The Valley Church

In this message from Habits of the Household, we explore how the health of a marriage is deeply connected to the presence of God. Looking at the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10, we discover how easy it is for our relationships to become consumed by schedules, responsibilities, distractions, and the endless demands of life—while quietly neglecting what matters most. If marriage was designed by God to be spiritual, what happens when we drain the spirituality from it? This message challenges couples to identify the signs of a “Martha marriage,” reclaim godly priorities, and choose the presence of Jesus over the pressure of busyness—because good marriages can survive, but great marriages are built in the presence of God.

In week two of the marriage portion of Habits of the Household, Mike and Emily Woodard dive into one of the most unavoidable realities of every relationship: conflict. Looking at Ephesians 4, they unpack four biblical principles that can transform the way we navigate marriage—teamwork, conflict, communication, and forgiveness. With practical wisdom, honest reflection, and a memorable illustration about “the rats in the cellar,” this message explores how conflict doesn’t create character—it reveals it. Whether you’re married, dating, hoping to be married someday, or simply wanting healthier relationships, this conversation offers gospel-centered tools for handling tension in a way that honors God and strengthens your household.

This week in Habits of the Household, we begin the marriage portion of the series by exploring God’s design for a healthy, Christ-centered marriage. Looking at Paul’s words in Ephesians 5, we unpack three foundational truths: a godly marriage is sacrificial, selfless, and spiritual. Whether you’re married, dating, engaged, single, or preparing for the future, this message offers practical and biblical wisdom on serving one another, navigating conflict, choosing love daily, and building relationships that reflect Christ and the church. Through personal stories, honest encouragement, and powerful Scripture, this sermon challenges us to “shave off the edges” of pride and selfishness so that our relationships can become stronger, healthier, and more like Jesus.

In the opening message of Habits of the Household, we lay the foundation for everything that follows: it starts with you. Walking through Colossians 3, this message challenges us to stop trying to lead others before we’ve learned to lead ourselves. If we’ve been raised with Christ, then our lives should look different—putting to death old patterns and putting on a new way of living marked by compassion, humility, and purpose. Whether you’re single, married, parenting, or preparing for what’s ahead, this message will call you to resolve in your heart to seek what matters most and take responsibility for the life—and household—God has entrusted to you.

In the final message of The Benefit of the Doubt, we explore the story of Thomas the Apostle and discover that his doubt wasn’t weakness—it was an opportunity for deeper faith. Through his journey from skepticism to belief, we see that while we often crave proof, Jesus declares that faith—not sight—is the true advantage. If you’ve ever wrestled with questions, uncertainty, or a desire for clearer answers from God, this message will help you reframe doubt as the very place where stronger faith is formed.

In week two of The Benefit of the Doubt, we step back into Luke 24 and explore what happens when faith and uncertainty collide. Using the picture of “the courtroom of the heart,” this message shows how Jesus doesn’t reject our doubts—He engages them. Through His resurrection, He provides evidence we can trust, makes His case with promises we can stand on, and offers power that transforms us from hesitant doubters into bold witnesses. If you’ve been wrestling internally or questioning where God is, this message will help you see that doubt isn’t something to hide—it’s something Jesus is ready to meet.

In this first message of our The Benefit of the Doubt series, we explore how doubt isn’t the enemy of faith—but often the place where faith grows. Looking at the road to Emmaus in Luke 24, we see how two followers of Jesus wrestled with confusion after the resurrection and how Jesus met them right in the middle of their questions. Their story reveals three common sources of doubt: misunderstanding who Jesus is, discouragement with God’s timing, and a lack of personal encounter. Rather than rebuking them and walking away, Jesus patiently walked with them, explained the truth, and ultimately revealed Himself. This message reminds us that doubt doesn’t disqualify us—it can actually lead to deeper faith when we keep walking, keep asking, and allow Jesus to meet us in the middle of our uncertainty.

On Easter Sunday, Pastor Mike explores the defining question at the center of the Christian faith: Who is Jesus? Walking through the crucifixion and resurrection in Matthew 27–28, this message highlights how every person in the story—Roman soldiers, religious leaders, and devoted followers—was forced to respond to Jesus, and how we are faced with that same decision today. Because the resurrection changes everything, Jesus cannot simply be admired, ignored, or explained away—He must be received or rejected. Discover how the empty tomb invites us into hope, forgiveness, and new life, and why your answer to who Jesus is will shape every other decision you make.

