Beliefs
Purpose Statement
Purpose Statement Valley Ministries is a church alive which exists to communicate God's love, to celebrate God and accept all people in order to encourage maturity in Christ, empowering people to share God's love.
Vision Statement
Valley Ministries is devoted to share the love of Christ with the community through outreach and ministry. We are dedicated to provide worship, discipleship and resources in the Central Valley that will support spiritual and emotional well being.
Statement of Faith
Valley Ministries is a Christ centered church. We believe that God loves us and desires to have a sustained relationship with us. I John 4 tells us that 'God is love.' Love is not just one of God's characteristics, but it is the very nature of God.
This love from God is not just a concept, but a life changing reality. We can boldly enter into God's presence seeking grace and mercy to help us through any time of need (Hebrews 4:16). It is a privilege to be loved by God, but this love is not just for a privileged few. This love is offered without reservation to "all" who receive it. It is a free gift! Our life, therefore, is not an exam designed to find out if we qualify for salvation, rather a response to the relationship that God has extended to us.
We also believe that the Church should be a biblical extension of God's love. It has, unfortunately, been widely misrepresented in recent times. Rather than being a reflection of God's love, the church has become a disparaging misrepresentation of God. The purpose of the church is not to judge the sin of those who may or may not enter the doors of it's building. The purpose of the church is to be a living model of the love of Christ - without compromise, without condition, and without retreat.
If you do not know Jesus Christ as a personal God, or if you have believed that God can't possibly love you, please continue to seek a personal relationship with God. If you would like to know, in greater detail, more about God's love for you call Valley Ministries at (209) 810-9500 and a member of our staff would love to talk with you.
Valley Ministries is an open and affirming congregation who welcomes all people regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or race.
Homosexuality and the Bible
People often misquote the teachings of Christ to exclude others. The words of Jesus Christ plainly offer the message of hope and fredom to anyone and everyone, specifically Jesus stated "whosoever believes...". God intended unconditional love and salvation to be a gift for every human being, including gay men, lesbians, bi-sexuals, and transgendered people. The greatest tragedy of the Christian Church is the exclusion and persecusion it so passionately offers at the expense of the grace of God which Christ promoted as the only essential. Jesus Christ calls us to find ultimate meaning in life through a personal relationship with our Creator. This important spiritual union can bring healing and strength to all of our human relationships.
For more detailed information, refer to the links below.
The Bible and Homosexuality by Rev. Mona West, PhD
Homosexuality: Not a Sin, Not a Sickness by Rev. Elder Don Eastman
Our Story Too... Reading the Bible with New Eyes... a Three part study written by Rev. Elder Nancy
Wilson & Members of MCC Board of Elders:
Part One: Reading the Bible with New Eyes
Part Two: The GLBT Family in the Bible
Part Three: Same Sex Relationships in the Bible
Other Web Sites :
Would Jesus Discriminate? MCC campaign
Whosoever An online magazine for GLBT Christians
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