M CO N N E C T I NG N I S T R I E S “We are facing some of the most difficult challenges and greatest opportunities we’ve seen since I began serving at VCS,” says Dr. Clifford Daugherty, President of Valley Christian Schools. Our 21st-century culture presents new but not unique challenges to gospel-centered schools. As we live in an increasingly postChristian context where the gospel message no longer enjoys “home field” advantage, VCS began to prayerfully consider how to further the work of the good news of Jesus in a way that holds on to biblical truth. The goal is to honor the voices within our diverse community and create space for dialogue with our students, families, and alumni around topics that have divided us. Following the example of the Acts 1 church, Christianity began and grew in the 1st-century, where it was viewed as irrelevant. But, early Christians relied on the work of the Holy Spirit to discover ways to “love the Lord” and “love their neighbor,” which opened doors to dialogue and influence. As VCS continued praying for wisdom to move our school into the future, God began working in concert to raise up three new senior leaders to help shape the conversations for our communities that would nurture and develop a diverse, informed, loving, and unified community. Pastor Chase Wiggins stepped into the role as the Chief Ministry Officer in November 2020 to shape the spiritual care of students in a culturally relevant and biblically grounded philosophy. Dr. Steven J. McGriff’s hiring in July 2021 as the Director of Biblical Unity is a unique opportunity to unite with Christians on the truth in the Bible regarding God’s creation of diverse people, including everyone in His Kingdom. Pastor Steve Dang, Director of Alumni Ministries, was hired simultaneously with Dr. McGriff. His goal is to find a way to build connections and minister to the worldwide alumni community throughout their lives. God brought these three individuals together in ways they would have never imagined. None of the three were looking for a career at VCS when they were called, but they saw the need and committed to the opportunity to seek unity, commonality, and belonging.
The purpose of this new ministry team is to serve the vast VCS community, cultivating belonging, purpose, and support. This goal is built on the good news of Jesus Christ that we should love our neighbors as ourselves. Their prayer and desire is to foster a robust, Christ-centered community of students, families, faculty, staff, and alumni to prepare our graduates to make a meaningful impact in their spheres of influence beyond Valley.
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