Ed Algya, Pastor
How did you end up at VVCC? I began my personal relationship with Jesus Christ during a visit to Columbia in March of 1981. I eventually moved to Columbia in October of 1982, in order to get involved with the church. My family and I have been a part of this church ever since.
Family life: I have been married to Margaret for 31 years. We have had 12 children: Nick, Christine (deceased), Ben, Rebekah, Rachel, Stephenie, Molly, Maggie, Julia, Jordan, Michelle, Hunter, and Husker (our black lab).
Greatest influence: My wife has had the greatest influence on me. Her encouragement, her support, her commitment, and her love come to mind. My dad had a great influence on me when it comes to the value of family and being a provider. Herschel Martindale has had an influence on me to be a strong spiritual leader.
Passions: Cornhusker football, my wife, and for the “Truth”
Life changing books: What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancy, The Church of Irresistible Influence by Robert Lewis, and In Search of Significance by Robert McGee
Life Quote: "Life is tough, sure enough. But, God is Good” Randy Stonehill
E-mail:AlgyaE@discovervalleyview.org
Greg Cranston, Pastor
How did you end up at VVCC? I joined a Great Commission Church in Ames, Iowa while I was a student at (this is hard to admit) Iowa State University. In 1984, I went on a “church plant” to (here it comes again) University of Iowa. In 1987, we moved to Columbia, MO for family reasons and joined VVCC.
Family life: I have 5 awesome children who are married to 5 awesome mates and 8 1/2 grandchildren. They are all doing their best to love Jesus. Rachel and I live in our empty nest on 10 acres just outside of town.
Greatest influence: Wow! Tough to pick! My wife and Herschel Martindale.
Passions: Preaching and teaching and reading my Bible
Life changing books: Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels
Life Quote: “This life is SO short and the next life is SO long! Make sure you pass the test.”
E-mail:cransequip@centurytel.net
Adam Snell, Youth Minister
How did you end up at VVCC? In the Summer of 2005, I heard a man speaking at the GCC Pastors Conference mention something about a need with a youth ministry in Columbia, MO. I had been praying about going into full-time ministry and decided to check out this opportunity. I visited Valley View Community Church a couple of weeks later and returned to stay three months after that.
Family life: I married the lovely Rebekah Christine Algya in 2006 and we had our daughter, Isabella Couret Snell, on October 29, 2007.
Greatest influence: I have been most influenced by Herschel Martindale. The man has shown, by example, the humility and dedication that it takes to follow God wholeheartedly.
Passions: I love food and volleyball.
Life changing books: The Good Book, Wild at Heart, Blue Like Jazz, Becoming a Contagious Christian
Life Quotes: “No longer conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of you mind.” Romans 12:2
“Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Ambrose Redmoon
“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose” Jim Elliot
E-mail:SnellA@discovervalleyview.org
Shannon Wilson, Church Secretary
How did you end up at VVCC? I had recommitted my life to the Lord the summer of 1998 and desired a church to attend. I wanted a small but contemporary church that was alive in the Spirit. I prayed over the phone book for about a week. I visited VVCC for three Sundays and just never left.
Family life: I’ve been married to Doug since August 1, 1992. I have two grown daughters, one grandson, two kitties and one dog.
Greatest influence: Women teachers, such as speaker and author Beth Moore; she keeps me motivated and passionate about Jesus and author Evelyn Christenson; she keeps me encouraged and convicted.
Passions: Being an encouragement to others, children, and crafts.
Life changing books: Bible by God, Lord, Change Me by Evelyn Christenson, Breaking Free by Beth Moore, and Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver
Life Quotes: “If you are not praying then you are accepting your life circumstances just the way they are – right now.” Herschel Martindale
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. Isaiah 61:1-3
