Executive Pastor
Valleydale Church
Birmingham, Alabama
www.valleydale.org

OVERVIEW

Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2008, Valleydale Church, Birmingham, Alabama, is one of the most recognized churches and is known throughout the Southern Baptist Convention. The strong legacy of Valleydale has been rooted in deep commitment to Jesus Christ and a history of local and global missions.

Since the call of Dr. Calvin Kelly as Senior Pastor in 1984, Valleydale has been a consistent presence in the North Shelby County area, and recently the church has embarked upon an exciting new season, with expanded vision, bold direction, dynamic preaching and worship opportunities. Due to a strong 15-year history of rapid growth averaging +10% increase per year, and in order to accommodate the increasing opportunity for ministry presented by a definitive vision and direction, the church relocated to 135,000 square foot state of the art facility in 2004. The facility sits on 44 acres of prime, mountaintop Alabama real estate. Valleydale has a vision to reach the un-churched (estimated at 66% of the population using Barna research statistical definition), develop disciples into intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, and reach the local and global community for the cause of Christ. Valleydale's stated mission is “to provide the best opportunity for people to become fully devoted Christ-followers.”

THE CHURCH

Under Dr. Kelly’s leadership, Valleydale Church has a renewed vision for its role in the Christian community, reaching into its surrounding neighborhoods and participating in the global environment.

In the best of evangelical tradition, high value is placed on Biblical preaching and teaching in the pulpit and classroom. Essential beliefs include the priesthood of all believers and worship of the Triune God, revealed in the divinely inspired Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. 

Valleydale Church is experiencing a season of transition. Following the move into the new facility in 2004, there has been a God-driven sense among the staff and church leaders that now is the time to capitalize on the potential, passion, and commitment. Valleydale is poised and the new Executive Pastor is seen as a key influence in coalescing this potential to draw the community to Christ. According to the recent “re:Imagine” campaign, “everyday, 25,000 cars drive by the Valleydale campus, while another 70,000 cars pass by our exit on I-65 with 54% (since discovered to be up to 66%) of the people within a 20 minute drive remaining un-churched.” In demonstrating their commitment to further Valleydale’s vision, the leaders and body set a financial campaign goal of five million dollars, with seven million being pledged, and four million collected to date. Please see the "re:IMAGINE" link for a full booklet describing the campaign in detail at www.valleydale.org. There are incredible things happening at Valleydale! For pictures of the church, please go to the links towards the end of this document.

Church Culture

Dr. Kelly and the staff are committed to a clear and distinctive process of incorporating the best of the purpose-driven ideals through a grid of simplicity. The staff and leadership have been influenced by the principles of the “simple church” (a good resource for this is Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples, Rainer& Geiger, 2006). Valleydale seeks to fulfill its mission by encouraging all of its members to faithfully pursue a three-step process:

• WORSHIP God
• CONNECT with others
• SERVE the world

See Addendum #3 for a more detailed explanation of this process.
Valleydale is committed to putting all they do through a framework of:

Clarity > Movement > Alignment > Focus

The Valleydale leadership believes this process, fleshed out in all aspects of direction, programming, and assimilation will greatly affect the community for God.
While Valleydale is located in North Shelby County, having the highest per capita income and educational level in the state, there is diversity within the church community. In the midst of this diversity, the atmosphere is charged with grace. There is great intentionality in creating a welcoming environment and the congregation is loving and accepting. Through Life Groups, there is a desire to provide the relational connections of a smaller church. Some of the phrases and terms used to describe the church include “contemporary, relevant, missional, accepting, relational, caring, friendly, and committed.”

See Addendums #1, 2, and 4 for more assistance in understanding Valleydale's values.

Staff

There are over 50 paid staff members, including 30 full time and 22+ part time. Associate Pastors and Directors are responsible for the following functional areas: Leadership & Missions, Discipleship, Worship Arts, Technical & Media, Creative Arts, Pre-School, Children, Middle School, High School, Recreation, and Facilities. These functional areas will report to the Executive Pastor (directly or through supervisors) who in turn will report to the Senior Pastor. The Worship Arts Pastor will have a dotted-line reporting relationship to the Senior Pastor in matters of celebration and worship.

