What Is Valley Baptist Church in Oswego, IL?

Updated

Valley Baptist Church (VBC) is an independent Baptist church in Oswego, Illinois, that describes itself as a family-friendly congregation offering Bible preaching, family-oriented ministries, and online services. If you're looking for a church in or near Oswego with Sunday school for all ages, multiple weekly services, and a livestream option, this page covers what VBC offers and how to take part.

What kind of church is it?

VBC identifies itself as an independent Baptist church serving the Oswego, Illinois community. Its stated approach combines "faithful Bible preaching and compassionate outreach," and it says it ministers to both the spiritual and physical needs of its community.

The church summarizes its mission with five points:

  • Exalt the Savior
  • Exhort the Saints
  • Expose Sin
  • Evangelize Sinners
  • Equip Servants

Service times and location

VBC holds services throughout the week, with nursery available at all of them:

Service Time
Sunday School (all ages) 9:45 am
Sunday Morning Service 11:00 am
Sunday Night Service 6:00 pm
Midweek Evening Service 7:00 pm

The site lists a "Times & Location" page for address details, so check there for the exact meeting location before your first visit.

What to expect on a visit

The church describes its services as designed with the entire family in mind. According to its welcome message, visitors can expect:

  • Adult and teen Sunday School classes
  • A youth program
  • Spirit-filled music
  • A loving nursery
  • Biblical preaching
  • Family-oriented fellowship and activities

The site frames the atmosphere as friendly and says attendees can "find God's will for your life." If you're planning a first visit, the "What to Expect" page is the place to check for any additional details.

Ministries for different age groups

VBC organizes its ministry offerings by life stage:

  • Adults — Discipleship options include small group and one-on-one courses. A Sunday School class called Grace To Grow is held every other month for discipleship. For one-on-one discipleship, the site directs interest to Bro. Jared Stalnaker.
  • Teens — The church says it aims to equip teens with "relevant Bible preaching" to help them make life-changing decisions.
  • Kids — Children are described as "precious assets," and the stated goal is to train them to love God's Word and live for Him.

Online services and media

If you can't attend in person, VBC livestreams its services:

  • Sundays at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm
  • Wednesdays at 7:00 pm CST

The site also provides a "Live & Past Services" section, so recorded services are available to watch after they air.

Who leads the church?

The pastor is David Hemphill. According to his introduction on the site, he graduated from Crown College in Powell, Tennessee, where Dr. Clarence Sexton pastors Temple Baptist Church. He completed a four-year bachelor's degree and a master's degree at Crown Seminary, and says the Lord called his family to serve at VBC in Oswego, IL.

Other resources on the site

Beyond service information, the site links to:

  • What We Believe
  • Our History, Our Staff & Deacons, and Sunday School Teachers
  • Photos and media
  • God's Plan for You
  • Daily Devotional
  • Prayer Request and Calendar
  • Give Online
  • Contact

Quick answers

Where is it? Oswego, Illinois. What denomination? Independent Baptist. When are services? Sunday School 9:45 am, Sunday morning 11:00 am, Sunday night 6:00 pm, midweek 7:00 pm. Can I watch online? Yes — Sundays at 11:00 am and 6:00 pm, and Wednesdays at 7:00 pm CST, with past services also available. Is there something for kids? Yes — nursery at all services, plus children's and teen ministries.

For current details, directions, or to reach the church directly, use the Contact page on valleybaptist.com.