This message concludes the Anytime Anywhere series by showing how a busy life doesn’t have to pull us away from God—it can actually draw us closer to Him. Walking through Philippians 4:6–7, we see the powerful invitation to “worry about nothing, pray about everything,” learning to turn the pressure, clutter, and concerns of everyday life into fuel for prayer. Instead of letting anxiety bounce around in our minds, we bring every request to God and receive in return His peace that surpasses understanding—a peace that not only calms our hearts but guards them. Ultimately, this message reframes busyness as an opportunity, challenging us to let life’s pressure push us toward God’s presence so that our full schedules lead to fuller prayer lives and deeper peace.

This message continues our Anytime Anywhere series by focusing on intercessory prayer—how to pray for others when you’re not sure what to say. Looking at Ephesians 1:15–19, we discover four simple but powerful ways to pray for the people in our lives: for wisdom when they need direction, for hope when they’re struggling, for a renewed sense of identity in Christ, and for God’s power to move in ways we can’t. It’s a practical and encouraging guide to help you step into everyday moments of prayer with confidence, reminding us that even when we don’t have the answers, we can always go to the God who does—and that as we intercede for others, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceding for us.

In this message from our Anytime Anywhere series, we explore Jesus’ teaching on persistent prayer in Luke 11. After showing His disciples how to pray through what we know as the The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus tells a story about a late-night knock at a friend’s door to illustrate the power of bold, persistent prayer. We’ll see how Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock with shameless boldness, trusting that our Heavenly Father welcomes us and gives good gifts to His children. This message challenges us to shift our focus from simply getting answers to building a deeper relationship with God. Discover how persistent prayer doesn’t just change circumstances—it changes us.

Because of Jesus, access to God is no longer limited by place, ritual, or a human mediator. In this message from Hebrews 10:19–22, we explore the life-changing reality that believers can approach the presence of God with confidence—anytime and anywhere. What once required a temple, sacrifices, and a high priest has been fulfilled through Christ, who opened a new and living way to the Father. But if we truly have that kind of access, why do so many of us still feel distant from God? This sermon unpacks the invitation to “draw near” with a true heart, a clean conscience, and a life transformed by grace. Discover how prayer becomes the pathway to daily closeness with God and what it looks like to step into that relationship in a real and practical way.

In this message, we begin a new series called Anytime Anywhere, exploring how to cultivate a meaningful prayer life in the middle of an always-on, fast-paced world. Looking at Jesus’ example in Mark 1, we discover how prayer was not an afterthought for Him, but the foundation that set the pace for His life. This sermon unpacks four practical truths about prayer: it sets the pace, requires intentional choice, creates space, and is personal rather than performative. If you’ve ever felt too busy, distracted, or unsure how to pray, this message offers clarity and encouragement. Learn how to create rhythms of prayer that are realistic, life-giving, and woven into your everyday life.

In this message concluding our series A Forgiving God, we explore the powerful truth that God doesn’t just forgive—He pursues. Through Jesus’ parables in Luke 15, we see a God who relentlessly searches for what is lost and rejoices when it is found. From a lost sheep, to a missing coin, to a wayward son, each story reveals the depth of God’s love and the value He places on every person. This sermon invites us to reconsider who God is and how He responds when we return home. If you’ve ever felt lost, overlooked, or unworthy, this message is a reminder that the Father is already running toward you.

In this message from our February series A Forgiving God, we look at how Jesus holds grace and truth together—never one without the other. Through the story in John 8, we see Jesus respond to a woman caught in sin with compassion that pardons and truth that protects. Grace alone isn’t enough, and truth alone can crush us. Real freedom is found when we embrace both. Whether you need to hear “neither do I condemn you,” or “go and sin no more,” this message invites you to experience the forgiveness of God as it was always meant to be—full of grace and truth.

In this message from our series A Forgiving God, we look at Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant and the shocking contrast between a servant forgiven an unpayable debt who refuses to forgive someone over pocket change. Jesus shows us that forgiveness isn’t about keeping score—it’s about living in the overflow of the mercy we’ve received. Unforgiveness imprisons us, but forgiveness frees us. If you’re struggling to let go of hurt, bitterness, or resentment, this message will remind you that the God who knows you the deepest also loves you the most—and invites you to live free.

In week one of our new series A Forgiving God, we encounter the powerful truth that the God who knows us most deeply is also the God who loves us most completely. Walking through Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman in John 4, this message explores what happens when our shame, past, and brokenness collide with the kindness and grace of Christ. Rather than condemnation, Jesus offers living water—true and lasting fulfillment—to someone who felt unseen, unworthy, and avoided. This sermon invites us to consider a life-changing question: What if God really knew everything about me? And even more, what if that full knowledge was met not with rejection, but with radical love, forgiveness, and freedom.

