FAQ
Click on the link in this list to quickly take you to your answer!
Church Structure/Beliefs
What are the beliefs of PVC?
Is PVC non-denominational?
Since PVC is part of the Evangelical Free Church of America, what does “Evangelical” mean?
Since PVC is part of the Evangelical Free Church of America, what does “Free” mean?
Does the EFCA have any authority over PVC?
How is the Pleasant Valley Church Governance Board structured?
What functions do Elders have as part of the Governance Board?
When is the annual business meeting?
Baptism/Dedications/Membership/Weddings
Can I get married at Pleasant Valley Church?
How do I become a member of Pleasant Valley Church?
Why aren’t babies baptized at Pleasant Valley Church?
What does Parent/Child Dedication mean?
What does Pleasant Valley Church believe about baptism?
Other
Is financial help available?
What is the Table?
Have additional questions? Please submit them below and a church representative will contact you.
No. PV is formally aligned with an established denomination, the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA). Read more at www.efca.org
The Table is a relational, online web application, custom-tailored for Pleasant Valley Church. We aim to engage the community, empower leaders, and move people beyond the pews and into authentic, life-changing friendships.
If you have not already joined the Table, here’ s how:
1) Go to the home page of this site, click on “the table” button.
2) Click “I’m new here.”
3) Click “Join” and follow the steps to sign-up.
4) Fill out your profile and make sure to add a picture.
Enjoy joining the church family to pray, meet, learn and serve with each other beyond Sundays. You can post and read discussions and serving opportunities. You can view and register for upcoming events. You can join a group and keep up to date with your group members!
Can I get married at Pleasant Valley Church?
Weddings at Pleasant Valley are for regular attendees, members, and children of such. If you fit that criteria, and would like to talk further, please call the church office, 507.452.5518. The next step is to meet with the pastor you’d like to officiate at your wedding. The pastor will speak with you about things he feels are important in your journey and future plans. Once the pastor agrees to perform your ceremony, our office staff will talk through scheduling and fees with you.
How do I become a member of Pleasant Valley Church?
Church membership is one of the avenues God will use in your life to cause growth and commitment to occur.
The membership process has a few steps:
First, we’d like you to attend for 6 months before considering membership; make sure that Pleasant Valley is for you.
Second, it is required that you attend a Discover Pleasant Valley seminar. Please watch the church bulletin for the date of the next seminar. It is a four-hour seminar designed to answer the basics of who we are, what we are called to do, and how you can come alongside and become a participating member.
Third, read through the Church Constitution and a Membership Application form that you will receive at the seminar. Constitution Membership Application
After attending the class, fill out the application and return it to the front office. The Board will schedule two members to come and meet with you. This is a wonderful time of getting to know each other, answering any questions you may have about the church and learning about your spiritual journey and your desire to participate at Pleasant Valley Church.
Finally, a recommendation is made to the Board who will place your name in the church bulletin for two weeks to let people in the church membership know of your desire to become a member. After this period, the Board will take a vote on your request and discuss with you how you would like to be recognized before the entire Congregation.
Pleasant Valley Church does have what is called a Benevolence Fund. This fund is made up of money that has been given by the church family specifically to help others in the church family who are in financial need. We are at times able to assist community members as well. Each circumstance is looked at individually.
The Benevolence Fund is intended as a source of last resort to be used when the family or individual requesting assistance has explored all other possibilities of help from family, friends, savings, investments, sale of unnecessary goods, or eliminating unnecessary items in one’s budget. Such gifts are intended to be a temporary help during a time of crisis.
Anyone requesting financial help must meet with a pastor. If you would like to set up an appointment, please call the church office, 452.5518.
Why aren’t babies baptized at Pleasant Valley Church?
In the Bible, parents brought their children to Jesus and asked Him to pray for them. However, nowhere in the Bible do we see babies being baptized with water. This is because baptism is designed by God for those who have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ.
Children can be baptized at our church, but at an older age, after they make a personal commitment to Jesus Christ and can understand the significance of a commitment and of baptism.
What does Parent/Child Dedication mean?
The Bible teaches that parents have the primary responsibility to nurture the faith of their children. Parent/Child Dedication is an opportunity for parents to publically present their children to the Lord and commit to be godly parents. By dedicating your child, our church is committing to do all we can to support and encourage you in your role.
Parents are encouraged to dedicate children of any age. Dedications are not only for babies.
Parent/Child Dedications are planned three times a year during our Sunday worship celebrations. A private dedication can be arranged if you should desire one.
If you are interested in participating in our next Parent/Child Dedication, watch the bulletin for the dates of upcoming Dedication Sundays or call the office, 452.5518. Please plan to attend the preparation meeting held before the Dedication date that you choose. Prior to the event, the church office will need a picture of your child and, if you desire, a scripture verse of your choice for the ceremony.
What does Pleasant Valley Church believe about baptism?
From the EFCA Statement of Faith, on the Church: “We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God’s grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer.”
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
How is the Pleasant Valley Church Governance Board structured?
The Governance Board consists of the Senior Pastor and eight voting members (four elders and four non-elders). Each Governance Board member serves for four years, terms are scheduled so that two members rotate off the Board each year. Several months before the annual business meeting, the Board asks the church membership for nominations to the Board. The Board considers the nominees, asking them to complete a detailed application and interview. The Board then recommends their choices to the chuch membership at the annual business meeting for their affirmation. The Board votes each year to elect a Chariman. A non-voting secretary is appointed to the Board.
When is the annual business meeting?
The annual business meeting is scheduled just prior to the end of the fiscal year, the end of March.
What functions do Elders have as part of the Governance Board?
In addition to general Board responsibilities, Elders will shepherd by taking responsibility to:
- maintain doctrinal purity among all ministry entities directly related to PVC and encouage sound doctirine among all attendees
- be servant leaders, modeling Christ-likeness and ensure that this is accomplished through mutual accountability
- pray for the healing of the sick and for those who directly request elder care
- interview and recommend prospective candidates for church membership
- act on discipline and conflict resolution issues
Elders will provide prayer support, encouragement, accountability and counsel to the Senior Pastor whenever sought.
Since PVC is part of the Evangelical Free Church of America, what does “Evangelical” mean?
The word evangelical is an adjective, a describing word, that means we are committed to sharing the gospel and to the authority of the Bible as our guide to follow in our Christian lives.
read more at www.efca.org
Since PVC is part of the Evangelical Free Church of America, what does “Free” mean?
The word free is an adjective, a describing word, that refers to our form of church government. As an EFCA church, we are not governed by the denomination, we are “free” to depend on the active participation of pastors and lay people for the direction of our church.
read more at www.efca.org
Does the EFCA have any authority over PVC?
While PVC is a self-governing body responsible only to Jesus Chrits as its Head, it also recognizes the advantages of mutual counsel and cooperation with other Evangelical Free Churches and voluntarily agrees to affiliate with and support the Evangelical Free Church of America.