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Spotlight on Christ’s Church of the Valley
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Anonymous user Tue Nov 30, 1999 00:00:00 PST
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0 responses 0 comments As Scott Neese sees it, 2007 is replete with possibilities for Christ’s Church of the Valley.
“It’s a big year for us,” said Neese, the interim senior pastor. “We hope to become more of a presence in the neighborhood and a driving force in the community.”
Plans include a car show in July, a Relay for Life team, participation in Via Arte, a Harvest Carnival and a Christmas event in addition to Vacation Bible School and a fine arts camp this summer.
“The focus will be on reaching out and developing friendships,” said Neese.
Although Christ’s Church has newly redefined goals, it’s not new to Bakersfield.
Christ’s Church of the Valley began as a mission Sunday school meeting in the Brooks’ home in the early 1940s, and was formally organized as Community Christian Church in May of 1948 with about 30 charter members.
After a number of ministers and name changes, in 1965 Ken Monson came to minister with the congregation.  A move was made to the Southwest, and the church became Ming Avenue Christian Church.
In the 1990s, the decision was made to relocate again, and the church adopted its current name. Construction began at the church’s current site at the corner of Stockdale Highway and Jenkins Road in 1997.
A preacher’s son and an opera singer with two degrees in vocal performance, Neese was hired to lead the worship ministry at the church but was asked to fill in as senior pastor when Bob Johnson –– minister from 2002 to 2005 –– left.
He said while church membership dropped from 350 to about 300 members, as was to be expected, not having a figurehead has been a great growing process for CCV staff members and congregants.
“It’s forced us to look at ourselves and say, ‘Why are we here?’ Are we here because of our faith in God or because we enjoy hearing a particular person preach?”
While the search for a senior pastor is underway, Neese leads the congregation in sermons some Sundays, while other Sundays student minister Chris Taylor or senior minister Herman Lippert might fill in.
Neese said this rotation goes right along with the church’s belief in presenting the Gospel from different points of view and in different ways –– through music, video, drama, and personal testimonies.
“We like to mix it up. What works for one person might not work for someone else,” said Neese, who said most members of the congregation live near the church in the Southwest and consist of young families.
He said the nondenominational, Christian organization is home to individuals in different places in their spiritual journeys and of various backgrounds, from Catholics to Buddhists.
“They may have had bad experiences or weren’t able to find the answers they were looking for. Whatever their background, they’re all looking for something,” said Neese, who said the church seeks to provide answers in an atmosphere of safety and friendship.
“It’s very relaxed, but high-energy. It’s a fun place to be,” said Neese, who said congregants often tell him that the 75-minute service “whizzed by.”
Along with their plans for this year, long term goals include more growth. The church sits now on 7 acres of property, and besides constructing a bigger building, options include adding more services or planting a church.
“There’s lots of potential,” said Neese, who said the church is targeting 25- to 35-year-olds moving into the area.
Neese said if you’ve driven by CCV and thought about stopping, next Sunday is the time to do so. The congregation consists of tight friendships but is open to newcomers.
“We’re close –– not closed,” said Neese.

Upcoming Events:
Vacation Bible School Monday, June 4 through Friday, June 8.
Fine Arts Camp (F/X) Monday, June 25 through Friday, June 29 with the closing program Saturday evening, June 30.
Car Show Saturday, July 7.
Services:
Sundays 8:45 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

For more information about Christ’s Church of the Valley, call 588-2268 or visit: www.ccvbak.org

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