Are We There Yet? Announcing VFC's Successors

We are in an amazing season at Valley Family Church! We’re taking a look at the big picture for our church and exploring where we’re going and also taking some time to reflect on the past and remember how we got to this point in VFC history. We’re kicking off our brand new September series, Are We There Yet? and starting off with an exciting announcement! 

Let’s start with talking about the past and cover an update on Exchange Zone. Then we’ll talk about the present and what’s happening here and now during the Changeover Season. We’ll wrap up the message by Announcing VFC’s Successors and talking about the future as we get ready for 2023! Here we go! 

Today: Now What? 

Past: The Exchange Zone Update

Present: The Changeover Season

Future: Get Ready for for 2023

Past: The Exchange Zone Update

We just completed our 30th year!

We’ve been in “the exchange zone” for the past year.

We are close to the baton exchange! 

Let’s review.

The Past 30 Years

Before we dive into the details, let’s first take a look at this video that highlights the past 30 years in 3 minutes! Now that we’ve recapped a bit of history visually, we’re breaking down the decades with a timeline of detailed events that have brought us to where we are today. 

• September 21, 1991 – Valley Family Church was Founded

By faith and in response to the Lord, How Word and His call on Pastors Jeff’s and Beth’s lives, Valley Family Church was planted with a vision to raise up their own family as well as a family church that would impact Southwest Michigan and beyond with the gospel basics. Reaching the lost with salvation in Jesus and teaching believers to live in victory through the word of faith has been the heartbeat of the Jones’ family and VFC for the past 30 years. 

• 1978 – God spoke this calling Scripture to Pastor Beth: 

Romans 10:13-15 (NKJV) 13For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” 14How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 

15And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace,

Who bring glad tidings of good things!”

• 1985 – God spoke this calling Scripture to Pastor Jeff: 

2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV) And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

• 1986 – God spoke this “twin calling” Scripture to Pastor Beth:

Colossians 1:28-29 (NKJV) 28Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Colossians 1:28-29 (MSG) We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less. That’s what I’m working so hard at day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.

• August 2020 – God spoke this calling Scripture to Pastor Jeff:

2 Timothy 2:2, 4:7 (TPT) And all that you’ve learned from me, confirmed by the integrity of my life, deposit into faithful leaders who are competent to teach the congregations the same revelation.

I have fought an excellent fight. I have finished my full course with all my might and I’ve kept my heart full of faith.

• June 17, 2020 – God spoke this Scripture to Pastor Beth: 

“You have laid a good foundation, now another builds upon it.” 

1 Corinthians 3:10 (NKJV) According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it…

• September 5, 2021 – Last Year

We entered “The Exchange Zone” where Pastors Jeff and Beth continued to train, prepare and release the next generation to lead Valley Family Church into the future.

• September 11, 2022 – Today

We are entering the “Changeover Season” which is the last leg of the exchange zone. 

The Changeover Season

“Christianity is always just one generation away from extinction…Jesus’ mission has always depended on one generation of leaders handing the mission to the next. Where they have done so effectively, their churches and ministries have continued to thrive. Now the mission is in your grasp.” – On Passing the Leadership Baton

• September 11, 2022 - January 29, 2023

• Final prep for baton pass and a new era of VFC.
• Pastors Eric and Alexa Jones are now Interim Lead Pastors as the successors of Valley Family Church.

• January 29, 2023 and Beyond 

• Pastors Eric and Alexa Jones officially become Lead Pastors of VFC 

Repositioning + New Roles

• Eric and Alexa Jones: Interim Lead Pastors

• Leading vision
• Leading staff and volunteers
• Leading congregation
• Preaching/Teaching regularly

• Jeff and Beth Jones: Founding Pastors 

• Leading Eric and Alexa
• Leading VFC board and big vision development
• Leading the Basics with Beth
• Preaching/Teaching strategically (locally, virtually, globally)

What Now? 

Lace up and Look Up! This isn’t the FINISH line, it’s the STARTING line. What was previously the ceiling is now the floor. The best is yet to come! Here’s some of what’s up and coming during the Changeover Season

• September : VGroup Launch + VCrew Night of Ministry
• October: Prayer Nights + Valley Nights Launch
• November: VFC Men, Valley Girls and Youth Events
• December: “A Christmas Dream” Production and Christmas Eve
• January: “Official” baton pass “Change of Command” service on 01/29