Find a Life Group

Nearly/Newlyweds

Every Other Tuesday at 6:30 pm

Location: West Des Moines
Leaders: Russ & Tracy Taylor

Russ and Tracy have been married for 30 years, raised 3 children and have one grand-son. They were both born in Iowa but have lived in 5 different states throughout their marriage. They live by the motto UIO—Upward, Inward, and Outward. Loving God upwardly with your whole heart, inwardly—loving yourself correctly, and outwardly—loving others compassionately. Please join them on the journey as they serve the Lord together!

Young Marrieds (with or without kids)

Tuesdays · 6:30 pm

Location: West Des Moines
Leaders: Jon & Emily Fontenot

Jon and Emily Fontenot moved from the San Francisco Bay area to West Des Moines in 2017. They’ve been married for 10 years and have three energetic kids–Amelia, age 5, Dominic, age 3, and Eliana, age 1. Jon joined the Valley Church staff in August 2017 and Emily works part-time remotely for an organization that serves immigrants.

This group is primarily for younger marrieds in their 20s-40s, with or without kids. The Fontenots are looking forward to building rich community with people from different backgrounds in the Des Moines metro!

Young Families

Sundays · 5:00pm

Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Tony & Annie Stec

Tony and Annie live in West Des Moines and have three young children (Sophia, 6, Weston, 8, and Sienna, 10). Tony has been on the Valley Church staff since 2008 and loves the opportunity to serve the church! Annie stays at home with the kiddos and runs a small business.

Most of the people in this group have small children, but anyone interested in pursuing deeper community is welcome. This Life Group will meet on Sunday evenings and share a meal together into the fellowship time. If you’re looking for a friendly community of people to grow deeper with through the study and application of God’s word, then this is the place for you.

Young Families

Wednesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Jared & Tasha Yepsen
Childcare: Register children 3 and under (Kids Club available for children 4+)

This Life Group is for couples with small children who want to be challenged and encouraged in their walk with Christ. We are committed to sharing life together, especially as it relates to having young children. Topics range from sermon-based studies to lessons in Godly parenting to in-depth Bible study.

Young Families

Wednesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Bob & Stacey Bailey
Childcare: Register children 3 and under (Kids Club available for children 4+)

Bob & Stacey Bailey would love to have you join our Wednesday evening Life Group. We meet during the Kids Club program, so you and your kids can fed by God’s Word at the same time. Our group consists of families with kids, ranging in age from pre-school through high school. Our goal is to foster an environment where we can do life together, learning from God’s Word, sharing our life experiences and supporting each other through prayer. We look forward to see you soon!

Multi-Station in Life

Sundays · 6 pm

Leader: Angie Criger
Location: Valley Church

My name is Angie Criger. I’m a young professional and have been attending Valley for 11 years. I’m excited to start a new Life Group where all ages and stations of life are welcome. My hope is that we would build community while growing deeper in our relationship with Christ. If you’re looking for genuine community, then look no further. I can’t wait to see who God will bring to this group!

Multi-Station in Life

Mondays · 6:30 pm

Leader: Brendan & Roz Mignogna
Location: Valley Church

Brendan & Roz moved to the Des Moines Metro from California in 2018 and have four great kids: Eden (11), Charlotte (8), Rivka (5), and Levi (1). They’re entrepreneurs and own a business called Wild Bill’s Olde Fashioned Soda, which serves at events, festivals, and fairs. They enjoy living in Iowa and are passionate about growing together in community. This Life Group is designed for all adult ages and stations of life. If you’re looking to make friends and invest in your faith, then look no further! (Childcare will be provided for a fee.)

Multi-Station in Life

Thursdays · 6:30 pm

Location: West Des Moines
Leaders: Mike & Jess Alexander

Mike and Jess have lived in West Des Moines since 2017. Before that, they lived in Spain for five years and Japan for three years while Mike was active duty Air Force. They have been married ten years and have three children: Elise (7) Nora (6) and Declan (4). Jess is a software developer and Mike is currently pursuing a seminary degree through Liberty University Online, while being a stay at home dad. They were blessed to be part of small groups and make friends with people from all walks of life during their time overseas and are excited about doing life together with you! (Childcare will be provided.)

Single Moms

Wednesdays · 6:30 pm, Dinner provided at 6 pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Jennifer George
Childcare: Register children 3 and under (Kids Club available for children 4+)

This Single Moms Life Group is for women of all ages who are looking to find rest, hope, and encouragement in a Christ-centered environment. This group provides the opportunity to share the ups and downs of single parenthood while developing meaningful, supportive relationships. Jennifer is mom to two rowdy boys. She loves writing, running, cooking, and working with kids.

No Doubt · Single Women 40+

Wednesdays · 6:30 pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Deb Hurley

This Life Group is for women in their 40s and up who are single or single again. It is a place to cultivate deep friendships that are centered in God’s word. If you’re looking for a friendly, no pressure group, this Life Group is for you. The leader, Deb Hurley, has lived in Iowa for 35 years. Born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Deb has two children and five grandchildren. She is a National Power Tumbling and Trampoline judge, which keeps her busy during the winter weekends.

