We are the founders of STRONGR. We wanted to introduce ourselves to you.
Hi, my name is Nathan LaValley.
My Testimony and Calling
Growing up I spent alot of time in the church. My dad was a full time minister. Despite the fact that I had many great values instilled in me from a young age, my faith was never really my own. In Highschool I realized how broken I was and how much I needed a savior. God met me powerfully at a Christian summer camp and a year later called me into ministry. I’ve been in full time ministry since I graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in 2018.
Why STRONGR
In many ways, STRONGR is a redemption of several tragedies I experienced.
My family was constantly shuffled around from church to church. This was because the churches we found ourselves in were unhealthy. Each church systems had a scarcity of long-lasting ministers and an abundance of power-hungry and manipulative elders. Eventually my dad left full time ministry. He longed for stability for the family and ultimately was unable to find it in ministry. Later on I found myself working at a similar church with manipulative leaders and a damaging church system. So the disfunction of the church is something that is close to home for me. But I don’t think it has to be this way. I think churches can with work be mostly healthy and mostly whole. I want to help heal the church. I want to help the church grow in health and resiliency. Much pain can be spared if the church gets intentional about this.
Things I Like
I love studying theology and thinking about philosophy. I’m the type of person that enjoys doing new things because of the challenge of learning a whole new skill. In a sense, hobbies are my hobby. I’m a classically trained trombone player and percussionist. I love making music and got hooked on worship music in Highschool. I play guitar, piano, drums and bass and love singing. In addition I love playing disc golf with my son and running with my daughter. I got into video production in college and still love making videos. I’m a huge board game guy and love smoking brisket.
Hi, my name is Bri LaValley.
My Testimony and Calling
I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was in middle school. But it wasn’t until the last five years where I started growing out of my child like faith into a more adult like faith through reading my Bible and digging into Bible commentaries and volunteering in youth ministry with my husband and teaching teens about Jesus.
Why STRONGR
I am called to STRONGR not only through my husband’s calling, but through a calling of my own. I want to be involved in strengthening churches. I want to help strengthen churches in any way possible to be a healthy place for those who are hurting. I have seen first hand how church can tear people down instead of build them up. I want to prevent church hurt from happening and that’s why the mission of STRONGR speaks to me.
Things I Like
I am a stay at home mom, and have known my calling to be a mom since a young age. We are blessed with two kids, with another on the way! So excited about how our family is growing and the many blessings God is giving and providing!
I love CRAFTS! All things crafts I adore and especially love doing them with my kids. I also enjoy knitting and some sewing here and there. I also love Children’s books! I love hitting up thrift stores and finding the best deals on children’s books. I love reading to my children so much and hope to someday write my own children’s book.
