EXPANDING CHURCH KEEPS IT PERSONAL 'OASIS' ENCOURAGES FRIENDSHIP, REACHING OUT.

Byline: Holly J. Andres  Staff Writer

WEST HILLS - From a founding group of five families, West Valley Christian Church will mark its 30th anniversary this weekend with a congregation that has grown to 500 strong.

Under the steady ministry of the Rev. Glenn Kirby, the church has expanded from its first service, Feb. 29, 1976, in a rented building in Canoga Park to hundreds of attendees at its four Sunday services.

``I felt that churches that made an impact were those with a long ministry,'' said Kirby, who had made a commitment to the fledgling church and became its spiritual leader in July 1976.

``I was 28 when I started here. I'm not done yet. I hope to stay until I'm 65 or 70.''

Kirby said the church's founding families agreed to a ``lifetime ministry'' and he now has seen the congregation through several location changes and the first of three building phases at its current Sherman Way site.

Despite its size, the congregation has been meeting since June 2003 in a building that seats fewer than 200 people. Kirby says his goal is to oversee the second phase of construction - with a target start date of June 2007 - designed to give the congregation a new, 500-seat multipurpose sanctuary-auditorium.

While the congregation has grown, it keeps the intimacy found in smaller congregations in part because 60 percent to 70 percent of the membership attends smaller Bible classes throughout the week.

``The caring of the people is what impressed me first. This church really reaches out,'' said Mark Mancini, who joined West Valley Christian Church recently.

Mancini discovered the church after striking up a conversation at a Starbucks with Jim Bell, a church elder. Bell mentioned he was preaching on a few Sundays and invited Mancini to listen.

``I figured I had to tap into something,'' Mancini said. ``I went, and I've kept a streak going - 58 Sundays in a row. There's a love there. They make you feel wanted.

``This church is a big part of my life now and I feel like I'm winning the lottery on a daily basis.''

The congregation has used the motto ``an oasis in the wilderness'' for years and Kirby said it still resonates.

The secret to the church's success, he said, is that people are treated as individuals. There's a commitment by church members not only to learn one another's names but also to share joys and sorrows.

``We're living in a world where people feel alone and overwhelmed. The questions I've gotten over these last 30 years - asking for help on personal, family or business concerns - are the same. But the stress and anxiety - there's more of it per individual,'' said Kirby.

``If you look around, there's not much personal service anymore. Where can you go to find someone who will say, 'How can I help you?' and also feel cared about? We have friendship here and we work at it.''

Kaye Millard said she felt like she had gained a new family when she and her husband joined the church in 1985.

``I found people who truly love the Lord and bring people closer to God,'' said Millard.

``Getting involved is the key. It has to become your life. There is a tremendous opportunity to see how people can help each other. But it's not about my own glory or Glenn's or someone else's, it's about pointing people to God.''

West Valley Christian Church's 30th anniversary celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, 22450 Sherman Way, West Hills. The Rev. Glenn Kirby leads the regular Sunday services at 8:45, 10:15 and 11:45 a.m. and the Rev. Rob Denton leads the 5 p.m. Sunday service. Call [phone] or see www.wvcch.org.

Holly Andres, [phone]

holly.andres(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

photo

Photo:

From left, Kaye Millard, the Rev. Glenn Kirby and Mark Mancini stand in the prayer garden of West Valley Christian Church in West Hills, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

Tina Burch/Staff Photographer