Financial Peace University

Sundays · 3 pm

Location: Valley Community Center
Cost: $109
Leader: Ryan & Lisa Handley
Childcare available

Ryan and Lisa have been married for 14 years have an 12-yr old son. They moved from Chicago to Des Moines in May to be closer to friends and family. Ryan and Lisa have followed Dave Ramsey’s principles for many years and are looking forward to helping others obtain financial freedom.

Reasonable Faith: Apologetics

First & Third Monday of each month · 7:00pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Steve Stratton

This group is for those interested in becoming better prepared to respond to questions and objections regarding the existence of God and the truth of the Christian faith. As a local chapter of Dr. Wiliam Lane Craig’s Reasonable Faith ministry, our goal is to help make Christianity an intellectually viable option for thinking people in our community. Steve Stratton has developed a passion for apologetics and natural theology over the past few years.

Contact us to confirm meeting place.

Cover-to-Cover Bible Study

Tuesdays · 6:30 pm

Location: Valley Church
Cost: $149
Leader: Mike Evans

Join this amazing journey through God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. Learn the unity of the Bible. Discover how Jesus Christ is the central person in God’s work of salvation from cover-to-cover. In Cover-to-Cover Bible Survey you will see the importance of God’s good news and how to apply the Bible to daily living. Learn more!

Hiking

Two Saturdays per Month · 8:45 am

Leader: Janet LaFrence & Jeff Jones

This group will meet twice a month on Saturdays at 8:45 AM in the Des Moines metro at different parks. In addition to hiking, we will do a short devo and spend some time praying. This is a great way to get to know other out-door lovers at our church and spend time in nature. Dogs are welcome as long as the park allows.

Young Adults

Sundays · 6:30 pm

Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Ian Willard

This is a Life Group of unmarried young men and women (mostly recent college graduates and people in their 20s) focusing on Christ-centered community. We strive to grow in our understanding and obedience to the truths of God’s word and build friendships in a way that extends beyond just meeting on Sunday nights.

For more information, email Ian.

Young Adults

Mondays · 6:30 pm

Location: Des Moines
Leaders: Michelle Temeyer & Daniel Orlano

This Life Group is for young adults who want to get connected at church, the Des Moines area community, and with each other while growing deeper in faith. We look forward to joining with you all in fellowship, discussion, and fun activities.

The Table

Thursdays · Social time at 7 pm, Bible study starts at 7:30 pm

Location: Valley Church
Leaders: Joe & Karin Johnson

The Table is a group of mostly 20s and 30s, guys and girls, married, divorced, and single, who want to grow in their faith by digging into the Bible and asking questions and learning together. The group is lead by Joe and Karin Johnson, who are NOT in their 20s and 30s. Serving and social time is also an important part of this group.

Check out The Table on Facebook for our most current information.

Men

Wednesdays · 6:15 pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Jon Fontenot

Jon is married to Emily and they have 3 young kiddos and a dog. He feels strongly about building community through Life Groups and encouraging guys to be servant leaders. This group is for men (married and single) of all ages who desire to build friendships and grow deeper by studying the Bible. This group will go back-and-forth between reviewing weekend sermon and studies that are geared towards men.

Empty Nesters

Mondays · 6:30 pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: John & Deb Berglund

Do you want a place to forge friendships and draw closer to the Lord? A place for prayer and praying for each other? If you are looking for a comfortable time to discuss God’s Word and be part of a caring community, this would be a great Life Group for you. John and Deb are married with five grandchildren. John taught Bible for years at Des Moines Christian and both love to travel. John has led groups to Israel many times and someday they would love to retire overseas and serve the Lord.

Empty Nesters

Tuesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Waukee
Leader: Roger & Karen Blake

Roger is an air traffic control specialist at the Des Moines airport. Karen is a retired 7th and 8th grade science teacher. We both love ballroom dance and cruising. We have two grandchildren–Emma, age 5, and Ian, age 3. Karen enjoys watching them each week.

Our Life Group is called Transitions, as there is nothing more certain than change, especially as we age. And change is best endured with Christian friends. Come transition with us!

Multi-Cultural/ESL

Tuesdays · 7 am

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Daniel & Selvi Christudoss and Albert Cheah

We’re very excited to start this group! Daniel and Selvi are originally from India and have been part of Valley Church for many years. Albert is from Malaysia but has been in Iowa for the last 7 years, and truly loves this place! His experience from the past 2 years with one our young adult groups has been phenomenal!

This group is for anyone looking to build community with cultures from different backgrounds or for individuals who speak English as a second language. Get ready for new friendships, rich cultural exchange, and the opportunity to grow together in God’s word!

Grief Share

Tuesdays · 6:30pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: Patti Abram

If you have lost a spouse, child, family member, or friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. Grief Share meets weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.

Divorce Care

Tuesdays · 6:30 pm

Location: Valley Church
Leader: John Berglund

This support group lasts 13 weeks long and is for those who are going through the pain and trauma of divorce or separation. Find hope and healing as we begin our session on September 10.

Catalyst – Next step after Divorce Care

Sundays · 11 am

Location: Valley Church
Leader: John Berglund

This Life Group is for single-again people who have gone through Divorce Care and are looking to make friends that have had a similar experience and want to grow in their relationship with Christ.