Pastor Virgil Porter was raised in the Matthews, Missouri farming community in Southeast Missouri. He surrendered to the ministry in 1970. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible from Central Baptist College, Conway, Arkansas and a Master of Theology degree and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas. He came to Pleasant Valley as pastor in December 2007. He also teaches as associate professor of Bible at Central Baptist College, Conway, Arkansas.

He and his wife Sheila have two sons, Trey and Matthew (Nikkina.) They also have two grandkids, Hailey and Elleigh.

Dr. Porter has served as pastor of several churches in Arkansas and Texas, has written Sunday school literature for DiscipleGuide Publishing, theological journal articles and devotionals, and has served in various offices and positions in the Baptist Missionary Association of America on the local, state and national levels.