History

Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church was chartered in 1996 as a mission congregation of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.

Rev. Dr. David Sawyer was the organizing pastor of Spirit of Life and worked diligently with the Presbytery and many energetic people as God built up Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church. The first worship service in 1995 couldn’t fit everyone who wanted to worship. God was doing a new thing in the world–and continues to do so today.

After many months of planning and acquiring an organizing pastor (David Sawyer), the PTCA formed the Dakota County New Church Development (NCD) Steering Committee in July 1995 to begin plans for inviting and involving new members in the church. In November 1995, the Dakota County NCD held its first church service with over 200 people in attendance. One year later the NCD was officially chartered as Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church. Spirit of Life began its journey at 14401 Pilot Knob Road, Apple Valley, Minnesota.

The church building was an existing building that the members converted into a welcoming house of God for all to come and worship. The building and property was purchased by Spirit of Life.

In addition to Pastor Sawyer, the following people played a role in establishing and growing the church. Reverend Myra Carroll-Pezzalla served as Associate Pastor from October, 1996 through August of 1998. Reverend Lisa Watson was called as Associate Pastor in April of 2000 and Carla Ingebretsen was hired as youth director in August of 2000 and served until May of 2001. Crystie Dufon was hired as youth director in September 2001 and served until September of 2004.

Following Pastor Sawyer’s departure in early 2002, Pastors Buller, Yeager and Newswanger served as interim pastors.

In March of 2003, Pastor Zachary Wilson began his ministry at Spirit of Life. Under Pastor Wilson’s direction, the Session modified their Mission Statement to read:

Spirit of Life Presbyterian Church,
created by the Holy Spirit,
seeks to be a loving community
where all can grow in faith
while serving
and
worshipping
the God made known in Jesus Christ.

In September of 2006, the Spirit of Life congregation celebrated the church’s 10th anniversary with a pig roast and a fun fair for all.

In 2006, American Montessori school opened in the upper level of the church.

We are in the process of discerning where God is calling us to go in years to come as our timeless journey with God continues…