley embarked on a new three-year journey called "Compelled By Love"…   2 Corinthians 5:14-15 says... "For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” This verse is all about becoming a "disciple" - one who follows and learns from the Master Teacher, Jesus - one who no longer lives for "self" but for Him. So, then, we are compelled by the love of Christ to become, live as, and make disciples.  2008 = Committed To Become Disciples.  The first part of this focus will call us to look at what discipleship really is and our commitment to Jesus.  This year, we will commit to become His disciples - ones Jesus intends for us to be.  We’ll focus again on Knowing Him through Worship and Prayer. 2009 = Convinced To Live As Disciples.  The second part of this focus will focus on our next two core values of this purpose.  As we Study God’s Word, we will be convicted by its truth, so that we will Fellowship with one another to build up the Body of Christ.  We will concentrate on displaying a lifestyle of discipleship – living with integrity in community with others. 2010 = Called To Make Disciples.  The third part of this focus will center around developing people that “no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them” – reproducing disciples in our community. As we return to an emphasis on Service and Outreach, we will actively pursue mentoring and accountability relationships while engaging the community around us in acts of service in Jesus’ name. Join us as we seek to honor God in this journey together! Our Beliefs Three principles we stand by… In ESSENTIAL beliefs, we have UNITY! “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day...”  (1 Corinthians 15:3 NIV) In NON-ESSENTIAL beliefs, we have LIBERTY ! “Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls...So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God…So whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God.”   (Romans 14:1-22 NIV) In ALL our beliefs, we have CHARITY (LOVE)! “I may have the gift to speak what God has revealed, and I may understand all mysteries and have all knowledge. I may even have enough faith to move mountains. But if I don't have love, I am nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2 GW)   Now, for the expanded "What Valley Believes" section!  Typically, churches will have a formal doctrinal statement of their beliefs on certain core items of their faith and practice.  So, the material below is found in a take-home brochure in the Worship Center Lobby.   God We believe in one infinitely perfect, eternal and personal God, the transcendent Creator and sovereign Sustainer of the universe.  This one God exists eternally and simultaneously as three distinct persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  All three persons in the Godhead share equally and completely in power, nature and glory. Christ We believe Jesus Christ is both God and true man.  We also believe in the great events leading up to and surrounding Christ’s life and ministry, including: His eternal preexistence, His virgin birth, His attesting miracles, His sinless life, His sacrificial death on the cross, His bodily resurrection from the dead, His ascension into heaven, and His present work in heaven as High Priest and Advocate.  He will return in glory to resurrect and judge all mankind. Holy Spirit We believe the Holy Spirit is a Divine Person, coequal with the Father and the Son.  We also believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit in salvation, glorifying Christ, convicting people of their sin, bringing about the restoration of a right relationship with God, and indwelling believers and empowering them for godly living and spiritual service to God. Scripture We believe the Bible (the 66 books of the Old and New Testament) is the Word of God.  As a “God-breathed” revelation, it is verbally inspired and completely without error, (historically, scientifically, morally and spiritually) in its original writings.  While God supernaturally directed the writing of the Bible, that writing reflects the words and literary styles of its individual human authors.  Scripture reveals the being, nature and character of God and especially His will for the salvation of human beings through Jesus Christ.  Therefore the Bible is the supreme and final authority in all matters that it addresses. Redemption We believe God has acted sovereignly to bridge the gap that separates people from Himself.  He sent His Son, born of a virgin, attested by miracles and by a sinless life, to bear the full penalty for humanity’s sin.  Christ suffered and died in the place of sinners, bringing about true reconciliation between God and mankind.  Redemption is solely a work of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ, and never by works of human merit. Resurrection We believe Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead, conquering sin, death and all the powers of Satan. The resurrection is God’s historical affirmation and vindication of Christ’s unique identity, mission and message.  Jesus Christ now resides at the right hand of the Father, and lives to indwell all who recognize their sinfulness, who repent and who turn their lives over to His loving authority. The Church We believe the church is the spiritual body of Jesus Christ and that it encompasses all true believers at all times and places.  The function of the church is to carry out the Lord’s expressed will through the power of the Holy Spirit. One of the central purposes of the church is to preach the Gospel (both in word and deed), the Good News that people can find hope and salvation from sin through faith in Jesus Christ.  This community of believers is made up of people who are neither perfect nor sinless, but by grace their lives are coming more and more under the control of the Holy Spirit, expressing His love, joy, peace, and other Christ-like qualities. The Great Commission We believe Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation. And since Christ has commissioned His people, the Church, to go into all the world to disciple, to baptize, and to teach everyone everywhere to obey His Word, we desire, by His grace, to fulfill our part in reaching the world with the Gospel of Christ. The Future We believe Jesus Christ will return to this earth bodily and visibly to establish His glorious Kingdom that will never end.  As the sovereign Lord, He will resurrect and judge all humanity.  Those who have received His offer of life through faith in Him will go to eternal blessings in heaven; those who have rejected Him, to eternal separation from God in hell.  We look forward to, and seek to prepare every person we can for, Christ’s Second Coming in glory. We'd love to hear from you!  If you have any questions about these beliefs, please use the "Contact Us" link to the left.