History of Prairieview
Prairieview Covenant Church traces its roots back to 1884, when a group of Swedish immigrant families began gathering in homes and barns near Star Prairie, Wisconsin. United by their love for Jesus and a desire to live as “Mission Friends”, they formally organized in 1890 as the Swedish Christian Mission Church of Star Prairie. They would quickly become known for providing vibrant ministry to children, youth, and the local community. After over a century of faithful worship and mission, the church stepped into a new chapter. In 2001, led by a small group of members and the generosity of many, the congregation relocated to our current home on the corner of Highway 65 and 210th Avenue, and Prairieview Covenant Church was born.
Over the decades, this congregation has experienced many seasons of growth, as well as seasons of hardship. And yet, through it all, God has been faithful. Today, over 135 years later, we give thanks! Not for buildings or names, but for the generations of faith that came before us and the mission that still compels us to follow Jesus, to love our neighbors, and to invite others into the hope of the gospel. As we look ahead, may Prairieview continue to be a light in our community; a church grounded in God’s Word, alive in His Spirit, and faithful in His mission. To God be the glory; past, present, and future.
Prairieview is a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church; a growing multi-ethnic denomination of over 850 churches across the United States and Canada. Since 1885, the Evangelical Covenant has sought to form and nurture communities that are deeply committed to Jesus Christ and passionately engaged in Christ’s mission in the world.
What is the Covenant?
Prairieview Covenant Church is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC). Founded in 1885 by Swedish immigrants, they have become a growing multi-ethnic denomination of over 850 churches across the United States and Canada. As Covenanters, we recognize our place in the global Christian Church to mean that:
WE ARE AN APOSTOLIC CHURCH
Grounded in the authority of Scripture, we are committed to studying and living out its teaching. This leads us to faithfully continue the work Jesus entrusted to His disciples: spreading the Good News, making more disciples, and serving our communities for the sake of God’s Kingdom.
WE ARE A REFORMATION CHURCH
We stand on the foundation of faith that was renewed during the sixteenth century Protestant Reformation. We are committed to the core principles of grace alone, faith alone, and Scripture alone; emphasizing a personal relationship with God and the centrality of His Word. Our heritage calls us to continually reform and renew, seeking to be faithful to the Gospel in every generation.
WE ARE AN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
We are passionately committed to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. We believe in the power of the Gospel to transform lives, and we are dedicated to proclaiming it with clarity, compassion, and conviction. Rooted in the authority of Scripture, we strive to live out our faith through acts of compassion, mercy, and justice which leads us to inviting others to experience the hope and joy found in Christ.
WE ARE PART OF THE GLOBAL CHURCH
We understand that our local churches are connected with the greater body of Christ that transcends cultures, nations, and languages. We are united with believers across the globe and the many who have gone before us, sharing a common faith in Jesus and a commitment to His mission until Christ comes again.
What Do We Believe?
In the Evangelical Covenant Church, our essential beliefs are summed up in what we call "The Covenant Affirmations". These six statements are what guide us in our life and ministry together. This means that we affirm the following:
CENTRALITY OF THE WORD OF GOD
The Evangelical Covenant Church affirms the centrality of the Word of God, meaning we believe that the Bible is the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct...
NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH
The Evangelical Covenant Church affirms the necessity of the new birth, emphasizing that a personal transformation through faith in Jesus Christ is essential for salvation...
COMMITMENT TO THE WHOLE MISSION
The Evangelical Covenant Church is committed to the whole mission of the church, encompassing evangelism, discipleship, and service in our communities and beyond...
FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS
The Evangelical Covenant Church affirms the importance of being a fellowship of believers, where we find support, encouragement, and accountability in our journey of faith...
DEPENDENCE ON THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Evangelical Covenant Church emphasizes a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit, recognizing that it is through the Spirit's power that we are guided, empowered, and transformed...
REALITY OF FREEDOM IN CHRIST
The Evangelical Covenant Church celebrates the freedom we have in Christ, recognizing that through Him, we are liberated from the power of sin and death. This freedom allows us to live fully...
The Evangelical Covenant Church is a pilgrim church. Until Christ comes, we worship, serve, and witness so that the whole earth may hear God’s voice, learn of God’s love, and experience God’s joy. If you want to learn more about the Evangelical Covenant Church or explore the affirmations more deeply, visit the Evangelical Covenant Church website below for more information.