Beliefs

As a non-denominational, independent Christian church we unite people from all denominational backgrounds. This is a great strength of our church, but it can also pose somewhat of a challenge: what are the essentials that everyone must believe? Faithful, Bible-believing Christians can disagree over dozens of issues. Below you'll find what we believe are the essentials of the Christian faith agreed upon unanimously throughout 2,000 years of church history. While people may disagree upon finer points of theology, we think every Christian can and should agree on the following:

The Bible
We believe the Bible is God's inspired word and was given to provide instruction for what we should believe and how we should live our lives. We believe that the Bible is accurate and reliable, was written under direct inspiration from God and is completely authoritative for all Christians. (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:19-21)

God
We believe that there is one true God, the Creator of the universe, who eternally exists in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; John 1:1,14; John 14:26; 1 Peter 1:2)

Jesus
We believe that Jesus was God's only begotten Son, was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, voluntarily died on the cross for our sins and was bodily raised from the dead. He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of God and acts as an intermediary on our behalf. One day Jesus will return to earth and initiate the consummation of human history. (John 1:1-18; Acts 2:22-41; Philippians 2:1-11)

The Holy Spirit
We believe the Holy Spirit is equal with God and with Jesus. The Holy Spirit provides power to overcome sin, insight into Scripture and personal direction in life. All believers are given the gift of the Holy Spirit at conversion, and through the Holy Spirit's presence and power are enabled to attain spiritual maturity in Christ. Through the Holy Spirit each person in the body is given certain gifts to use in ministry. (Luke 11:13; John 16:13; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:11)

Salvation
We believe that a human being's central purpose for existence is to have a close and personal relationship with God. Originally created for that purpose, humans defied God, choosing to go their own independent way and were thus alienated from God. This "Fall" took place at the beginning of human history, all individuals since have suffered these consequences and are in need of God's forgiveness and mercy. A person can be forgiven by God and have that close, personal relationship restored by believing that Jesus is God's Son, repenting of their sin and being baptized by immersion for the forgiveness of their sins. (John 3:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 3:23, 10:9; 1 John 1:9)

Human Destiny
We believe that everyone will live forever after they die. Where one spends eternity will depend on what they do with Jesus. For all humankind there will be a resurrection into the spiritual world and a judgment that will determine the fate of each individual. Because unbelievers have rejected Jesus, they will be separated from his presence for all eternity in hell. Believers will be received into heaven to be with God for all eternity. (John 3:36; Revelation 20-22)

Church Government
Christ's Church of the Valley (CCV) is a non-denominational, independent Christian church that is led by leaders from within its own church, not an outside denominational office or headquarters. CCV is loosely associated with a fellowship of over 6,000 similar evangelical churches nationwide called, "Independent Christian Churches," claiming over 1.5 million members in the United States alone. Independent Christian Churches are among the fastest growing churches in the United States. Independent Christian Churches combine their efforts, at different times, to support church planting organizations, cross-cultural missionaries, benevolent associations and over 30 Christian Colleges and Seminaries. CCV is also a member of the Willow Creek Association, a national network of churches similar to CCV in their beliefs and mission.