Staff Culture

Valleydale has a competent, vibrant staff in pastoral leadership and in the operational and administrative groups. There is a sense that people enjoy their work and are highly motivated. It is indeed a dynamic and exciting time within this church. Dr. Kelley is described by the staff with terms like “visionary, entrepreneur, risk-taker, freeing, creative, and committed.” He is described as a strong and winsome leader and as someone who is great at casting vision and desiring to release competent people to do their jobs with a sense of empowerment. This warm and relational spirit sets the tone for the staff. The Executive Pastor will be charged to support this atmosphere and, particularly among the ministerial and administrative staffs, to foster a cohesive and collegial team. That said, even with a casual environment and management style, there is an underlying seriousness and purposefulness with an inherent understanding that there is a lot of important work to accomplish. The office suite currently being built reflects a creative, informal, yet professional approach to ministry.

SENIOR PASTOR’S BIO
Dr. Calvin Kelly has been Senior Pastor of Valleydale since 1984. He is known for the creative Biblical communication he shares each Sunday in the worship service. He has a tremendous heart for people and a passion for seeing people become devoted followers of Christ.

Pastor Calvin's educational distinctions include a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Mississippi State University; a Master of Divinity in Theology and a Doctorate of Ministries from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. He has served on the Board of Trustees for Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (campuses in Mill Valley, CA; Denver, CO; Phoenix, AZ; Brea, CA; and Portland, OR), where he chaired the Student Relations Committee and the Instruction Committee, as well as served on the Executive Committee and the Presidential Search Committee. Denominationally, he has served on the Board of Trustees of Samford University (AL) and the Board of Regents of the University of Mobile (AL), in addition to various Birmingham Baptist Association, state convention, and Southern Baptist Convention offices and responsibilities.

Dr. Kelly and his wife, Paula, have been married 32 years and are proud parents of two adult children and one perfectly adorable granddaughter, Eden, due to be born February 14, 2009.

THE LOCALE

North Shelby County is a lush and green valley on the outskirts of Birmingham within 30 minutes of the airport located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The Birmingham - Hoover Metropolitan area offers an unprecedented quality of life. The housing market and cost of living are among the most affordable in the Southeast. Area schools are nationally recognized among the nation's best. Moreover, even though the state's largest city is a bustling metropolitan city, Birmingham still holds its southern roots. While the arts and education play a dominant role in the community, sports, particularly high-school and college football, is a vital part of the culture. Banking, public utilities, insurance, educational, and medical research and treatment industries dominate the public landscape. The Medical School at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is renown worldwide for its heart, cancer, and research specialties.

From Birmingham city proper, one can leave the lively business district downtown and in 30 minutes be hiking in the woods atop Oak Mountain State Park. In Birmingham and its surrounding communities, healthcare is ranked as one of the best in the nation. For those who love to “shop till they drop,” the Magic City is home to Saks Incorporated, Macy's, and other high quality shops. The acclaimed Riverchase Galleria is a five minute drive from the church, which is located less than a mile from I-65, the major north/south artery through the state. Three major high schools, three middle schools, one intermediate school, and two elementary schools are in close proximity to the church campus.

The people display typical “southern hospitality” and friendliness with a level of sophistication. Statistically, the 2009 projected population is 189,000 people in Shelby County, with an average income of $84,000. The largest percentage of ages fall between 25-54 years, having a median age of 37 and a racial makeup of 89% white, 7% Afro-American, and the remaining 4% other, primarily of Hispanic origin. Seventy-one percent own their homes. Family units are primarily comprised of married with children 42%, and married without children, 42%. 48% have post high school degrees.

The Birmingham area has an average temperature of the mid 40’s in the winter and low 80’s in the summer with an average rainfall of 48 inches per year.

More information may be found at the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, www.birminghamchamber.com.

THE POSITION

Introduction

The role of Executive Pastor serves as a right hand to the Senior Pastor ensuring that the church runs smoothly and is able to support the established vision, mission and objectives. He or she ensures that the mission and ministry of the church moves forward (as much as possible) uninhibited by administrative and operational issues. The Senior Pastor will be responsible for the spiritual/strategic/visionary leadership of the church and the Executive Pastor will serve as the operational bridge between the development of the strategy/vision and the development of the specific ministry plans by each pastor or director. The Executive Pastor will have the responsibility and authority to realize, operationally, the values of the church. While systems, policies, and procedures are very important, changes and/or corrections must be done in a people sensitive, caring, and affirming manner. It is also the intent of the church to be innovative and relevant, which means being entrepreneurial and having effective systems, policies, and procedures.

