Church Profile: Bella Vista Community Church
Introduction: A Message From the Pastor Search Team
If you’re reading this profile, we trust that you are exploring Bella Vista Community Church (BVCC) and may be prayerfully considering our open Lead Pastor position.
While you can learn much from our website (currently under reconstruction) - our purpose, beliefs, mission, and vision -we also want to give you a fuller picture of who we are as a
church family and what makes BVCC unique.
A Season of Transition and Opportunity
BVCC is currently navigating an important moment in our church’s life. Our Lead Pastor, Rev. Gary Crandall, has retired this month after 46 years of faithful service to the Lord.
During our annual meeting, our Board of Ministry unanimously affirmed that this is the right time to transition from two pastors to one - both to be wise stewards of our resources
and to align our staffing with the needs of our congregation.
Until the Lord brings our next Lead Pastor, our Associate Pastor will continue to serve in ministry, and guest ministers will intermittently lead Sunday worship.
This transition creates a meaningful opportunity for the right pastor - someone called to shepherd a congregation that values biblical teaching, heartfelt worship, community
outreach, and authentic fellowship. Bella Vista is also experiencing significant growth, with new families moving into the area and a steadily decreasing average age, making
this an exciting time for ministry leadership.
Introduction: A Message From the Pastor Search Team
If you’re reading this profile, we trust that you are exploring Bella Vista Community Church (BVCC) and may be prayerfully considering our open Lead Pastor position.
While you can learn much from our website (currently under reconstruction) - our purpose, beliefs, mission, and vision -we also want to give you a fuller picture of who we are as a
church family and what makes BVCC unique.
A Season of Transition and Opportunity
BVCC is currently navigating an important moment in our church’s life. Our Lead Pastor, Rev. Gary Crandall, has retired this month after 46 years of faithful service to the Lord.
During our annual meeting, our Board of Ministry unanimously affirmed that this is the right time to transition from two pastors to one - both to be wise stewards of our resources
and to align our staffing with the needs of our congregation.
Until the Lord brings our next Lead Pastor, our Associate Pastor will continue to serve in ministry, and guest ministers will intermittently lead Sunday worship.
This transition creates a meaningful opportunity for the right pastor - someone called to shepherd a congregation that values biblical teaching, heartfelt worship, community
outreach, and authentic fellowship. Bella Vista is also experiencing significant growth, with new families moving into the area and a steadily decreasing average age, making
this an exciting time for ministry leadership.
Who We Are
BVCC is an interdenominational, evangelical church. Though we come from diverse denominational backgrounds, we are united in Christ and firmly grounded in the truth that
salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8).
We hold to the infallibility and authority of Scripture - the breathed-out Word of God - and affirm the Apostles’ Creed as a historic summary of the Christian faith.
Our mission, purpose, promise, and charge all flow from a shared desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
BVCC is an interdenominational, evangelical church. Though we come from diverse denominational backgrounds, we are united in Christ and firmly grounded in the truth that
salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8).
We hold to the infallibility and authority of Scripture - the breathed-out Word of God - and affirm the Apostles’ Creed as a historic summary of the Christian faith.
Our mission, purpose, promise, and charge all flow from a shared desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
How We Live Out Our Unity
We embrace the truth that we are all created in God’s image and are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). We welcome all people regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.
We embrace the truth that we are all created in God’s image and are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). We welcome all people regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.
As an interdenominational church, we enjoy the freedom to focus our priorities on the needs of our own community rather than a distant denominational hierarchy.
One defining characteristic of BVCC is our longstanding commitment to generosity. From its earliest days, the church pledged to devote 25% of its operating budget to outreach
and mission projects—a commitment we have upheld for more than 20 years. This enables us to meaningfully serve individuals and ministries both locally and globally.
Governance
BVCC is governed by a Board of Ministry, supported by several committees and ministry teams:
• Ministry of Worship
• Ministry of Member Care
• Ministry of Christian Education
• Ministry of Outreach
• Ministry of Church Growth
• Nominating Committee
• Human Resource Committee
• Board of Trustees
• Finance Committee
Sunday Mornings at BVCC
Sunday is a vibrant, well-coordinated morning of worship and fellowship.
• Volunteers open the church at 7:30 AM.
• Adult Bible Fellowship classes meet from 9:00–9:50 AM.
• The choir warms up at 9:15 AM.
• Coffee and fellowship begin early for those who arrive ahead of the service.
One defining characteristic of BVCC is our longstanding commitment to generosity. From its earliest days, the church pledged to devote 25% of its operating budget to outreach
and mission projects—a commitment we have upheld for more than 20 years. This enables us to meaningfully serve individuals and ministries both locally and globally.
Governance
BVCC is governed by a Board of Ministry, supported by several committees and ministry teams:
• Ministry of Worship
• Ministry of Member Care
• Ministry of Christian Education
• Ministry of Outreach
• Ministry of Church Growth
• Nominating Committee
• Human Resource Committee
• Board of Trustees
• Finance Committee
Sunday Mornings at BVCC
Sunday is a vibrant, well-coordinated morning of worship and fellowship.
• Volunteers open the church at 7:30 AM.
• Adult Bible Fellowship classes meet from 9:00–9:50 AM.
• The choir warms up at 9:15 AM.
• Coffee and fellowship begin early for those who arrive ahead of the service.
Beginning around 9:40 AM, worshipers enjoy organ or piano music until the 10:00 AM service begins.
