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OUR HISTORY
Valley Christian Church was established in 1975 and had its first worship service in October of that year at the Redwood Community Center in Apple Valley. We began holding worship services in Cedar Park Elementary School in 1980. In 1983, we moved into our first building located on County Road 46 just east of Cedar Ave. Fifteen years later In 1998 we moved into a new facility we built at the corner of Cedar Avenue and Glacier Way in Lakeville. In 2017, we purchased our current facility at 20270 Iberia Avenue in Lakeville, MN.
Those who started our church shared a heritage commonly referred to by church historians as the Restoration Movement or the Stone-Campbell Movement. This Movement arose on the frontiers of early nineteenth-century America. Like-minded Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians abandoned denominational labels in order to be "Christians only." They called followers to join in Christian unity and restore the ideals of the New Testament church.
Today, Valley Christian Church is denominationally independent and theologically committed to Biblical teaching and practice. In the spirit of our restoration heritage, we continue steadfastly in our pursuit to be a church that is merely Christian. We challenge everyone, regardless of tradition and background, to find truth, purpose, and unity in Christ. We invite you to join us!
Those who started our church shared a heritage commonly referred to by church historians as the Restoration Movement or the Stone-Campbell Movement. This Movement arose on the frontiers of early nineteenth-century America. Like-minded Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians abandoned denominational labels in order to be "Christians only." They called followers to join in Christian unity and restore the ideals of the New Testament church.
Today, Valley Christian Church is denominationally independent and theologically committed to Biblical teaching and practice. In the spirit of our restoration heritage, we continue steadfastly in our pursuit to be a church that is merely Christian. We challenge everyone, regardless of tradition and background, to find truth, purpose, and unity in Christ. We invite you to join us!
VALLEY MILESTONES
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1975
Members of Bloomington Christian Church plant a small congregation to meet south of the Minnesota River. Small groups and bible studies help grow the plant. 1976 Valley Christian Church officially incorporated by members from Apple Valley, Lakeville, Rosemount, and Farmington; First worship services held at Apple Valley Pool & Racquet Club. 1977 Paul Leavens called to be first pastor of the new congregation, previously from Truman Christian Church (MN). 1978 Parsonage established for pastor, office space, meetings, etc.; Worship services held at Cedar Park Elementary School, Apple Valley. 1979 Two acre lot in Lakeville purchased – paid for in one day with gifts from members and churches across Minnesota; Moved worship services to Cedar Park Elementary School in Apple Valley. 1981 Jim Conner called as Lead Pastor. 1983 New church building completed near Cedar Avenue and Co Rd. 46 in Lakeville. 1990 Membership engages in expansion/relocation campaign; Land purchased near Cedar Avenue and Dodd Boulevard in Lakeville. |
1997
New church building completed at Cedar Ave and Glacier Way in cooperation with Christian Heritage Academy. Move to new location completed. 2007 David Burkum called as Lead Pastor. 2016 Christian Heritage Academy moves to new campus. 2017 Church membership affirms decision to engage in three-way campus change with Lakeville churches Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Southland City Church. Valley moves to former Bethlehem Lutheran property in downtown Lakeville at Co Rd 50 and Iberia Ave and begins renovation and expansion project. 2018 Renovation and expansion project completed at Iberia Avenue; expanded/renovated church building and re-purposed Fellowship House dedicated with Mayor of Lakeville. 2019 Brad Dewing called as Transition Pastor under first-ever collaborative pastoral transition process for Valley with unanimous vote by membership. 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic forces Valley to engage in online-only programming for the sake of the health and safety of the church community. 2021 Brad Dewing affirmed as Lead Pastor; Dave Burkum remains on pastoral staff as Assistant Pastor. |