The church, on a slope above a stream, is in a secluded spot. At one time in the 19th century there were four mills on the stream, three in the parish of St Ervan. As in several other parishes in Cornwall St Ervan has its own Holy Well, down the valley below the Church. Water from the well is still used for christenings in this parish.

St Ervan Church is well remembered because, in the drowsy days of summer, when the young John Betjeman cycled through narrow Cornish lanes, in the 1920's he came upon this church. The ancient bell hung from its tripod and the bearded priest Prebendary Johnson was about and welcoming. John Betjeman later wrote 'Summoned by Bells' which was published as a book in 1960. It was here at St Ervan that he discovered a deeper faith. An extract from this poem is exhibited in the church.

From about 1915 until 1958, the mediaeval bell was hung from a tripod of branches, placed outside the porch, and the bell sounded with a gong stick.

Sir John's poem was the centrepiece of the dedication ceremony in July 1983 when the old bell was placed on an oak stand in the tower arch. The idea of the mount came from Douglas Bennett; who with Gill Fisher, read the lessons.

Since earliest times, St Ervan had its own Rector, usually living in the Rectory unless he was a pluralist, in which case he lived elsewhere and relied on a curate to act here on his behalf, and live in the Rectory.

From 1955 until 1977 the church was linked with St Eval, and then from 1977 the United Benefice of St Mawgan-in-Pydar with St Ervan and St Eval was formed.

The running of the church and the care of the fabric including the Chancel, is undertaken by elected Churchwardens and the Parochial Church Council. A great deal of time and effort is, as it has been through the centuries, concerned with fund raising. Worship continues in the church, as it has for 700 years. Services are held every Sunday at 9.30am.