US

CENTERWAY CHURCH LEAD TEAM

(Pictured left to right) Adam Stagnitta, Meredith Valdes, Claude Valdes, Daidra Hamlin, Eric Hamlin, Tara Dullen, Dan Dullen & Karen Hart

Our Story

Before we had a name, before any plans were made or moving boxes packed, we believe Centerway Church was in the mind of God to impact a region with the truth and love of the Gospel. Claude and Meredith Valdes had been happily serving at a church in the greater Syracuse area for 17 years before beginning to feel that their time there was done and a new adventure lay ahead of them. As they prayed about their next steps, their love for the local church and for this region rose to the top over and over again. It was clear that all along God had been leading them to plant a church in Victor, New York. A church that, prayerfully, will affect an entire region by raising up leaders, planting other churches, and coming alongside existing churches and leaders to serve and champion them. The best part of the story is that, while the vision was birthed in Claude and Meredith’s heart many years ago, this is very much a collaborative effort. God has assembled a literal dream team to lead with, who are just as committed and called. In fact, one of those families even moved here before the Valdes’! The church leadership experience, the purpose and passion, and the fun that these eight adults (and seven kids) bring to the table is not something you find in every church startup. We love doing life together! Beyond that, an incredible, gifted Launch Team has been assembled in order to get Centerway off the ground and help establish the work God is up to here. We always say “we can’t believe we get to do this!” Starting anything is no easy feat – and a church is no exception. But there is no greater joy than walking in obedience (even when it’s hard), knowing your “yes” is really all you bring to the table anyway, and that it’s Christ who builds His church. And did we mention how fun life-together is? Yep, we get to be part of this, and we pray that everyone who finds a home at Centerway feels the same.

MISSION

Cultivate a movement in which people become Gospel-centered influencers in every sphere of life

STRATEGY

Spirit-led
Gospel-centered
Disciple-making

VISION

Developing healthy influencers and organizations in every environment God leads us

MISSION

STRATEGY

VISION

Cultivate a movement in which people become Gospel-centered influencers in every sphere of life

Spirit-led

Gospel-centered

Disciple-making

Developing healthy influencers and organizations in every environment God leads us

OUR BECAUSE & THEREFORE

Because we’ve been awarded grace we value AUTHENTICITY therefore we honestly do life together, don’t try to hide our mess, and don’t lead second rate versions of our one and only life.

Because of what Jesus has done we value CELEBRATION therefore we talk about Jesus a lot, rejoice over life-change, readily encourage and honor one another, and uplift our local communities.

Because he uniquely created us we value COLLABORATION therefore we enjoy how God has wired and gifted each person and take more ground as a result. We partner with like-minded individuals and organizations to advance God’s kingdom.

Because God gave his best we value EXCELLENCE therefore we bring our best to every environment, we don’t settle or just check boxes, and we steward our lives and resources thoughtfully and intentionally.

Because God says every person matters we value GENERATIONS therefore we serve everyone and we develop and equip leaders at every age, recognizing the uniqueness we bring to the table in different seasons of life.

Because God gave us everything we value GENEROSITY therefore we are open-handed and happily go above and beyond with our time, our talent, and our treasure. We steward our spiritual gifts and serve. We are contributors not consumers.

Because God sees what we can’t we value GOD-RISKS therefore we respond when God speaks, pursue efforts that require supernatural intervention to succeed, and – while we aren’t irresponsible – we resist the comfort zone and don’t maintain or play it safe out of fear.

Because he loves to do new things we value INNOVATION therefore we hold loosely to the way it’s always been. We purpose to release creativity and reveal the beauty of God, joyfully expecting new things to flow out of us as individuals and as a church community to point to Jesus.

Because he first loved us we value LOVE FIRST therefore we say “come as you are” and welcome people to belong before they believe. Because we truly love people, we will speak the truth in love.

Because Jesus is continually building his church we value MULTIPLICATION therefore we raise up healthy leaders, plant churches where God leads us, and resource other leaders, churches, and organizations in order for more people to hear the Gospel.