Who Are We?

The Portales Valley church is a group of Christians seeking the Truth through Bible study, worship, fellowship, and acts of service in our community. We are beset with failures just like anybody else, but we have been born again to a new life in Jesus Christ. We do not claim perfection because of our own merit, but because of the unfathomable riches of God's grace! We have young and old, rich and poor, families and singles. We come from all walks of life. Our common bond goes deeper than any superficial measure, all the way to the soul. What we share is a desire to go to Heaven, and please God! To share this message with the world is our mission. We serve as ambassadors for Christ unto that end (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

We Strive To Be The Same Church That Is Described In The New Testament

The New Testament Church is possible today for all who hear, believe, and are guided by the plain teaching of God's word. In Luke 8:11, Jesus declares, "the seed is the word of God." He was emphasizing a known fact: A seed, when planted in good soil, will produce after its own kind. The Word of God is the seed that produces Christians. The Word of God, when planted in the hearts of honest people, and obeyed, will produce Christians today, just as it did in the first century, nothing more and nothing less.

We Are Christians Without Being A Part Of A Denomination

It is our sincere desire to be non-denominational, to simply be known as Christians, members of the body of Christ (Acts 11:26; Ephesians 1:22-23). Collectively, we refer to ourselves as the church of Christ, the Lord's church, or the church of God (Ephesians 5:23). The church of the first century did not divide into denominations, neither should Christians today.   

Our Emphasis Is Spiritual, Not Material Or Social

We assemble for the specific purposes of worshiping God, studying His word, and exhorting one another (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:22-25). The primary mission of the church is to teach the gospel to the lost and dying world (Matthew 28:19-20). The church was never meant to be a "front" for a social club.

We Are Not Governed By Man

Christ is the head of the church and the Bible is the standard by which the church is governed (Colossians 1:18). This leaves no room for institutional church governments so common in religious bodies today. The first century churches were independent, autonomous congregations with Christ as Lord and Master, not denominations. Like the first century Christians, we seek to be Christians without the denominational organizations.   

The Bible Is The Only Standard 

The Bible alone is sufficient for all matters of faith and conduct (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible provides a pattern for the organization, mission, and conduct of the church. When the Bible speaks upon any given subject, its pronouncement is final. By its own testimony, no one may alter a single word of it (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs. 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19). The Bible is both verbally inspired and infallible in content (2 Peter 1:20-21; 1 Corinthians 2:11-13). 

Our Worship Activities

You will find our worship to be simple and reverent, yet practical and orderly. Our singing is a capella (without mechanical instruments), just as the early saints in the New Testament. Feel free to join in or just listen. You will hear heart-felt prayers being offered, and on each Sunday morning see the Lord’s Supper being observed as we collectively remember the death of Christ. Also on Sunday morning, an offering will be collected from our members to support the Lord’s work. We believe this to be our responsibility, and as our guest, you will never be asked or expected to give financially.

During our worship you will hear repeated references to the Bible, which we believe to be our only guide in spiritual matters. During our time together a lesson will be presented from it’s pages. We would encourage you to bring your own copy of the Scriptures, and follow along with the things that are taught. Our focus is not to entertain, but to enrich each one present through a better comprehension of God’s eternal word.

You will not be asked to give anything but your interest in the subject if you join us some Sunday. You will be greeted warmly by our members, and never made to feel out of place or in the way. We gladly welcome any questions you have, as we have nothing to hide. All the world has a place in God's church if each person chooses to pick up his or her cross and follow Jesus Christ daily!

Our Facilities

Our building is made to accommodate worship and Bible classes. It is entirely handicap-accessible, and equipped with hearing assistance devices. There are parking spaces designated for our visitors, so feel free to use them.