As we conclude our Good Ground series, this message challenges us to move beyond simply celebrating the harvest and instead become seed planting people. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 9—“The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few”—we’re reminded that transformation doesn’t happen without intentional sowing. This sermon explores what it looks like to consistently show up, get our hands dirty in the work God has called us to, and ultimately trust Him to bring the growth. Through Scripture, personal stories, and practical examples, you’ll be encouraged to plant seeds of faith, prayer, relationships, and obedience—believing that God will use them in His time to produce a powerful harvest in your life and in the lives of others.

In this message from the Good Ground series, we explore Psalm 1 and the life-changing power of being planted in the right places. This sermon challenges us to examine where we’ve put down roots and invites us to plant ourselves deeply in the Word of God, the presence of God, and the people of God. As we do, we discover a life that is nourished, fruitful in its season, and anchored to the true source of joy, stability, and spiritual growth.

In this message from the Good Ground series, we explore what it truly means to abide in Christ and produce lasting fruit. Drawing from John 15, this sermon unpacks Jesus’ powerful image of the vine, the branches, and God as the gardener—showing us that spiritual fruitfulness flows from constant connection, not self-effort. We wrestle honestly with seasons of unanswered prayer, spiritual dryness, and discouragement, while discovering how God uses abiding seasons to shape us beneath the surface. Whether you feel spiritually vibrant or like a withering branch, this teaching offers clarity, hope, and a freeing framework for navigating every season of faith while staying connected to the source of life.

As we kick off the new year, we begin a new series called Good Ground. We dive into the parable of the sower from Luke 8 and explore what it means to be “good ground” for God’s word. We discuss how distractions, challenges, and the pressures of life can prevent the seed of God’s word from taking root, and how a receptive heart can grow deep roots that endure testing and produce lasting fruit. Join us as we unpack practical ways to cultivate a heart that receives, holds onto, and thrives in God’s truth in 2026.

Christmas is more than a season, it’s an everyday truth that changes everything. In this message, we walk through Luke 2 to rediscover the power of the manger, the humility of Jesus’ birth, and what makes Christianity different from every other belief system. From shepherds in the fields to a Savior in a feeding trough, this episode reveals how God made His way to us, and why that truth still brings hope, peace, and salvation today.

The birth of Jesus wasn’t just a quiet moment in history—it was the fulfillment of promises God had been making for centuries. This week, we walk through Matthew 2 to uncover how ancient prophecies, a mysterious star, the response of the wise men, and the fear of King Herod all point to one powerful truth: God keeps His word. As we explore the meaning behind the gifts given to Jesus and the contrasting responses to His arrival, we’re challenged to consider who sits on the throne of our own hearts and how we can live prepared for God’s promises to be fulfilled in our lives.

In week 1 of our new series, Man of His Word, we explore the Road to Emmaus and the moment two discouraged travelers go from saying “we had hoped” to experiencing hearts that burn with renewed faith. Through Luke 24, we see Jesus open the Scriptures, reveal Himself as the fulfillment of prophecy, and remind us that God’s promises are never outdated, expired, or in the past tense. Whether you’re entering the holiday season with joy or with heaviness, this message will strengthen your confidence in God’s faithfulness and encourage you to trust the One who keeps every promise He makes.

On Celebration Sunday, we explore the story of the prodigal son through the lens of God’s extravagant grace and the Father who runs toward us. You’ll hear how Jesus uses this parable to show the depth of God’s love, the emptiness of life in the “distant country,” and the celebration that happens when we return home. Whether you relate to the younger son, the older brother, or someone simply in need of renewal, this message will encourage your faith and remind you that God’s grace is always deeper than your greatest mistake.

In this week's message, we conclude our Steps of Faith series by exploring one powerful truth: faith doesn’t make us more independent — it teaches us deeper dependence on Jesus. Using the story of the ten lepers in Luke 17, we look at why only one man returned to give thanks and what that teaches us about gratitude, spiritual growth, and staying close to the Source of every blessing. If you’ve found yourself drifting from God or simply want to strengthen your faith, this episode offers practical, biblical ways to take a step back toward Jesus and rediscover what dependence on Him truly means.