Under the leadership of Dr. Kelly, there is a highly charged atmosphere of boldness and excitement in exploring new directions and possibilities. The Executive Pastor is vital to providing an environment where this exploration and implementation of new initiatives is possible.

Position Summary

The Executive Pastor will plan, manage and direct the day-to-day administration and operations of Valleydale Church to provide a supportive environment for carrying out the mission and ministries of the church.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1. Partner with the Senior Pastor in setting direction, strategies, objectives and goals, contributing managerial, operational and administrative wisdom and expertise, and guidance pertaining to feasibility and necessary actions or steps.
2. Implement the “simple church” strategy based on Valleydale’s stated three-step process and five purposes (see addendums #2 and #3).
3. Oversee all operational and administrative functions of the church with responsibility for ongoing improvement of operational and organizational effectiveness, efficiency and excellence, assuming a "restaurant manager" mindset and approach. This will include development and recommendation of internal administrative, human resources and operational policy and procedure to guide ongoing staff team experiences and day-to-day ministry operations.
4. Collaborate with pastors and staff members to recommend and ensure the availability of appropriate resources (including personnel, equipment, facilities and supplies) to support the needs of ongoing ministry leadership and ministry program efforts.
5. Oversee implementation of executive staff decisions and strategies.
6. Communicate, interpret and reinforce established vision, strategies and goals to the staff and various groups or individuals in the church.
7. Act as primary liaison between the congregation and professional staff.
8. Coach the coaches (leaders) to be effective in empowering laity.
9. Fulfill the Biblical qualifications for church leadership. (1 Tim 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9).
10. Oversee human resource functions (such as salaries, hiring, coaching, terminations, benefits, etc.) in conjunction with the Personnel Team.
11. Oversee all financial management and reporting functions of the church, including budgeting, payables, contributions, cash flow, investments, payroll, and stewardship development, including creative giving options.
12. Review and approve all contractual agreements; empowered by the Senior Pastor and/or specific committees as the principal agent for negotiating and signing contracts on behalf of the church.
13. Provide staff leadership for all capital campaigns by recruiting team members and overseeing related activities.
14. Provide general oversight to the management and maintenance of church facilities; act as internal project manager for major building or renovation projects.
15. Pastoral services as required (counseling, baptisms, teaching, preaching, funerals, weddings, visitation).
16. Assist the Senior Pastor with other special projects as requested.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

The greatest requirement for a person in the role of Executive Pastor is a strong personal commitment to Jesus Christ and, with this, a love for his church. The person must demonstrate commitment to ongoing spiritual development and maturity and must be someone of impeccable personal integrity and moral purity.

Theologically, he or she must be an Evangelical with deep appreciation for the authority of Scripture and an unswerving commitment to a Biblically-based lifestyle. Overall beliefs must be consistent with Valleydale’s "The Essentials We Believe" statement (see Addendum #1).

Professionally, a qualified candidate will be experienced as a manager of a medium to large organization, with a successful record of accomplishment. Candidates for this position will possibly come from business, a nonprofit organization, or a senior/associate role within another church. Generally, someone coming from a business setting will have performed in at least a middle management role within a $10 million or larger company, or a senior management role in a smaller company. From a nonprofit setting, the person will have worked in one of the medium-sized, more progressive organizations. From a church setting, the congregation size will have been over 1000. Management experience must involve effectively overseeing a staff of 25 or more (both direct and indirect supervision), including professional or supervisory employees. (Exceptions to the foregoing will certainly be considered in light of other compelling qualifications.)

If someone comes from a business background, he or she must have the deep understanding of church life that comes from active involvement and significant lay leadership roles. Ideally, the person may have been a long-term Elder, Trustee, Deacon or otherwise highly responsible role within a local church.  On the other hand, a candidate coming from a church setting will ideally also have business experience in his or her background.

