Not to us, but to
Your Name
be the Glory.
Our History
by Scott Wendal
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The Early Years
My journey in starting Valley Forge Baptist began years before moving to this area in 1984. The need for church planting in the northeast was often highlighted by pastors. While at Bible college I was given the assignment to prepare a counseling ministry for a church including a potential church name. I choose Philadelphia Baptist Temple as a church name. Little did I know that God was planting the seeds in my heart to prepare me to minister in southeastern Pennsylvania.
After college, I began an internship at Fairfax Baptist Temple in Virginia. During the third year of my internship, I planned survey trips to the northeast in search of where God would have me to move and plant a new church. My first trip was going to start in the Philadelphia area and then I would travel north until the Lord opened the right door.
In December 1983, a pastor from the Philadelphia visited some relatives in our church. He invited me to visit him in Jenkintown. He said he would give me a map and show me the areas where he knew of Gospel preaching churches. In February 1984 we headed toward Philadelphia. We made our first trip up the Main Line, stopping in various locations looking for a meeting place. There were no open doors.
On the second survey we went to the Chamber of Commerce in Norristown. There we were told that it would be impossible to find a meeting place in King of Prussia. Knowing that with God “all things are possible” my next stop was the King of Prussia township building. Their meeting hall was open to churches to rent for dances and bingo, but not for church services. It was a long shot, but I decided to stop by the school district to see if I could rent a classroom in a public school building.
On our third survey trip in May 1984, I dropped off the application to rent a room in the Upper Merion Middle School which also had an indoor pool. I was given the green light a few weeks later. We purchased a one-bedroom condominium in Mont Clare for $45,000. With Pastor Aylestock’s help, we designed our first church flyer – “Valley Forge Baptist Temple, New Church Begins.” I taught my last Sunday school lesson as the single adult director at Fairfax Baptist Temple in June 1984, and then was ordained to the ministry.
First Week of Meetings
We mailed out 25,000 flyers and I began visiting, knocking on doors, and passing out another 5,000 flyers. The week before our opening services, the pastoral staff of Fairfax Baptist Temple—Pastor Calvert, Pastor Abbey, Pastor Aylestock, and intern Gil Hansen—joined me to knock on doors for one week. With all of those thousands of flyers that went out in June and July, the most significant event occurred when one of my single adults from the military came up from Virginia for one day to knock on doors with me. He knocked on a door on Keebler Road and gave a flyer to a little 10-year-old girl named Joanna, who promptly passed it on to her mother, Linda Orfanos. The next day, Linda called me and asked some questions about the new church and promised to be out for our opening service with her children.
July 29, 1984, was an exciting day. We had 54 people attend our first service. Half the folks were from out of state, and the other half were simply interested in seeing what it was like to be at the very first service of a church. Of all those people, Linda, was the only one interested in joining this new church. She and her three children were baptized and became charter members of Valley Forge Baptist Temple. We had services every night for that first week with an average attendance of about 15-20 people.
One of my biggest fears was that I would be considered too young to be a pastor, especially in the eyes of older members. I was 24 years old, but I barely looked like I was 18. God took away that fear on the second Sunday by bringing an elderly couple. The husband had just been saved and I led his wife, daughter, and future son-in-law to Christ the next week. Four adults were baptized on Labor Day, 1984.
The Years in the Middle School
We had Sunday morning and evening services in the Middle school for 5 ½ years. During the first six months, our midweek Bible studies were held in our little condo. Beginning in 1985, members of the church family took turns hosting the midweek Bible study for one month. Within six months of conducting our first church service, we held our charter-signing service on January 13, 1985, and 21 folks signed the charter, including children. We grew from zero to 90 in five-and-a-half years, with a couple of Sundays topping 100 in 1989. Every time we had a baptism, I had to schedule a lifeguard to come and watch me baptize in 4 feet of water. We had the biggest baptistry in the state of Pennsylvania, the Middle School indoor swimming pool. Though the rented space was expensive, the school officials were very good to us, making sure that a piano and a pulpit were moved to Room 100, a tiered classroom complete with a huge Viking mural painted on the back wall. The school was so gracious to give to us the piano when we moved out in December 1989.
Within a year we began our first choir – which some Sundays was almost as large as the congregation. On a few occasions, we could not reach school security, the custodian, or the police to open the building and we had to be creative in getting in. One time a couple of men picked me up and lowered me through an open window; another time I scaled a fence to be able to get to our meeting room. On a few other occasions, I would look at Mrs. Rutter, our deacon’s wife, when the doors were locked and say, “May we please come to your house for services tonight?” Though we did not have many visitors every Sunday, those who did come heard the gospel, and many trusted Christ as their Savior during those years.
Finding Property
When the church was only two years old we began our search for a permanent home. Three times the church voted to buy land in Upper Providence and three times God closed the door. Ed and Sylvia Geisler lived cattycorner to a field that was adjacent to the 422 expressway. The land was not for sale but showed up in the newspaper because the owner was late in paying his taxes. In 1988 we wrote a letter to a lawyer in Norristown and he was glad to sell us 4 acres for $130,000. In the providence of God, it was His providence that our church home be in Upper Providence.
