Our Vision: Detailed in One Page

As you can see from this blog, our vision of Experience Jesus, much like the ministry of Jesus himself, is at times both simple and complex. To help better explain all that our vision entails, we've created a one-page document. You can download a PDF copy or simply read below. As always, we welcome your thoughts or feedback.

Our Vision:

Shepherd of the Valley invites all people to experience the Welcome, Transformation, and Sending of Jesus Christ.

WELCOME
Jesus lived out welcome as an active, intentional, and passionate ministry. He did not wait for people to come to Him. In the parable of the lost sheep (Matthew 18), he challenges us to be on the lookout for every single lost sheep.

Shepherd of the Valley must be a community of invitation and welcome with:

• A visible and inviting presence with caring connections to our neighborhoods and community;
• Attractive, well-maintained, and accessible buildings and grounds;
• Volunteers thoughtfully deployed so all feel invited and cared for.

TRANSFORM
Jesus taught that the essence of the Christian life is to love God (Matthew 22). The goal of worship is to express that love in praise and thanksgiving to Jesus Christ with all that we are. The goal of teaching is to learn who Jesus is and become equipped to live a life of faith in him.

Shepherd of the Valley must offer transformational experiences with:

• A variety of worship experiences,offered at various times weekly;
• Consistently accessible and high quality preaching and music;
• Dynamic and relevant Biblical preaching;
• Learning experiences that appeal to both mind and heart;
• Small groups that build community, supportive relationships, and vibrant faith;
• Excellent technology that supports and enhances worship and learning.

SEND
The ministry of Jesus was simple: he welcomed all, they were transformed by their encounter with him, and he sent them out to enact the same experience for others. He commands us to do the same in the Great Commission (Matthew 28).

Shepherd of the Valley must send people out into the world to share their experiences, with:

• Tools and resources for sharing information about our ministry;
• Guidance and support for all people on their journeys of faith in worship, learning and service;
• Expanded opportunities for fellowship and service in our community and in the world.

Growing Into Our Vision

In December 2012, Growing Into Our Vision was created and published in the Winter 2013 News for the Flock, as well as a standalone publication.

It explains in great detail how and why the Vision was created, and many of the steps that Shepherd of the Valley will take in the months and years to come as we seek to live out Our Vision. In particular:

• The Great Commission: What Jesus Asks of Us
• Welcoming All People
• Worship is Our Center
• The Path to Common Ground
• Expanding Beyond Our Walls

Download a PDF of Growing Into Our Vision

Sharing the Vision: A Three-Week Worship Series

Throughout 2011 & 2012, Pastor Chris Smith and a Vision Team worked prayerfully and diligently on a Vision for Shepherd of the Valley.

During the fall of 2012, Pastor Chris presented the main aspects of the Vision over the course of three weeks at all worship services:

Welcome - Transform - Send

These sermons can be viewed in their entirety below. Audio-only versions can be heard here. (Smartphones are not supported at this time.)