We believe in an integrated college experience that challenges students to grow in all areas of life while pursuing their academic goals. Students will learn how to learn (academic excellence), how to become (spiritual formation), how to connect (relational skills), how to lead (leadership development), and how to love (missional living).
Valley Creek College is committed to developing students who are lifelong learners. Through our partnership with Southeastern University (SEU), students can pursue a variety of accredited associate or bachelor’s degree options while benefiting from the intimacy of a smaller campus, enhanced resources, and one-on-one support.
The academic excellence of Valley Creek College is built on a collaborative model that redefines the college experience and encourages the development of critical thinking skills. Students will graduate having learned how to learn and how to think so they can be prepared to face every challenge ahead. SEU classes take place on Mondays and Wednesdays each week.
Valley Creek College is a ministry of Valley Creek Church. Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida partners with Valley Creek Church to offer students an affordable, accredited, Christ-centered educational experience. With flexible class options and hands-on learning opportunities, Southeastern University provides students with a pathway to discover and develop their divine design.
Valley Creek College is committed to the spiritual formation of every student. Through a variety of transformative experiences and consistent spiritual practices, students will engage the process of being formed into the image and likeness of Jesus. Weekly rhythms include student-led chapels, weekend services, discipleship groups (Circles), VC Core teachings, and setting aside time for spiritual practices (Transformation Thursdays).
Every Tuesday, students will have the opportunity to engage with the entire student body in chapel. Chapel will include a time of worship and impartation led by Valley Creek Church pastors and leaders. This is also a developmental space where students can contribute as they grow in their own gifts of teaching, worship, and production.
Each week, students meet with their Circle to discuss the weekend message, engage the Scriptures, and pray together. Circles are designed to help students grow as disciples of Jesus and form godly relationships in their lives.
Because Valley Creek College is a training center for life, students will grow in building a biblical foundation and worldview while participating in transformative experiences that allow them to activate what they’re learning. Our core teachings consist of classes in theology, character, leadership, spiritual formation, and Bible. VC Core teachings take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are led by Valley Creek Church pastors and leaders.
Transformation Thursdays are weekly one-hour experiences where students come together and engage spiritual practices like silence and solitude, meditation and prayer. Each experience is designed to help students create rhythms and practices that help them become more like Jesus.
Valley Creek College is committed to developing students who understand the importance of relationships and connection. Through interactive teachings, experiences, and team-based activities, students will grow in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and communication skills.
We believe every student should be equipped to have the relational skills and character necessary to steward and sustain their unique calling. This begins with discovering who they are in Jesus (their identity) and learning to pursue healthy and authentic relationships with God and others. They’ll also practice navigating interpersonal relationships, engaging in meaningful conversations, and working through healthy conflict.
Valley Creek College is focused on creating leaders who will create the future with God. We are committed to helping students discover their unique giftings, practice servant leadership, and learn what it means to be a person of influence for the good of others and the glory of God.
Practicums are designed to raise up the next generation of kingdom leaders by pairing classroom instruction with practical application. Through hands-on leadership training and equipping, students will have opportunities for coaching and feedback that allow them to build their confidence as a leader and practice the leadership calling on their life. Students also receive credit hours for their practicum that goes toward their academic degree. Practicums include areas such as communication, creative, worship, production, kids, students, and young adult ministries.
Hope Carrier excursions are designed to inspire students to live and lead on mission. Each month students will have an opportunity to get an up-close look at what it means to be a kingdom leader in different areas of life. This may look like visiting a school principal, meeting the mayor and attending a city council meeting, or learning from a doctor at a healthcare clinic. These excursions give students unique access to hope carriers—disciples of Jesus who are living on mission to change their world.
Seminars are designed to help students succeed in life and leadership. Quarterly seminars will be led by outside business and community leaders. Leaders will impart key life skills and competencies from their areas of expertise. Topics may include things like time management, conflict resolution, professional communication, ownership, and decision making.
Valley Creek College is committed to developing students who live a life of love expressed through missional living. As students learn to love and sacrificially serve others the way God has loved and served them, they can align their lives with the work He’s already doing.
Through participation in international mission trips and local serving opportunities, students will learn that they exist for more than just themselves. By living on mission both globally and at home, students will learn to walk in humility as they create the future with God.