Building the First Building
Our initial building fund goal was $60,000 which we met before we purchased the land. The few pioneers at VFBT gave sacrificially week after week. The first building design was drawn on a napkin at a Pizza Hut. An architect submitted plans and RAM Construction was contracted to build the first building for $289,000 along with “sweat equity” from the members. What a joy for everyone to participate in the various construction phases – block, brick, plumbing, roofing, wiring, cleaning, etc. December 3,1989 was opening day and at the ribbon cutting I shared, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord’” Psalm122:1.
A Great Open Door of Ministry
Immediately a steady stream of visitors began coming to Sunday services. Many were saved both in their homes and at services. In 1990 we had our first missions conference which challenged us to greater efforts in reaching the world. Valley Forge Baptist Academy opened its doors in August 1991 with 9 students. Most of our 150+ graduates continue to serve the Lord as adults and are raising their children for the Lord. Glory to God! Our academy theme verse has become a reality – “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” 3 John 4. In this season of ministry also we began a bus ministry and a prison ministry. Mani and Shunila Ganguli went to India and Scott and Terri Shaw went to Canada to plant churches. But it was also a time of great trial, as my first wife Carole entered the presence of the Lord in 1993. Yet, the Lord is faithful on the mountain top and in the valley. God’s people showed the love of the Lord proving once again that this body of believers is “The Caring Church.” I experienced it first hand in my darkest days. In 1995, we began double services and 100 additional chairs were added making our total seating capacity 277. The Lord provided more land and plans were made to expand our building to reach more people with the Gospel. On June 15 1996, the church family celebrated God’s blessings as Jodie and I were joined together in marriage in Canada. Words cannot describe the blessing Jodie has brought to me, our family, and church family. The Lord had refined us and prepared us for greater ministry in the years ahead.
A Bright Future
As the church family has grown, so has our love for the Lord Jesus Christ, His Word, and each other. Since those early years dozens of ministries and creative outreaches have impacted hundreds and hundreds of people. May we NEVER lose our passion for leading people to the Savior and keep “the Main Thing the Main Thing!”
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/3188_004.jpg)
Beginnings
Valley Forge Baptist Temple started as the dream of a Bible College student, and held its first services in Upper Merion Middle School.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Building-1-Final-brick.jpg)
The Final Block
After 5 years, the church was able to break ground on its own property to begin construction on its first building. The final cinderblock is placed in this picture.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/oldauditorium.jpg)
Opening Day
Church attendance doubled on the first Sunday in our own building from 90 to 180 in attendance. This sanctuary is where our chapel is located today.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/FirstMissionsConference.jpg)
First Missions Conference
The first missions conference is held setting the tone of the church to be first and foremost missions minded. Today Valley Forge Baptist supports missionaries in over 70 countries around the world.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/first-k5-grad.jpg)
The Academy
Valley Forge Baptist Academy is formed starting with Kindergarten. Pictured you see the first K5 graduation.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/prayer.jpg)
Explosive Growth
After 6 years the 276 seat capacity of our first building is not enough as people spilled over into the church foyer. Construction began on a 700 capacity worship center.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Merrill-Craft_bap-1.jpg)
Discipleship Ministry
The discipleship ministry begins with its first disciplee, Merrill Craft, who is pictured getting baptised. Pastor Sam Aylestock develops the A-Z discipleship curriculum, now known as Sequoia. Watch Pastor Sam tell more about Merrill by clicking here.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FLC-Parking-cars-inside.jpg)
The FLC
Construction on the Family Life Center is completed providing a gymnasium for our growing Academy and Church Family. Cars are parked under its steel framing as we ran out of parking spaces.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MarchMadness.jpg)
March Madness
The March Madness outreach begins utilizing our newly constructed gymnasium, the Family Life Center. Sports outreach would become an open door to share the gospel with the community.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/VFB-20140125-26_0043.jpg)
Sportsman's Banquet
The Sportsman’s Banquet has been used over the years to bring hunters together to share in their love of the outdoors and to hear from keynote speakers, such as Chad Scherear, on hunting and how Jesus Christ changed their life.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AddictionsRecovery.jpg)
Addictions Ministry
The first addictions recovery ministry is started meeting on Friday nights in the chapel. The ministry exploded in growth, as attenders had a saying “this is the best place to be on a Friday Night”. Many powerful testimonies come from this ministry to this day.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_8055.jpg)
Sandy Cove 25th Anniversary
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the church, the entire church family went on a retreat to Sandy Cove Retreat Center, cementing 25 years of fellowship, blessing and soul-winning.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/VFB6420.jpg)
The Counseling Center
Upon completion of the FLC and Education wing, renovations began on the home that is now Valley Forge Biblical Counseling Center, offering counseling services to the church and community.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/8290033-1.jpg)
Chosen 300
VFB joins the homeless outreach program, Chosen 300. Through Chosen 300, VFB has distributed thousands of meals to the homeless and have reached many for Christ.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/VFBT_20131130_0117.jpg)
ShareJOY
In 2013, God opened the door to building freshwater wells around the world through ShareJOY. The main funding arm of this ministry was the ShareJOY Run which took place the Saturday after Thanksgiving each year.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2018-Food-Truck-Festival-066.jpg)
Food Truck Festival
Our First Food Truck Festival is held attracting more than 2000 attendees, marking one of the largest outreaches had until that point.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3630.jpg)
The Pandemic
As COVID-19 ravaged the world church services moved online, to eventually in person services with social distancing. Weddings were no longer done in person, as you can see pictured here. Simultaneously construction would begin to alleviate congested foot traffic in church hallways.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ValleyForgeBaptistChurch-06.jpg)
The Gathering Space
Construction on the Gathering Space and major campus-wide renovations would be completed, giving our campus a more modern look. With production grade live-streaming capabilities in our transformed worship center, a new Forge Teens room and new major arteries for foot traffic, we were reay for growth.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/@kendraduttry-100.jpg)
Outreach Explosion
2023 marked the largest year for outreach in our history as enhanced social media presence drew attendees for The Hunt Easter Egg Hunt, SummerFest, Sportsman’s Banquet, Clayshoot and Philadelphia Eagle Brian Dawkins. Social Media Ads were seen 1.8 Million times, reaching 512,000 unique people.
