You'll find many answers to the frequently asked questions here.

What are your services like?

Since we meet in an elementary school gym, our services tend to be pretty informal.  Many people comment that attending one of our services is like visiting a good friends home.  You feel welcome, relaxed, and part of a larger family. 

In March 2009 we added our second service due to the growth God has blessed us with.  Our early service is more traditional in nature in that we sing more of the classics hymns in the classic style.  We refer to our early service as our "Classic service." 

Our second service is much more contemporary in style.  Our gifted worship leader leads us in dynamic worship with many of the newer and more upbeat songs you may hear on the radio as well as some classic hymns with a more progressive tempo.

For The Church at Sun Valley, more important than the kind of music we sing is what we bring to God when we worship Him; a heart of gratitude and tenderness, responsive to Him.  Whether we worship the Lord Jesus Christ with hymns, songs, or praise, we know it is all about Him and that is why each of us are able to leave encouraged and edified.  It's not about us.  It's all about Him!

Do you have childcare?

Both services have childcare available.  In our SunKidz ministry our caring workers teach the children Biblical principles that will equip the children for life and help provide them every opportunity to grow closer to God while learning the necessary social skills to succeed in life.  Children learn best through play and it's easy to see why our SunKidz ministry has the children bringing their friends back for more fun.  Childcare is available for babies through kindergarten during both services and Children's Church for grades 1st-5th meet during the 10:15 am service.

What time are your services?

Services are 9:00am and 10:15am, with our early service being more traditional and our later more contemporary.  Come early to enjoy some coffee, snacks, and fellowship before and after each service.

Where do you meet?
The Church at Sun Valley meets at Festival Foothills Elementary School (26252 W. Desert Vista Blvd.).  Parking is available on the NW and NE sides of the building.  If you have any questions upon arrival, ask a greeter and they'll be glad to help you!

What makes The Church at Sun Valley unique?
The Church at Sun Valley adheres to a unique philosophy of ministry. Our weekend services present the timeless truths of Christianity in a way that impacts people in their lives today. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, you can grow in your understanding of Christianity at these services.  In addition, Family Groups (small groups) meet in homes throughout the community, fostering relationships and spiritual growth while studying the Bible together.

What are the services like?
Worship,  traditional and contemporary music, and practical messages are all elements of The Church at Sun Valley’s weekend services.

What should I wear to Church?
Casual clothes are the norm at The Church at Sun Valley. For example, people are encouraged to wear shorts during the summer and whatever is comfortable for them during the rest of the year. So feel free to leave the suit and tie at home!

How long are services?
The weekend services at The Church at Sun Valley typically last about an hour.

Will I be singled out in any way as a visitor?
At The Church at Sun Valley, you’ll never be put on the spot, never feel forced to give money, and never embarrassed. You won’t be asked to participate in the offering. You don’t have to sign anything or register your attendance in any way (unless you place your child in our children’s ministry — and then only for your child’s security). Let the service be a gift to you.

Where do my kids go during the service?
Our children’s ministry, SunKidz, provides an exciting experience for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and grade schoolers through fifth grade. This allows you to get the most from your experience at The Church at Sun Valley while your child has a great time in a safe, friendly kid-centered environment!

If you have a teenager, they are invited to attend the service with you.

Is The Church at Sun Valley a Christian church?
Though non-traditional in style, The Church at Sun Valley is deeply committed to the eternal truths of the Christian faith. Our vision is simple: to become a biblically functioning community of believers so that Christ’s purposes can be accomplished in this world. Our mission is equally clear: to help spiritual seekers become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

However, what truly defines a church is not simply its doctrine, but its values. The Church at Sun Valley’s values shape who we are. Below are The Church at Sun Valley’s ten core values and some of the passages from the Bible that support them:

We believe that the Bible is true and that its teaching is the catalyst for life-change in individuals’ lives and in the church. (Romans 12:7; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12; Acts 2:42; 20:32)

We believe that lost people matter to God, and therefore they ought to matter to the church. (Luke 5:30-32; Luke 15; Matthew 18:14)

We believe that the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

We believe that followers of Christ should manifest authenticity and strive for continuous spiritual growth. (Matthew 26:38ff; Ephesians 4:25-26, 32; Philippians 1:6; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 12:1; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3)

We believe that the church should operate as a unified community of servants stewarding their spiritual gifts. (Romans 12; Ephesians 4; John 13; Philippians 2; 1 Corinthians 12, 14)

We believe that loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life. (1 Corinthians 13; Nehemiah 3; Luke 10:1; John 12:34-35)

We believe that life-change happens best through relationships. (Luke 6:12-13; Acts 2:44-47)

We believe that excellence honors God and inspires people. (Colossians 3:17; Malachi 1:6-14; Proverbs 27:17)

We believe that churches should be led by those with leadership gifts and structured according to the nature and mission of the church. (Nehemiah 1,2; Romans 12:8; 1 Timothy 3; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 4; Acts 6:2-5)

We believe that the pursuit of full devotion to Christ and His cause is normal for every believer. (1 Kings 11:4; Philippians 2:1-11; 2 Corinthians 8:7)

What denomination are you?

Rather than focus on differences which tend to divide, The Church at Sun Valley focusses on three Biblical Principles that unite us.  These are illustrated in a beautiful historical statement called "The Peace Saying".

The essentials of the Christian faith are those things that are necessary for salvation, commonly referred to as "orthodox" (see John 14:6, Acts 4:12).  (For more details on this, click here.)

The non-essentials of the Christian faith are areas of doctrine and religious opinion.  While we passionately committed to sound doctrine, the Bible clearly encourages believers not to make dangerously big deals out of our varied and diverse religious opinions.  See Romans 14

In all things, we pursue love.  Biblical love is not a feeling, a weakness, or a self-serving characteristic.  Biblical love is selfless, godly, and challenging.  Nonetheless, it is the glue that makes any church stick.  It protects the unity that God blesses churches with.  Without love, there is no church.  The Church at Sun Valley is serious about be a loving fellowship.  Selflessness is what Jesus modelled for us and we strive to be like Him.