PVFB Statement regarding the trail of Jonathan Elwing
The trial of former pastor Jonathan Elwing on charges related to child sexual abuse is scheduled to begin in late April 2026. Considering the gravity of the charges and the court process, we cannot make further comments regarding the trial beyond the fact that we have been fully cooperative with authorities and pray that justice is served.
As children are especially precious to our Lord and to us, we stand against abuse and abusers. In this, we continue our work toward accreditation through the Evangelical Council for Abuse Protection (www.ecap.net). This includes mandatory volunteer safety screening, regular criminal background checks, and ongoing abuse awareness training as part of a comprehensive child safety plan. Consistent with the moral and ethical standards we hold as a church, we maintain zero tolerance for abuse of any kind in our ministry programs and activities, training all of our workers to report suspected abuse or neglect both to the Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-962-2873), in accordance with state law, and within the church, following church policy.
As children are especially precious to our Lord and to us, we stand against abuse and abusers. In this, we continue our work toward accreditation through the Evangelical Council for Abuse Protection (www.ecap.net). This includes mandatory volunteer safety screening, regular criminal background checks, and ongoing abuse awareness training as part of a comprehensive child safety plan. Consistent with the moral and ethical standards we hold as a church, we maintain zero tolerance for abuse of any kind in our ministry programs and activities, training all of our workers to report suspected abuse or neglect both to the Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-962-2873), in accordance with state law, and within the church, following church policy.