This week, we explore the powerful story of the sinful woman in Luke 7 and discover why surrender is one of the most life-changing steps of faith we can take. You’ll learn how God invites us to lay down our past, release what we cling to, and let go of the sin and shame that hold us back. Through this moving encounter between Jesus, a Pharisee, and a woman desperate for grace, we see the heart of God toward anyone who chooses faith over fear. If you’re ready to take your next step with Jesus, this message will encourage, challenge, and strengthen your faith journey.

In Week 3 of our Steps of Faith series , we talk about what it really means to take a step of faith—especially when the step in front of you feels impossible. Looking at the story of Bartimaeus in Mark 10, we unpack three truths about every faith-filled step: it begins with a real need, it requires perseverance when doubt or discouragement push back, and it ultimately leads to a deeper connection with Jesus. Whether your step involves your prayer life, your marriage, your priorities, or your purpose, this conversation will help you identify that step, push past the voices that hold you back, and trust that obedience always draws you closer to Christ.

As we continue our series Steps of Faith, Pastor Mike speaks on steps of faith we can take when it comes to our finances, drawing from the story of the widow’s offering in Mark 12. You’ll learn why cheerful generosity is about the heart, not the amount, and how it reaps blessings and produces miracles that can transform lives. Whether you’re just beginning to trust God with your finances or looking to grow in generosity, this message will inspire you to take your next step in faith.

Pastor Mike shares a powerful challenge to trust God when you can’t see the full picture. Drawing from Matthew 14 and the story of Peter walking on water, Pastor Mike unpacks what it means to take bold steps toward God’s calling even when fear and uncertainty rise. Whether it’s in your family, your church, or your personal walk with Christ, this message will inspire you to step out of the boat and experience the power of faith in motion.

This week, Pastor Mike wraps up the series Picking Up the Pieces with a powerful message on how God turns unmet expectations into exceeded expectations. Through the story of Jairus and the bleeding woman in Luke 8, we see that Jesus is not limited by time, circumstance, or disappointment. Whether you’re in a season of waiting, heartbreak, or unanswered prayers, this message will remind you that God is still moving — and in His timing, what feels dead may only be asleep.

This week, Pastor Mike dives into one of life’s most difficult questions: Why do bad things happen to good people? Through the story of Job, we explore how faith endures through suffering and how God can turn pain into purpose. Whether you’re walking through a difficult season or helping someone who is, this message will remind you that God is still writing your story — and the second half is worth holding on for.

In this message, Pastor Alex Hall reminds us that God is still in the business of revival. Through Isaiah 61 and Ezekiel 37, we see that the Spirit of God still heals, still frees, and still breathes life into what feels dead. If you’ve been walking through a dry season or carrying a heavy spirit, this message will stir your faith and remind you that God’s breath can still bring dead things back to life.

As we begin our new series for October, we explore what it means for God’s power to be “made perfect in weakness.” Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12, Pastor Mike shares how Paul’s thorn in the flesh reveals a deeper truth—that our struggles and unmet expectations are not obstacles, but opportunities for God’s strength to dwell within us. From the cracks in our soul to the light of the cross, we’ll discover how Jesus meets us in the dust of our lives and transforms weakness into a stage for His power.

Pastor Mike unpacks Hebrews 12:1–2 and the call to “run with endurance the race set before us.” He explains the difference between sins that entangle us and hindrances that weigh us down, showing how both can keep us from experiencing God’s best. Through practical teaching and encouragement, you’ll be challenged to release what’s holding you back and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus—the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.

In this message, Pastor Mike celebrates three years of The Valley Church and reminds us that what got us here won’t get us there. Drawing from Philippians 3, he challenges us to forget what is behind and press forward toward what God has next. Whether you’ve been walking with Jesus for years or are just starting your journey, this message will inspire you to lean in, give your all, and pursue the life God has called you to live.

In this week’s message from The Valley Church, we continue our series What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. Pastor Mike unpacks 2 Peter 1:1–9 to show how we can avoid low habits in our faith and step into the life God is calling us to. Discover three practical ways to grow: don’t neglect your faith, don’t settle for stagnation, and don’t forget what Jesus has done for you. If you’ve been feeling stuck or spiritually dry, this message will challenge and encourage you to move forward with high habits that match your high hopes.

This week we kicked off a new series called What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, where we look at how God often calls us to step into something deeper than what has carried us this far. Drawing from Galatians 6, we unpack the difference between burdens we carry together and the personal load we alone are responsible for, the seeds we’re planting in our daily lives, and the reminder not to grow weary in doing good. Whether you’re new to faith, comfortable where you are, or feeling worn out, this message encourages you to press in, trust God for strength, and take bold steps toward the next level of what He has for you.