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History of COV
Two historic churches merged in 1989 to form the Church
of the Valley. Each had very different beginnings yet each was able to enjoy dramatic growth in the rapidly growing
San Fernando Valley. And in learning of their stories we see that each church saw their purpose and their call to serve as
Christ’s church--their mission--in very different ways.
The Central Christian Church was
started by a small committed group who secured the aid of a renowned evangelist; a large congregation grew from that shared
vision and then the grand building that we worship in today soon followed. Little Brown Church’s genesis
was the vision of one man (Rev. John Wells) who saw a need for a refuge; he first built a simple chapel to act as that refuge
and then a flourishing congregation developed.
The two churches which came together in 1989 to form Church of
the Valley were very different but the people themselves shared common traits: adaptability, pragmatism, hopefulness, commitment.
But they also share some fundamental qualities which describe all “Disciples”: - A genuine respect for the freedom of belief. We are called together around one essential of faith: belief in Jesus
Christ as Lord and Savior.
Persons are free to follow their consciences guided by the Bible, the Holy Spirit,
study and prayer, and are expected to extend that freedom to others. - A belief that all God’s people are essentially one body and that we cooperate with all good people in all good
works.
- A proud heritage of an open communion table—God’
grace offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ.A ministry of all believers.
- Both ordained and lay persons lead in worship, service and spiritual growth.
An early motto sums it up quite well:
"Agree to differ, Resolve to love, Unite to serve."
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