OUR STORY

NLV Community (which originally started out as the North Langley Vineyard because of its location) began formally in January, 1996. A year or so after the multiplication of the Langley Vineyard into four churches, John Wimber spoke to Gary and Joy Best and encouraged them to consider planting another church. They sensed God confirming these words and consequently they and a small team from two of these churches, along with Todd and Maryanne Rutkowski, began the planting effort.

From the outset, the teams goal was to trust God to raise up a strong community which had at the same time a passionate sense of mission. Set immediately into the genetic code was a wholehearted commitment to life change: being apprentices of Jesus seriously determined to live like he did and do what he did. While from the very beginning there was a priority placed on going, whether locally, nationally or internationally, the guiding principle of mission was that of 'ministers before ministries' - their concern was to build people before programs.

Looking back over our story, we are constantly humbled by God's overwhelming grace to us. He has blessed us with a highly diverse group of people that is marked by a deep commitment to unity. We have increasingly put our hands and feet to heart in our commitment to mission, not only in our own streets and neighbourhoods but also nationally and internationally.

During the last twelve years, God has sovereignly brought some of the finest leaders to help us fulfill the call that he put before us. This strength of leadership has made it possible for us to pursue a multi-congregational model - maximizing synergy in mission while keeping community smaller and accessible. Our mission, however, always simply stated, remains the same: "to be a community living out the words and works of Jesus." Our prayer is that God will help us to keep the ministry of the church in the hands of each Christian, regardless of how the church will continue to expand.