Welcome to Church in the Valley!

The gospel is at the center of everything we do. We believe that Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—is the hope of the world and the foundation of our faith. Because of this, we seek to keep our focus fixed on Christ and His saving work on the cross. As Jesus said in John 3:16–17, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” This good news shapes every aspect of our church. Our preaching, worship, discipleship, groups, and ministry are all centered on the person and work of Jesus. We desire to be a church that continually celebrates the gospel, is transformed by the gospel, and lives on mission because of the gospel.

We are planting Church in the Valley in a college city because we believe in the potential of the next generation. Every year, thousands of students and young professionals come to Knoxville with the opportunity to influence their workplaces, communities, churches, and the world for Christ. We believe God is raising up future disciple-makers, church planters, missionaries, pastors, and leaders. Our calling is to invest in them, engage them with the gospel, disciple them, equip them to lead, and send them out on mission. Because of this, we are committed to being a church that intentionally pours into the next generation. We want to see people transformed by the gospel, equipped to make disciples, and sent out to impact Knoxville, the nations, and future generations for the glory of God.

We believe God has designed His Church to function as a body, with every member playing a vital role in His mission. Because of this, we are committed to serving, growing, and living on mission together. Church in the Valley is not built on the efforts of a few people, but on the faithfulness of God's people working side by side for His glory. Every person has a place to belong, a role to play, and a mission to pursue. Joining Valley means becoming part of a family that is committed to encouraging one another, serving together, and locking arms to make disciples throughout Knoxville, the campus, and the nations. Together, we want to see souls saved, lives transformed, and disciples sent for the glory of God.

In light of the Gospel and in light of the mission God’s given us, we are called to lay down our lives for those around us. Not in a superficial or light way, but in every way, faithfully leveraging our lives for the kingdom of God. Christians, we’re called to faithfully use whatever God’s given us for the sake of the kingdom. We are a people who strive to give of ourselves with the same generosity that Christ gave of Himself. In our time, in our talents, and in our resources, we give our first and our best to the Lord.

We believe the Great Commission requires multiplication. Because of this, we are committed to making disciples who make disciples, developing leaders who develop leaders, and planting churches that plant churches. Every follower of Jesus is called to live on mission, share the gospel, and invest in others. Our desire is to see disciples sent, leaders raised up, and new churches established for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.

Following Jesus is a lifelong journey. We believe God calls every believer to continually grow in their faith, becoming more like Christ through His Word, prayer, and obedience. Our goal is not simply to gain knowledge, but to be transformed by the gospel. As we pursue Jesus together, we seek to grow in our love for God, our love for others, and our commitment to His mission.

In Luke 15, Jesus describes a shepherd leaving the ninety-nine to pursue the one lost sheep. We believe that same heart should define our church. Because Christ pursued us when we were far from Him, we are committed to pursuing those who are far from God. We want to be a church that welcomes the broken, the hurting, the skeptical, and those searching for hope. Like Jesus, we are willing to lay down our preferences, comfort, and resources so that others may hear the gospel. In everything we do, we seek to engage our city and campus with the hope of Christ and reach those who have yet to know Him.