This is a role for someone especially gifted in leadership, administration and organization, and who is a servant leader in the truest sense, strongly committed to the empowerment of others; someone who encourages and inspires. The person must be an effective and capable manager of people, operations and resources, able to plan for both long and short range needs and goals. He or she must be highly versatile and flexible in both relating to staff and meeting the wide range of needs within a diverse congregation. A high degree of resourcefulness is required in understanding and managing the administrative and operational support requirements of diverse existing ministries as well as new programs and initiatives. At the same time, the position calls for a person who knows how to develop leadership abilities in others and how to build and manage a large team. The Executive Pastor is expected to attract, retain, and develop top quality staff and volunteer leaders.

A key expectation is that this person enjoys the supportive role of a #2 position. The Executive Pastor position is for a leader who does not desire the limelight, but rather one who seeks to carry the vision into reality as a dedicated supporter of and complement to the Senior Pastor and his gifting.

This role requires exceptional interpersonal relationship skills. The person must be a leader who deeply values people and relates well to those at all levels. He/she will value a participative, team-oriented culture and will strive to support this. At the same time, the person will work to foster accountability for the accomplishment of objectives. This should be someone who can be clear about expectations and openly encouraging.  

The Executive Pastor must be an effective and winsome communicator, both in speaking and writing. This person must be able to convey contagious enthusiasm for the overall vision of the church. A key part of the person’s communication ability will be effective listening. People will feel like they have been heard and that their concerns and opinions matter. Feedback and responses will be relevant and constructive.

The skill set must include a strong understanding of the principles of organizational development and design (knowing how the organization should be structured and how internal systems work most effectively) and how this applies to the ministry environment. The Executive Pastor will be highly knowledgeable of the application of systems, methods and procedures to promote the overall goals of an organization. The person will have proven his or her ability to organize a major area of responsibility in terms of systems and people, and to formulate policies that promote effectiveness in meeting organizational objectives.

It is imperative that the Executive Pastor have a clear grasp of the bigger picture in order to guide the day-to-day activities that result in the overall advancement of the church’s mission. He or she must see systems and procedures as means rather than as ends, and be able to customize operations around the needs of the people and the organizational culture. This role requires an analytical and strategic thinker whose decisions are based on discernment and wisdom.

Most likely, the person qualified for this role will have a four-year college degree; however, this is not mandatory if the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities are demonstrated through seasoned experience. Seminary would be a plus as well as experience with the Southern Baptist Convention.

The ideal candidate will see the work of managing church operations as an act of ministry and apply a profoundly spiritual understanding to his/her work.

Additional characteristics include:

• Passionate about the church’s commitment to make Shelby County a sold-out environment for Christ; has an appreciation for living out a local missional lifestyle, while having a heart for global concern
• Savvy business thinking, marketing knowledge, and acumen within the context of spiritual objectives
• Interest in and awareness of cultural and societal trends and developments, including demographics, psychographics, generational, political, educational, theological, and spiritual developments and opportunities
• Self-aware and authentic
• Loyal and trustworthy
• Sense of humor
• Politically astute, but not politically driven
• Able to delegate without micromanaging, but with good follow-up
• Able to be visionary and to cast “vision within a vision”
• Entrepreneurial and creative, willing to take calculated risks; however, able to be the respectful “voice of reason” in exploring new options
• Strong time management, skilled in efficient use of time with an emphasis more on effectiveness than efficiency
• Godly humility which includes healthy self-confidence
• Able to make sound decisions relatively quickly and to think on his/her feet
• Able to quickly inspire a sense of trust
• Has a strong family life (if the person has a family, otherwise will have a close group of friends and evidence of committed relationships)
• Loves his/her work, but able to set healthy boundaries
• Excellent group facilitator
• Coachable and accountable
• Has patience and appreciation for process yet is committed to results
• Puts people first and programs second
• Displays the Fruit of the Spirit
• Shares authority easily without jealousy or "turf protection"
• Genuinely warm and caring, and is sensitive to others; attracts people
• Knowledgeable of or willing to become knowledgeable of Southern Baptist polity as it relates to the Executive Pastor responsibilities

COMPENSATION

The compensation and benefits for this position are competitive and adequate for a comfortable lifestyle within the Birmingham area. If a candidate is selected from outside of the Birmingham area, careful consideration will be given to the assistance needed to relocate to this area and to secure housing.

