History of Valley Church

Late in 1958 a few couples from Peninsula Bible Church were meeting Sunday evenings for Bible study. They recognized that God was leading them toward the formation of a non-denominational church. With the support and encouragement of the PBC leadership, several weeks were spent in intensive prayer before they voted unanimously to establish Valley Church of Cupertino as an independent Bible Church. From that time forward, the motto of the church has been, "That in all things Christ might have pre-eminence" (Colossians 1:18).

First services began in a small leased unit in the Cherry Chase shopping center in Sunnyvale, in March 1959. The church grew quickly as God blessed the congregation. Four acres of the present church property on Stelling Road were purchased in 1960. The first sanctuary was the building which now houses the library, nurseries and a few Sunday School rooms. Over time other structures were erected and more property acquired, as the Lord continued to bring His people into the fellowship. The present sanctuary was completed and first used in December 1969. Today our campus includes seven acres of land, six buildings, and a sports facility, including tennis courts.

Throughout Valley Church history, expanded building and missionary giving have gone hand in hand. First missionary support began in September 1959, and has continued consistently over the years. That support has been more than financial; it includes prayer, correspondence, hosting when in town and sharing in the ministries. Many from the congregation have been able to visit our missionaries, giving on-site help and encouragement.

In October 2005, the elders of Family Bible Church in South San Jose began to talk with the elders of Valley Church in Cupertino and in March 2006, FBC members voted to come under the leadership and authority of Valley Church. Our first church plant, Neighborhood Bible Church had its first public service on November 5th, 2006, after a year of prayer, property renovation, and lots of hard work. God brought together people from Valley (including pastors Dave Carlsen and Ben Palm) and previous FBC members to reach new people in the community. Visit their website for more information.

In December 2008 the elders of Valley Church adopted a "leadership team" model for managing Valley Church under the direction of the elders. This is a change from previous leadership models which relied on a single senior pastor or on two co-pastors. (See Leadership Structure)

On March 1, 2009 Valley Church celebrated fifty years of God being faithful to His people. Valley's history of being a strong Bible based church with a firm commitment to missions is a testimony to God’s blessing and to the faithfulness of His people. You can read more about it in the book The History of Valley Church. (available in our church office).

By God's grace, the Lord will continue to bless the vision and mission (link) of Valley Church into the NEXT fifty years, unless He comes back first! All growth and expansion has been by God's grace. Our desire is that Valley Church should be a lighthouse for Christ in Cupertino, reaching Santa Clara County, and to the ends of the earth.