Get to Know Village Church East
At Village Church, we build Disciples and Churches who…
Go
Every ministry in our church is continually seeking to bring the gospel of Jesus to our friends, family, neighbors, city, and world. This is our mission because it is Jesus’ mission. It is our identity.
Grow
From our baptism services to our Q & A podcast, we intentionally grow together as a church as we learn more about who Jesus is and our role as believers in the world.
Overcome
When we follow Jesus’ mission to go and grow, we are faced with powerful resistance. With God’s Spirit living in us, we have His power to overcome the world, sin, and the devil.
What We Believe at Village Church
We know you likely have some questions about specific things we believe and profess here at Village Church. Here are the big ideas, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
THE BIBLE
We believe the Bible is God’s written revelation of Himself, salvation, and godly living; without error, inspired by God, and authoritative over all people.
GOD
We believe in one God, the Creator of all things; eternally co-existing in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is equal in every divine perfection, yet carries out distinct but harmonious offices in Their work.
HUMANITY
We believe that God created humanity in His own image and after His likeness to rule over the earth, but because of sin we are separated from God. Therefore all people since Adam are born spiritually dead, stand condemned and are in need of salvation. Jesus is the only answer.
SALVATION
We believe that Jesus Christ died in our place for our sin on the cross. Faith in Jesus’ deity, atoning death, and victorious resurrection is the only way we can be saved.
THE CHURCH
The Universal Church is made up of all individuals who believe in the saving power of Jesus and who are joined together by the Holy Spirit. Every believer should engage in a local church, participate in the Great Commission, and practice the ordinances of baptism and communion.
THE END TIMES
We believe that Jesus will soon return personally, bodily, and visibly in power and glory to judge the living and the dead. Those who trust in Jesus will live and reign with Him on the new earth forever, while those who reject Jesus will perish in Hell forever.
CULTURAL ISSUES/RELATIONSHIPS
We believe that every person matters infinitely to God. Therefore, the Church must protect the sanctity of life, gender, sexuality, singleness, marriage, and the family.
Meet the Village Church Staff
Craig Jarvis
Lead Pastor
Craig’s ministry focus and passion is that of discipleship and leadership training. A native Canadian, he is known for his animated teaching style and love for communicating biblical truth into life-changing insights for daily Christian living. Craig holds graduate degrees in Bible and communication as well as a Master of Divinity from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has been an adjunct professor at Cornerstone University, a keynote speaker at many conferences and retreats, and a leader of dozens of cross-cultural trips for churches and mission agencies. Craig has served as youth pastor for almost a decade and as senior pastor for the last seventeen years. Craig is an avid fly fisherman and golfer but finds his most joyful moments spent with his family. Craig and his wife Beth have been blessed with four beautiful daughters.
Elders
Brent Amato
Village Church East Elder
John Nawrocki
Directional Team and VCE Elder
Craig Jarvis
Lead Pastor & VCE Elder
The History of Village Church East
The story of Village Church East began in a living room on the west side of Bartlett. In the autumn of 2015, a diverse group of twenty-five people began meeting together for a Bible study in Craig and Beth Jarvis’ living room on Wednesday nights. On February 26th 2017, Village Church East celebrated their official grand opening! God had transformed a small group of faithful believers who were meeting in a living room into a growing congregation! We invite you to come join Village Church East and witness God’s goodness firsthand as He continues to grow His church.