By Matt Alexander, V3 staff

Bill and Betty Clifton moved to Waynesboro, Virginia, out of a desire to be closer to their neighbors and to practice “church” in a way that felt more relational, rooted, and woven into the rhythms of everyday life.

More than 20 years ago, while Bill was pastoring in Missouri, the Cliftons began to wrestle with how churches often function. “We started wondering if what we were experiencing in a traditional church was really the extent of what it meant to follow Jesus,” says Bill. “We asked questions like, ‘Is there more than just showing up on Sundays?’ and ‘What would it look like for the church to take ownership of its block or street?’”

That longing led them through several seasons of ministry and eventually to the Shenandoah Valley, where they sensed a fresh call to live on mission among their immediate neighbors. Waynesboro offered the chance to bump into people in the neighborhood—to build connections through proximity and presence.

They joined the V3 cohort in September 2024 and have found the experience to be both encouraging and equipping. “We’ve been affirmed in our calling and gained so many practical tools for this work,” says Betty.

The Cliftons have been experimenting with simple, meaningful ways to connect with neighbors—hosting meals, organizing game nights, joining local groups, and even setting up a front-yard station to serve homemade scones and fresh-roasted coffee.

“This has been one of the best ways to connect,” says Bill. “Betty loves baking, and I love roasting coffee. Offering it freely has opened up beautiful conversations with neighbors walking by.”

Through small acts of hospitality and a deep sense of presence, the Cliftons are embodying a vision of church that feels personal, grounded, and full of hope.

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