The Caring Church

Who nicknamed you “The Caring Church”?

Good question! The quick answer is this: The people who have experienced a helping hand from a loving and friendly church family gave us this nickname. Whether it was financial assistance, a hot meal, spiritual counsel, a comforting friend, a caring note or visit, it all adds up to this – Valley Forge Baptist has been a caring church in our community for 30 years. This is exactly what Jesus, the Son of God, told His followers to “do” and “be.” Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” John 13:35.

What is a church?

A church is a group of Christians who meet each week to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Every Sunday is like Easter Sunday! As Christians, we band together to fulfill the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20) by serving God and loving others. This love is demonstrated in many tangible ways that have literally touched hundreds and hundreds of people in our community.

How did Valley Forge Baptist begin?

After becoming a Christian as a teenager, I surrendered my life to do whatever God would have for me. After preparing for ministry, we moved to Mont Clare in 1984. The church began meeting in King of Prussia until we relocated to our permanent location along the 422 expressway and Rt. 113.

How do we help our community?

The practical teaching of the Word of God is what helps Christians grow in their faith. The messages of the church services and Bible studies are filled with helpful principles and instructions on life, marriage, parenting, finances, and how to get along with others.

How do we help people at their deepest need?

Counseling Center – Valley Forge Biblical Counseling Center is a nonprofit ministry through which we use the Bible as our primary source for counseling. Trained and certified counselors are available to help those who are struggling with spiritual, personal, mental, or emotional problems. To learn more, visit the counseling center website: www.vfbcc.org.

Reformers Unanimous – Reformers Unanimous (RU) is one of the fastest-growing faith-based addictions recovery programs in the country. Since our chapter’s inception five years ago, we have helped hundreds break free from the grip of drug, alcohol, gambling, and sexual addictions. RU has weekly meetings every Friday night at 7 p.m. If you know of someone who is struggling with an addiction, send him or her our way to find life-changing help. Learn more by visiting www.addictionsrecoverypa.org.

Feeding the Homeless – More than 100 people from our church family take turns to help feed the needy and homeless in Pottstown. This ministry of sharing food, clothing, and God’s Word partners with the Chosen 300 Ministries.

Prison Ministry – For more than 20 years, our own Cornerstone Prison Ministry has ministered to more than 10,000 inmates by providing counsel, Bibles, and weekly Bible studies. Former inmates whose lives have been transformed by the power of God have been helped to successfully return to society (www.cornerstoneprisonministry.com).

How can we help your family?

Every September, on Wednesday evenings we host a marriage and parenting series with practical helps for busy parents. Individual family counseling has mended families on the brink of disaster. Peer pressure is often cited as one of the factors for a teenager choosing negative behaviors. But we know that peer pressure also can have a positive influence on teens. Our full-time youth director, Brandon Joyner, and his wife, Ilene, invest their lives in helping teens grow spiritually through this most important time of their lives. Our Children’s Ministry–led by Anthony Ioime–provides many opportunities for young children to learn the importance of obedience, being kind, sharing, and even more important truths, like who Jesus is, and the fact that God loves them and made them for a unique purpose.

We are a church that has a lot of fun… for everyone!

Let me share just some of the events where we just enjoy each other’s company. All are welcome to come and enjoy a good time together at…

* Vacation Bible School (July 7–11)
* Teen Summer Camp
* Golf Tournaments
* Holiday Services
* ValleyForgeDayCamp.org
* Sportsmen Banquets
* Picnics
* Couples Retreats

As a church, we not only are privileged to have an impact on our community with God’s love and truth but also to send the Gospel to foreign lands. This summer, Michael and Joanna Deluca and their children leave for Greece to serve as missionaries helping others learn of God’s love through Christ. Joanna and her mother, Linda, attended the very first service of Valley Forge Baptist in 1984.

How can one church make such a huge impact on our community?

Someone said that “many hands make light work.” So it is in making a difference in people’s lives. You can sit back and curse the darkness or light candles. We are a group of Christians that enjoy making a positive difference by helping others come to know the living Savior, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). If you do not have a church you call “home,” then come visit us. I would love to meet you personally.

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Article by Pastor Scott Wendal