Our pastor opens with announcements and a welcome, followed by a call to prayer and the choir’s introit.
As the choir joins the congregation, we move into corporate worship with music chosen to complement the sermon. Lyrics are projected on screens, though hymnals and Bibles remain available in the pews.
Attendees receive a bulletin with guided sermon notes to help them follow along and stay engaged.
We celebrate open communion monthly and during special services throughout the year.
Our worship style is traditional, and our congregation typically dresses in dressy casual attire, with a range from sport coats and dresses to nice jeans.
After the benediction, members and guests gather for coffee, donuts, and conversation. Our Information and Welcome Centers help visitors connect, learn about ministries, and sign up for upcoming events.
Average Sunday attendance is approximately 145 worshipers, with a congregation made up primarily of retirees, empty-nesters, and senior adults, along with a smaller number of
young families. Nursery care and elementary-age Sunday School (Kid’s Connect) are offered in safe, well-equipped, child-friendly spaces with carefully selected, background-checked volunteers.
During the Week
The church is active throughout the week:
• Weekly prayer fellowship
• Community Life Groups
• Men’s and women’s Bible studies
• Choir and Handbell Choir rehearsals
• Quilting and prayer shawl ministries
• Community service planning groups
We also host outside groups, a quarterly Sunday evening dinner and Praise Service, and recently held a summer camp serving 80 youth.
Our pastor opens with announcements and a welcome, followed by a call to prayer and the choir’s introit.
As the choir joins the congregation, we move into corporate worship with music chosen to complement the sermon. Lyrics are projected on screens, though hymnals and Bibles remain available in the pews.
Attendees receive a bulletin with guided sermon notes to help them follow along and stay engaged.
We celebrate open communion monthly and during special services throughout the year.
Our worship style is traditional, and our congregation typically dresses in dressy casual attire, with a range from sport coats and dresses to nice jeans.
After the benediction, members and guests gather for coffee, donuts, and conversation. Our Information and Welcome Centers help visitors connect, learn about ministries, and sign up for upcoming events.
Average Sunday attendance is approximately 145 worshipers, with a congregation made up primarily of retirees, empty-nesters, and senior adults, along with a smaller number of
young families. Nursery care and elementary-age Sunday School (Kid’s Connect) are offered in safe, well-equipped, child-friendly spaces with carefully selected, background-checked volunteers.
During the Week
The church is active throughout the week:
• Weekly prayer fellowship
• Community Life Groups
• Men’s and women’s Bible studies
• Choir and Handbell Choir rehearsals
• Quilting and prayer shawl ministries
• Community service planning groups
We also host outside groups, a quarterly Sunday evening dinner and Praise Service, and recently held a summer camp serving 80 youth.
Facilities
Our centrally located campus includes:
• A sanctuary seating approximately 500
• A chapel and parlor
• A large fellowship hall
• A fully equipped kitchen
• Administrative offices
• Classrooms on two levels
• A library
• A choir rehearsal room
• An outbuilding housing our 12-passenger church bus
We also offer a golf-cart shuttle for members who need assistance getting to the building. Our facilities are carefully maintained and provide an attractive venue for
Our centrally located campus includes:
• A sanctuary seating approximately 500
• A chapel and parlor
• A large fellowship hall
• A fully equipped kitchen
• Administrative offices
• Classrooms on two levels
• A library
• A choir rehearsal room
• An outbuilding housing our 12-passenger church bus
We also offer a golf-cart shuttle for members who need assistance getting to the building. Our facilities are carefully maintained and provide an attractive venue for
church-wide events, community concerts, and large gatherings.
Outreach & Missions
In keeping with our 25% outreach commitment, we are proud to support:
• 16 local organizations across Northwest Arkansas that provide:
• Employment opportunities for adults with disabilities
• Faith-building and leadership development for college students
• Food assistance through local food pantries and soup kitchens
• Shelter, summer camps, and Christmas gifts for sick and underserved children
• Transitional living support for homeless men
• Additional local and global outreach initiatives
• 4 international mission teams
• Disaster relief through Samaritan’s Purse
Last year, we adopted our church’s zip code and visited every home through the Saturate USA Initiative, sharing the hope of Christ with our neighbors.
Outreach & Missions
In keeping with our 25% outreach commitment, we are proud to support:
• 16 local organizations across Northwest Arkansas that provide:
• Employment opportunities for adults with disabilities
• Faith-building and leadership development for college students
• Food assistance through local food pantries and soup kitchens
• Shelter, summer camps, and Christmas gifts for sick and underserved children
• Transitional living support for homeless men
• Additional local and global outreach initiatives
• 4 international mission teams
• Disaster relief through Samaritan’s Purse
Last year, we adopted our church’s zip code and visited every home through the Saturate USA Initiative, sharing the hope of Christ with our neighbors.
In Closing
We pray that this overview gives you a clearer, more personal understanding of Bella Vista Community Church - our values, our ministries, and our heart. If God is stirring your
interest, we look forward to learning more about His leading in your life as you discern His call. Click here to learn how to apply for the Pastor position.
Sincerely,
We pray that this overview gives you a clearer, more personal understanding of Bella Vista Community Church - our values, our ministries, and our heart. If God is stirring your
interest, we look forward to learning more about His leading in your life as you discern His call. Click here to learn how to apply for the Pastor position.
Sincerely,
The Pastor Search Team