THE SEARCH & SELECTION PROCESS

Ardent Search Company (www.ardentsearchco.com) has been retained by Valleydale Church to assist with this search, including the primary role for candidate searching, screening, and reference checking. Tim Bernstein will be the primary recruiter on the search, assisted by Patti Schultz and the Ardent Search Company staff.

This will be a nationwide search to find the right person for this position. The hope is to fill the position as soon as possible.

Valleydale Church and the search firm want the process to have integrity and to be fair, considerate, and thorough. Every effort will be made to maintain confidentiality of all candidates until the point the person is introduced to the church body as a whole. All candidates considered will go through the same rigorous evaluation process, and prospective candidates will work directly with the search firm.

SUMMARY

This is an incredible opportunity for a leader with strong organizational and administrative ability combined with a heart for ministry to become part of a church that is passionately committed to reaching the world for Christ. This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution toward helping a dynamic church fulfill its purpose on behalf of the Kingdom of God. 

The Executive Pastor for Valleydale Church will:

• Become part of a caring and forward-thinking church with a strong Biblical and spiritual foundation that is experiencing an exciting season of new ministry direction
• Partner with a dynamic and visionary Senior Pastor who is recognized as an outstanding speaker and leader
• Become part of a passionate and competent team in an enjoyable and beautiful work environment
• Contribute gifts, experience and abilities to fulfilling a vital and fulfilling role in the Kingdom of God

The right person for this job will believe him or herself to be called by God to Valleydale Church, prepared in advance with the right skills, experience and convictions to contribute to the church reaching its goals. We invite interested candidates to prayerfully and thoughtfully explore this opportunity. Inquiries will be treated in strict confidence.

PICTURES OF THE CHURCH

Basketball court
Church from the side
Gameroom
Hall
Front of the church

ADDENDUM #1

The Essentials We Believe:

1. About God The Father

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God. God is the eternal, supreme ruler of the universe. This means that He is sovereign and knows all things and allows all things to happen according to His will and purposes.
Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Gen. 50:20; Psalm 90:2; Is. 45:
Matthew 28:19; Rom. 8:28-29; 2 Corinthians 13:14;
Eph. 1:11; 1 Peter 1:2;

2. About Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will physically return again someday to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:22, 23; John 1:1-5; 14:10-30;
Acts 1:9-11; Romans 1:3, 4; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4;
1Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 4:14, 15

3. About the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when he or she is saved. As Christians, we seek to live under His control daily.
John 16:7-13; 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16;
2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 1:13; 5

4. About the Bible

The Bible is God’s Word to us. Written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is the supreme source of truth for Christian faith and life. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. Historical and miraculous accounts in the Bible are literally true. The Bible itself is its own best commentary.
Joshua 1:8; Psalm 12:6; 119:105,160; Proverbs 30:5
2 Timothy 1:13; 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 2

5. About Human Beings

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.”  This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.
Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; 59:1, 2;
Romans 3:23;

6. About Salvation

Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. There is no other way to God, other than through Jesus Christ. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith. There is a "God part" (His offer, sovereignty, and willingness to redeem) and a "man's part" (our acceptance of His free gift).  There is an unexplainable balance of the sovereignty of God and man's freedom to choose.
John 1:12; 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 5:1; 6:23; Galatians 3:26;
Ephesians 2:8, 9; Titus 3:5

7. About Spiritual Growth and Development

Salvation brings with it not only forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Knowing Christ also brings the privilege and the responsibility, as empowered by the Holy Spirit, to read and understand Scripture for oneself as a believer-priest; to grow in Christ-likeness; to mature in the faith; and to spread the Good News of Christ to the "ends of the earth."
Matthew 28:18-20; Romans 12:1,2; Acts 1:8; Hebrews 5:14; 1 Peter 2:9;

8. About Eternal Security

Because God gives us eternal life through Jesus Christ, the true believer is secure in knowing that salvation is for eternity. If you have been genuinely saved, you cannot “lose” it. Salvation is maintained by the grace and power of God, not by the self-effort of the Christian. It is the grace and keeping power of God that gives us this security.
John 10:29; 2 Timothy 1:12;
Hebrews 7:25, 10:10,14; 1 Peter 1:3-5

