Our Distinctives :

Our foundation rests on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which transcends mere doctrine; it serves as the cornerstone of our confidence in the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. This good news fulfills His purpose for all creation, promising a new heavens and new earth.

Centered in Christ and transformative in nature, the Gospel is more than a hope for eternal life. It is the very essence that saves, sanctifies, and empowers believers. Embracing this truth enables us to live genuinely and joyfully in alignment with God's will, fostering progressive conformity to the image of Christ within us.

Key to our Gospel message are two fundamental tenets. Firstly, we firmly assert that the Gospel is not fully proclaimed unless Christ's penal substitutionary death and bodily resurrection are central to our message. Secondly, we hold that salvation in this Gospel is received by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. In stark contrast, no ordinance, ritual, work, or any other human activity is deemed necessary for salvation within the framework of our beliefs.

Our theology is anchored in a robust embrace of the sovereignty of God's grace in the salvation of sinners. In alignment with the profound truths articulated in many of the historical confessions of faith, we wholeheartedly affirm that God, in His sovereign good pleasure and will, chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. This election is not contingent upon foreseen faith but is unconditional, showcasing the richness of God's grace.

Central to our beliefs is the conviction that, through the work of the Holy Spirit, God draws the elect to faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. This divine action graciously and effectually overcomes any stubborn resistance to the gospel, ensuring that the elect will most assuredly and willingly believe.

In harmony with many of the historic confessions and creeds, we firmly believe in that those whom God has elected will persevere in belief and godly behavior. Their salvation is not only initiated by grace through faith but is also securely kept by the same grace.

Importantly, our acknowledgment of God's sovereignty in salvation does not diminish human responsibility. Rather, it reinforces the necessity of faith in Christ and emphasizes the vital role of prayer and evangelism. Far from marginalizing these aspects, God's sovereignty establishes them as ordained means through which He accomplishes His predetermined ends.

We firmly acknowledge and lean upon the indispensable role of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of life and ministry. Our beliefs align with the foundational Christian doctrine that the Holy Spirit is fully God, standing in equality with the Father and the Son. His primary ministry is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, convict unbelievers of their need for Christ, and impart spiritual life through regeneration, marking the beginning of the new birth.

Recognizing the comprehensive work of the Holy Spirit, we understand that He permanently indwells believers, graciously sanctifies them, lovingly leads them, and empowers them to live in obedience to the inerrant Scriptures. Our reliance on the Spirit is modeled after the Lord Jesus Christ, who, entirely dependent upon the Spirit's power, performed miracles, preached the kingdom of God, and conducted His earthly ministry.

In our journey of faith, we believe that the Holy Spirit, who indwelt and empowered Christ, similarly indwells and empowers us through the bestowal of spiritual gifts. These gifts are divine provisions crucial to the work of ministry and the edification of the body of Christ. While there may be varying interpretations within our community regarding the nature and function of these gifts, we collectively recognize their centrality to spiritual growth and effective ministry. We encourage the eager desire, faithful development, and loving exercise of these gifts, guided by biblical principles.

Our convictions on gender roles align with the biblical patriarchy and the teachings of scripture. We are deeply committed to the spiritual and moral equity of male and female, rooted in the understanding that the two sexes, though not equal, share equity in their creation.

We affirm the spiritual and moral equality of both men and women, recognizing that they are created in the divine image. Both possess the same moral dignity and value, and they have equal access to God through faith in Christ. Men and women are joint recipients of spiritual gifts, designed to empower them for ministry within the local church and beyond. Therefore, it is our mission to encourage, equip, and empower both men and women to utilize their unique gifts in ways consistent with the Word of God.

While biblical patriarchy emphasizes the responsibility of husbands for spiritual nurture and vitality in the home, it is crucial to note that this principle of male headship does not imply domineering control. Instead, it is a call to emulate the loving, tender, and nurturing care of a godly man who, in turn, is under the kind and gentle authority of Jesus Christ.

In the context of our leadership, we adhere to the biblical model where Elders, our leaders, are granted authority under the headship of Jesus Christ. This authority is exercised in providing oversight and teaching/preaching the Word of God in the corporate assembly for the edification of the body. According to our distincitives, the office of Elder is restricted to qualified men.

Use of the terminology of Pastor. Because the confusion of terminology in culture and the use of Pastor in place of Elder in other church bodies, we clarify that though women may pastor over children or other women we then apply the title of Pastor to men only. We do not do this to reduce the intrinsic value of any woman but to clarify the confusion of Elder and Pastoral roles. 

We are passionately driven by a mission to reach those who have not been reached, to love those who have not been loved, and to respond to the urgent need for the church in our culture today. Our approach is rooted in a missionary understanding of the local church, recognizing it as the primary means through which God establishes His kingdom on earth.

In alignment with our commitment to Christlikeness, we extend the church's biblical mandate beyond its immediate community to the neighborhood, the nation, and the world at large. Mission, for us, is not merely an optional program; it is an integral element woven into the very identity of our church.

We are called to make Christ known through the gospel, seeking to bring His lordship to bear on every dimension of life. This mission is undertaken with a keen awareness of the diverse needs and challenges present in our culture today, including the unique perspectives of those with neurodivergence and special needs.

Our primary strategy for fulfilling this mission involves intentional Discipleship that, in turn, leads to more Discipleship  and the training of leaders. The heartbeat of our mission is the desire that Jesus Christ would be more fully formed in each person, transcending cultural and individual differences, through the ministry to the community God enables us to reach.

Embracing a stance of neither retreat nor blind conformity, we engage our culture with humility. Through the Spirit and the unchanging truth of the gospel, we boldly seek the transformation of our culture and its submission to the lordship of Christ. At VCM we believe that every individual, regardless of background or ability, is a valued part of God's kingdom, and our mission is to reflect that truth in both our words and actions. 

Our intentional commitment to creating an environment that fosters the full inclusion and support of all individuals. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of God's creation, acknowledging that every person, regardless of neurological differences or unique needs, is a vital part of our community.

In practical terms, this commitment manifests in tailored programs, accommodations, and support systems within our organization. Whether through accessible facilities, sensory-friendly environments, or dedicated ministry initiatives, we aim to ensure that everyone can fully engage in the life of the church.

Our distinctive stance on inclusion extends beyond rhetoric to tangible actions. We believe that God's love knows no bounds, and our commitment to embracing neurodiversity and special needs reflects our dedication to living out this truth in every facet of our church life.

This distinctive feature reinforces our broader mission to reach the unreached, love the unloved, and address the pressing needs of the parterning Church.