Our Story

Where It All Began

Where It All Began

Our roots at Valley Center Community Church stretch back to 1885 right here in Valley Center. Joseph and Hannah Sherrard founded Sherrard’s Chapel—a place for God’s people to worship in this small rural community. Even today, that quaint chapel stands adjacent to the cemetery on Miller Road, a testament to our humble beginnings. 

Fast forward to September 2022, a momentous chapter for us at Valley Center Community Church. The completion of our Worship Center, situated on property we’ve owned for over two decades, became our new home. Adjacent to this center is the Children’s Education & Administration Building, expanding our ability to minister to one another.  

Growing Beyond the Chapel

Growing Beyond the Chapel

As our congregation outgrew the small chapel, we found ourselves worshipping at what is now the Community Center on Lilac Road. In 1946, we achieved a milestone by securing a larger worship space—an old Marine Chapel building relocated to Valley Center Road. The 1970s witnessed the expansion of our facilities to accommodate our growing church family, anticipating the eventual move to our permanent location.

Following God’s Leading

Following God’s Leading

More than 25 years ago, the leadership of VCCC recognized that our existing facilities could no longer support the needs of a growing church. After a season of prayer and searching, we purchased the 20-acre property we now call home in 1999. The next decade was marked by perseverance—securing permits, designing a campus, and raising the funds to build. What emerged was a first-phase vision featuring three buildings: a Worship Center and two ministry buildings housing classrooms, meeting spaces, offices, and kitchen facilities.

A Vision Takes Shape

A Vision Takes Shape

In May 2021, we began worshiping on this property under a tent and dedicated the Education Building with grateful hearts. While we rejoiced in that season, we knew the tent was temporary. Stepping forward in faith we built the Worship Center, which was completed in 2022. 

Our Campus Today

We praise God that as of February 2026, by of the grace of God through the generosity of his people, the Worship Center is paid off and we are debt free.

Responding to Growth

We rejoice in all that God has done, yet we also recognize the growth of our ministry and the challenges it brings, particularly to our facilities.

Maximizing Facilities

Every classroom is filled during both services, including converted office spaces, and most rooms are in use daily during the week.

Student Gatherings

Jr. High and High School students gather across the whole campus on Wednesday nights, but lack a dedicated space.

Expanding Ministry

We were able to minister to over 400 children at VBS, but that is only because we put up the tent every year.

Third Building Campaign

We are not surprised by these facility challenges. When we began designing this campus over twenty years ago, the vision was to build three buildings:

A Worship Center, Education Building and Office Building

While our desire was to build all three buildings at once, God led us to build the campus in phases. We're grateful for what God has provided already, and today our growing needs reveal it's time to fulfill the vision by building the third building.

Next Steps

Next Steps

  1. Phase One (Completed) – Raise $550k to:

    • Pay off the remaining Worship Center debt

    • Cover architectural fees for design and permitting

  2. Phase Two – Launch a two-year pledge campaign to cover most, if not all, construction costs and begin the permitting process (approximately 1 year).

  3. Phase Three – Begin construction.

  4. Phase Four – Complete construction and pay off any remaining costs.

How You Can Join Us

Pray

Above all, pray that we would follow God’s leading and that he would stir hearts to support this project.

Give

join us in fulfilling this vision by giving generously in a variety of ways, as many have done before you.

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