Valley Creek Baptist Church Springfield Rd

Neighborhood 360º
Assessment
Springfield Road Campus

WELCOME TO YOUR
NEIGHBORHOOD 360º ASSESSMENT
Introduction
Neighborhood Snapshot
History of Valley Creek Baptist
History of Elizabethtown
Local Insights
Demographics
Neighborhood Observations
Survey Results
Neighborhood Wants, Dreams, and Desires
Church Survey Results
Opportunities for Ministry
Reflective Questions
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INTRODUCTION
Valley Creek Baptist Church is a mission driven
church who exists to grow the kingdom of God
and build up new and young disciples for
Christ. We believe that the world is our
mission field and strive to live everyday with
that as a driving force of everything we do.
Inside the church, we work to make disciples
who are readily equipped to share the gospel
and are comfortable doing so in any situation.
To better understand Elizabethtown and the
current barriers and bridges that exist, we
commissioned a team of volunteers to conduct
an in-depth neighborhood study of the
neighborhoods surrounding Valley Creek
Baptist Church. Our goal was to become
students of Elizabethtown in order to become
servants of the community. We surveyed
neighbors door-to-door, conducted in-depth
interviews, spent hours walking to observe our
streets, and collected demographic, historical
and cultural data to complete this study.
This neighborhood study is intended to aid
you, your ministry team, your Life Groups, and
our church body to:
Build connections between Valley Creek
Baptist Church and the community
Guide strategic planning and the development
of new ministries
Draw on stories of motivation and vision in
the community
Understand the forces that affect the lives of
people in the community
Understand the community factors that will
influence ministry effectiveness
Understand how we as a church are affected
by the community
Discern how Valley Creek Baptist Church is
perceived by the community
Engage our neighbors through creative,
effective, and wise relationships
At the end of this booklet, you will find a
series of discussion questions. Our goal is not
to prescribe ministry opportunities to all of
our members and Life Groups but to provide
this study as a means of stimulating creative
thinking. So, once you’ve read through this
study, gather a few friends and discuss how
your group or ministry can wisely and
effectively engage the people of
Elizabethtown.
We are excited to see what God will do
through our presence in Elizabethtown!
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NEIGHBORHOOD SNAPSHOT
Valley Creek Baptist is located on Springfield Road
at the intersection of Valley Creek Road and
Springfield Road. The area of the study primarily
included Valley Creek Road, Springfield Road,
Middle Creek Road, Miller Road, Ford Highway, Red
Mill Road, Youngers Creek Road from Miller Road to
Highway 62, and Hodgenville Road from Valley
Creek to Red Mill Road.
Springfield Rd
Miller Rd
Valley Creek Rd
HISTORY OF VALLEY
CREEK BAPTIST
The church began in August of 1872 when members
from several other area churches came together to
form a congregation closer to home in the Valley
Creek community. The building all started as a
simple white frame structure, heated by a wood
stove and lit by oil lamps. A new church building
was dedicated in April of 1971, with more rooms for
Life Groups added in 1987. As God continued to
bless the worship attendance of the church, a new
worship center was built in 1995, followed by a new
Family Life Center in February of 2001. The South
Wilson Campus was launched in 2020 as the church
continued to grow.
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HISTORY OF ELIZABETHTOWN
Elizabethtown, Kentucky is a city in Hardin County, situated in the central part of the state. It was
established in 1793 and named after Elizabeth Hynes, the wife of Colonel Andrew Hynes, who was a
settler in the area. The land where Elizabethtown was founded was originally part of a large parcel of
land granted by the state of Virginia to the Marquis de Lafayette in recognition of his service during the
American Revolution.
In the early days of Elizabethtown, it was a small trading center for local farmers, and the town grew
slowly. However, the establishment of a post office in 1800 helped to increase its importance as a
commercial hub. The town's location on the Louisville and Nashville Turnpike also made it an
important stop for travelers heading west.
During the Civil War, Elizabethtown played a strategic role due to its location on the major roads
leading to both Nashville and Louisville. In 1862, Confederate General Braxton Bragg and his troops
occupied the city for a short time, using it as a base of operations during their invasion of Kentucky.
Union troops eventually retook the city, and it was not until the end of the war that the town fully
recovered.
Throughout the 20th century, Elizabethtown continued to grow and prosper. The establishment of Fort
Knox, a large military base nearby, brought many jobs to the area and helped to spur development.
Today, Elizabethtown is a thriving community. Its location along Interstate 65 makes it a popular stop
for travelers, and the city is home to a number of businesses and industries, including healthcare,
manufacturing, and education. There are also many cultural and recreational opportunities in the area,
including the summer concert series at Freeman Lake Park, organized sports, and the Heartland
Festival. The City Seal, with the inscription "Elizabethtown, Strong and Growing Since 1779" still rings
true today.
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LOCAL INSIGHTS
Elizabethtown has something to offer for everyone, whether you are doing business, visiting or living
here. While the City of Elizabethtown has an official population of over 30,000 residents, we
discovered that the average daytime population doubles due to the regional attraction as a place to
work, shop, dine and entertain. It’s a great place to live. Elizabethtown is a diverse community with
annual festivals, award-winning schools and a thriving historic downtown.
