It is one of the churches for the Gjerpen parish which is part of the Skien prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Agder og Telemark.

The tan, stone church was built in a cruciform design around the year 1153 using plans drawn up by an unknown architect.

[1][2] The church is still used for regular worship services as well as weddings, baptisms, and other religious events.

In 1781, the nave was extended westwards by 10 metres (33 ft) and it received a new entrance and bell tower.

During that project, it was converted into a cruciform design by adding two transepts to the north and south sides of the nave.

[3] In 1919-1921, Harald Bødtker led another renovation and restoration of the building, with interiors designed by Emanuel Vigeland.

Vigeland designed the new mosaic Den bortkomne sønns hjemkomst during this project.

Additional features included glass paintings, pulpit, baptismal font, benches, lamps, and a bronze relief that was drawn in the 1920s.