![](https://history.valleyforgebaptist.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/DSC04026.jpg)
Today
With our Academy seeing its highest enrollment numbers ever and longest waitlists, construction has begun on a new Preschool/Nursery wing to accommodate new growth. The future is bright as in 2023, 616 were saved while this year as of June 256 have claimed salvation. God continues to bless as we continue to say, “Not to Us, but to Your Name be the Glory Jesus”.
Ministries
Forge Kids
As long as the church has had its doors open, children’s ministries have existed. Originally kids ministries were simply known as that, with volunteer teachers teaching Sunday School lessons to various age groups. Eventually the moniker KIDzone would be applied, and would be headed up by a full-time staff member as attendance increased to over 150 children. Today Forge Kids encompasses Forge Kids on Sunday and during the school year, Awanas on Wednesday Nights.
With events ranging from Vacation Bible School, Sailboat Regatta, Egg Hunt, and Pine Car Derby, consistent outreach and fun is had the entire year for our kids in and outside of the church. Jesus said to let the little children “come unto me” and at Forge Kids they have and we continually pray for more to know Jesus.
Forge Teens
While many may think that Teen Ministry changes drastically through the years along with teen culture, many things stay the same. Teens still need to find their purpose and way in life. They need a group of friends they can rely on and grow with together. They need to feel like they belong, and they need Jesus. Forge teens has grown through the years and what it looks like on the outside changes to reach the youth, but the message stays the same. The gospel.
From embarking on retreats, to going to the Wilds Camp Center, or even laughing at the craziest attempts at the latest game or contest, we build culture. From meeting in homes in the early days, to now meeting in our newly built Teen Room, we’ve always had a place for teens.
Adults
From our first member in 1984 to the many more we have today, God has always provided a rich diversity of backgrounds from which our members come. From cookouts, to Harvest Festivals, March Madness to SummerFest today, our adult ministries are just as varied as our members. Eventually the Adult Bible Fellowships were formed, providing a small church feel, even though membership may grow substantially.
Each age group and life stage is given its own unique fellowship and leader to foster community, teach the Bible, and lead families. The model allows members to attend one of our two regular larger services, then also attend their Adult Bible Fellowship in the opposite service time slot, to interact at a more small group level.
Valley Forge Baptist Academy
Valley Forge Baptist Academy originally was called Valley Forge Baptist Temple Academy, following after the church name. Originally starting with just a school administrator and assistant teacher, it grew from just a kindergarten class to now a full K-12 school, with an adjoining K3-K4 preschool. Initially the school uniform was slacks, shirt and tie for boys and dresses for girls. With enrollment well over 200 students, we continue to experience growth in this burgeoning ministry.
Now featuring advanced mathematics, chemistry, robotics, orchestra, media and drama, our course offerings have widely increased to now stimulate the most curious of minds. While academic excellence is what we strive for, even more so we strive to instill Biblical foundations and knowledge of Jesus Christ so that our students may know Him that is above all.
Impact Missions
The heart of any growing church is always missions, and that is no different at Valley Forge Baptist. Our first missionaries supported were the Goette family in the same year the church was founded, 1984, with less than 50 members. Today we support missionaries in over 70 countries, while sending out many of our own to restricted and unrestricted countries, some of which we cannot publicize.
The harvest is plenteous, and the workers have always been few. Our first missions conference was held in 1990, providing a time of fellowship, ministry and celebration of international missions, as well as refreshment for invited missionaries. We continue this tradition to this day with our Impact Missions conference, and member led missions trips occurring throughout each year.