Situated at the crossroads of major highways including Interstate 65, Elizabethtown is conveniently
within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population. For those traveling by air, the community is
easily accessible through the local general aviation airport, Elizabethtown Regional
Airport/Addington Field or commercial flights at nearby Louisville International Airport.
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DEMOGRAPHICS
POPULATION HIGHLIGHTS
Total Population: 31,298
Total Households: 13,296
AGE
65+: 12%
40-64: 33%
22-39: 24%
18-21: 5%
0-17: 25%
RACE
White 25,038 (80.4%)
Black: 3,393 (11.2%)
Asian: 757 (2.5%)
Hispanic: 1,665 (5.5%)
Other: 123 (0.4%)
GENDER
Female: 50.6%
Male: 49.4%
EDUCATION
Higher Degree: 28.7%
High School: 91.3%
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME
Elizabethtown: $57,163
Kentucky: $52,295
EMPLOYMENT
Employed: 54.9%
Unemployed: 4.7%
Not in the Labor Force: 36%
MARITAL STATUS
Never Married: males 30%, females 22%
Married: males 54%, females 52%
Separated/Divorced: males 14%, females 17%
Widowed: males 2%, females 9%
FAMILY HOUSEHOLD TYPE
Percentage of family households with children under the age of 18.
Married: 52.4%
Single Moms: 12%
Single Dads: 4.9%
NOTABLE FEATURES
Here are some insights about how
Elizabethtown compares to the Kentucky
state average:
Unemployment percentage
significantly below state average.
Black race population percentage
above state average.
Hispanic race population percentage
above state average.
Median age below state average.
Renting percentage above state
average.
Length of stay since moving below
state average.
Institutionalized population
percentage above state average.
Percentage of population with a
bachelor's degree or higher above
state average.
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NEIGHBORHOOD OBSERVATIONS
The Elizabethtown lifestyle features country living and selfreliance.
Avid do-it-yourselfers, they maintain and remodel
their homes with all the necessary power tools to accomplish
the jobs. Gardening, especially growing vegetables, is a
priority, again with the right tools, tillers, tractors, and riding
mowers. Outdoor living features a variety of sports: hunting
and fishing, motorcycling, hiking and camping, and even golf.
The neighborhoods have mostly transformed from the easy
pace of country living to semi rural subdivisions in the last
few decades, as the housing boom spread beyond large
metropolitan cities, like Louisville. We noticed that many
residents are financially thrifty but willing to carry some debt
and are already investing in their futures. They rely on their
smartphones and mobile devices to stay in touch and pride
themselves on their expertise. The people we met prefer to
buy American and travel in the US.
We did some research as well as talking and surveying the
community and began to notice some of the following
themes about the residents who live here.
Residents are partial to domestic vehicles; they like to
drive trucks, SUVs, or motorcycles.
Entertainment is primarily family oriented, TV and movie
rentals or theme parks and family restaurants.
Spending priorities also focus on family (children’s toys
and apparel) or home DIY projects.
Sports include hunting, fishing, bowling, and basketball.
TV and magazines are a primary source of entertainment
and information. And Media preferences include country
and Christian channels.
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SURVEY RESULTS
Over 100 interviews were conducted in Elizabethtown. We went door to door and asked the following
questions.
How long have you lived in this community? What makes this a good place to live? (To give clues to
where God is already at work in the community)
What do you like best about this community? What makes this a good place to live? (To give clues to what
are the greatest felt needs)
What are one or two changes you would like to see that could make life better in this community? (To help
discern what can be done to meet those needs)
Do you have any ideas about ways a caring church could make a difference in this neighborhood? (To give
clues to presently acceptable pathways for service)
When asked what makes this a good place to live the answers we received were: it’s peaceful, they
feel safe, the country setting, and privacy. Upon reflection, here are likely explanations for why we
believe residents answered in this way:
Residents desire a sense of safety and security: A peaceful neighborhood is often associated with
a low crime rate and a general sense of safety and security. People tend to feel more comfortable
and at ease when they know that their homes and their community are safe.
Residents desire a better quality of life: A quiet neighborhood can enhance one's quality of life by
providing a peaceful and serene environment to live in. With less noise, pollution, and stress,
residents of peaceful neighborhoods can enjoy a better quality of life and improved well-being.
Residents desire better health: A peaceful neighborhood may also have positive health impacts,
as it can encourage residents to spend more time outdoors, exercise, and engage in other healthy
activities. Additionally, the lack of noise pollution can lead to better sleep quality, which in turn
can have numerous health benefits.
Residents desire community engagement: Peaceful and quiet neighborhoods may foster a greater
sense of community and social connectedness, as residents may feel more comfortable spending
time outdoors, interacting with their neighbors, and participating in community events.
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SURVEY RESULTS
When asked what ways could a caring church make a difference (VCBC)
we were told:
Community outreach: residents mentioned the need for outreach
efforts to support members of their community who are in need.