9.  About Eternity

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.
John 3:16; 14:17; Romans 6:23; 8:17-18;
1 Corinthians 2:7-9; Revelation 20:15

ADDENDUM #2

I. Our Philosophy

While the message and the mission of the church will never change, the methods must change in order to keep a relevant voice in our culture. Part of the guiding principles of Valleydale’s philosophy is founded in the 5 Biblical purposes that God has given the church:

WORSHIP
“… true worshipers will worship the Father… they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks… and His worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24

COMMUNITY
“Now you are no longer strangers to God and foreigners to heaven, but you are members of God’s very own family, citizens of God’s country, and you belong in God’s household with every other Christian.” Ephesians 2:19 (LB)

DISCIPLESHIP
“... so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all… become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12-1

SERVICE
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

EVANGELISM
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known… ” Ephesians 3:10

ADDENDUM #3

II. Our Process

At Valleydale, we expect every member to be part of a simple 3-step process that we believe will encourage the development of fully devoted Christ-followers and help us fulfill our mission as a church.

1. Worship God                    (Purpose: Worship)
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42, Leviticus 27:30

2. Connect with others         (Purposes: Community, Discipleship)
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: if one falls down, his friend can help him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

3. Serve the world                (Purposes: Service, Evangelism)
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7

 “… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” Matthew 28:19-20

ADDENDUM #4

Valleydale’s 21st Century Vision

We dream of a church where hurting, hopeless, and helpless people can find love, acceptance, and meaning in life through the transforming power of the Good News which we intend to share with countless thousands in North Shelby and surrounding counties in order to challenge them to become fully devoted Christ-followers.

We dream of gathering as the Body of Christ, glorifying God through meaningful worship, in a relevant, casual style that attracts seekers as well as believers; truly experiencing the touch of God individually in their life, not just hearing about Him.

We dream of thousands of people who have entered into a relationship with Christ relating together in biblical community, loving, laughing, learning, and playing together, growing in authentic relationships, and living life to its greatest potential according to God’s wonderful plan.

We dream of thousands committed to applying God’s truth through discipleship, having a daily quiet time with God, giving a weekly tithe to God, growing through prayer, Bible study, small groups, seminars, and retreats that focus on transformation, not just information; we dream of providing the best instruction and resources in order to equip believers with biblical truth and sound doctrine for spiritual growth.

We dream of thousands committed to cultivating a lifestyle of service; lay people and staff who have discovered their SHAPE (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experiences) and are impacting their church and community by serving God and people through hundreds of ministries.

We dream of expanding God’s kingdom through evangelism by sending hundreds of career missionaries and short-term volunteers around the world to share their faith in Jesus Christ, to start and build up new churches, and to train Christian workers, as well as thousands on mission in our community actively using their contacts at work, school, recreation, and in the neighborhood to share the life-changing message of Christ.

We dream of an age-appropriate Life Development Process that leads our children and youth to love Jesus and His church, grow spiritually, discover their SHAPE for ministry, worship Him intensely, and become equipped to effectively live out their mission in the world.

We dream of spacious and functional buildings, including worship, discipleship, and recreation space, in order to support our purposes and programs in a regional church context, providing a seven day a week ministry to the whole person (physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual) in a beautiful setting - including walking trails, gardens, pools, and streams.

We dream of a healthy, balanced church, intentional and strategic in developing a city-wide influence and a world-wide impact: developing as many Christ-followers as we possibly can before He returns. This is our vision for Valleydale Church, and we believe it is inspired by God!

First Dreamed at 25th Anniversary, "Y2K Celebration," September 13, 1998
Amended and refined: 2000, 2004

Our client is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its practices or procedures on the basis of race, age, color, gender, national origin, veteran status, medical condition, or physical or mental disability. However, by the nature of this organization and its purposes, it does limit its hiring to people whose beliefs, theology and lifestyle are consistent with the church’s " (see addendum).

We fully respect the need for confidentiality of information supplied by interested parties and assure them that their backgrounds and interests will not be discussed with anyone, including our client, without their prior consent, nor will reference contacts generally be made until mutual interest has been established. Perspective candidates agree to participate with personality/behavioral testing and/or recorded video interviewing if desired by the client.