This may involve organizing food drives, clothing donations, or
other types of support for those facing economic hardship or other
challenges.
Volunteerism: people encouraged us to volunteer in the
community, whether it's through local schools, shelters, or other
organizations.
Youth programs: Residents mentioned that we can provide
opportunities for youth in the neighborhood to engage in positive,
safe activities like after-school and mentoring programs.
Spiritual support: It was shared that we can offer spiritual support
for those going through difficult times, such as providing
counseling or other types of support to those struggling with
addiction, or grief.
Community events: We were asked to organize community events
that bring people together in a positive way. This might include
events like holiday celebrations, neighborhood clean-up days, or
other types of events that promote community engagement and
connection.
Overall, we believe that the residents we talked with want the church
to make a significant positive impact in our neighborhoods by
providing support, guidance, and community engagement
opportunities. By taking an active role in our community, we can help
build stronger relationships and foster a greater sense of unity and
belonging.
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NEIGHBORHOOD WANTS, DREAMS,
AND DESIRES
We took some time to interview key leaders in our community to help deepen our community
relationships. Here are some key themes about their hopes/joys/likes, issues/concerns/worries, and
good stories they like to tell.
Hopes/Joys/Likes:
People love a small town feel that offers big town amenities. The community feels safe and churches,
schools, fire houses, and local agencies are trying to make a difference. The school system and
educators are coming together to help with mental health needs, help get GED and work placement,
and help with medical needs. The local fire department provides community oriented events and are
involved in community activities.
Issues/Concerns/Worries:
The greatest concern mentioned frequently is the growing concentration of rehab centers. We believe
the community might be concerned about a concentration of rehab centers for several reasons:
Stigma: The growing concentration of rehab centers might lead to stigmatization of the
community as being associated with drug addiction and substance abuse.
Property Values: Residents might worry that having rehab centers in their neighborhood could
negatively impact property values.
Increased Crime: A concentration of rehab centers might attract individuals struggling with
addiction, which could lead to an increase in crime in the area.
Overburdened Services: Concentration of rehab centers may put a strain on local public services
such as police, emergency responders, and hospitals
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NEIGHBORHOOD WANTS, DREAMS,
AND DESIRES
Also mentioned is the need for subgroups (by age and needs) in our church and community (early
childhood, adolescent, college age, married, single, elderly) programs for their particular age and
need. Barriers to self sufficiency such as transportation, child care, access to healthcare. Jobs that are
available cannot pay for needs like quality child care and transportation (no public transportation).
The lack of parental support and involvement, the usage of cell phones, and social media.
Good Stories:
Valley Creek Church has a tight connection with the Valley Creek Fire Department and together they
could make great things happen. There are churches and organizations in our community that have
space and availability to offer programs. Working together our community can provide a safe
environment for family fun, family togetherness, family involvement, and family unity. Forming a
community forum to look out for each other and inform each other of sickness, death, etc. You can
love on each other when you are a community that is involved and informed. There are programs and
agencies that are making a difference (example: Celebrate Recovery Program at SVBC).
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CHURCH SURVEY RESULTS
We also took the time to survey our own congregation to discover what gifts are abundant here at
our church. 72 people took our survey and this information can be used to match the gifts of our
congregation with the dreams and needs of our community.
The vast majority of our congregation’s age is
40-65 years old. During this life stage, much of
our church congregation is established in their
work and careers. Some are considering
retirement and/or career changes. For the most
part, the majority of our households are also
married with children in the home.
We are a highly educated congregation. The vast
majority of our congregation has some college or
higher degree.
Master Degree (32%)
Bachelor Degree (26%)
Some College (19%)
Trade Certificate or Associate's Degree (11%)
The top five Skill Sets in the congregation include:
1. Administration/Leadership (50%)
2. Leadership/Management (19%)
3. Children/Adolescents (7%)
4. Interpersonal (7%)
5. Trade Skill (4%)
It is rare to have such a high concentration of
administration skills in a given congregation.
This leads us to imagine what we as a church
can do to harness and deploy such valuable
gifts into the community.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY
POTENTIAL NEXT STEPS
1.Spring/Fall VC Go
2.Community Cookout/Picnic (partner with Valley Creek fire department)
3. Community and Congregational visitation
4. Monthly senior lunch/outing
5. College Age programs and classes
6. Financial Literacy Class (partner with local banks)
7. Social Media safety (partner with local law enforcement)
8. Parent Cafes
9. Open gym nights for kids, youth, adults ( basketball and volleyball)
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REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS
We are excited to be on this journey with you as we work to get some new programs and events for
our congregation and our community. Christ has gifted each of us with gifts and talents for us to use
to serve our community. Help be a part of our legacy to love our neighbors and share the good news.
1. What, if anything, has changed in your understanding of the community around Valley Creek
Baptist Church?
2. What new opportunities do you see for Valley Creek Baptist Church to love and connect with our
community as a result of this study?
3. How do you imagine this study will change or impact our church?
4. How might your Life Group use the insights in this study to engage and connect with the
community around you?
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