Jesus was asked “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” He replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:36-39). Jesus concluded His earthly ministry by giving His followers the Great Commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
With the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-39) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) at the heart of our purpose for existence, we believe God's desire for Calvary Baptist Church is to be "a caring community committed to developing people with a passion to know, serve, and proclaim Jesus Christ." Our love for the Lord and for our “neighbors” is the driving force behind our efforts to make disciples, meeting people where they are and helping them grow toward maturity as followers of Christ.
Fulfillment of our purpose requires a balance of winning the lost to Christ, building believers in the faith, and equipping workers for ministry. We have also identified six "key factors" as essential elements of ministry in order to see this mission accomplished. The process of developing people with a passion to know, serve, and proclaim Jesus Christ necessarily involves fostering loving relationships, prayer, worship, Bible-centered teaching, ministry training, and outreach.
Promoting an atmosphere of love and acceptance by developing new relationships and nurturing existing relationships that demonstrate responsiveness to the needs of others.
The practice of prayer on individual, family, small group, and corporate levels that enhances our relationship with the Lord, demonstrates our reliance upon His resources and responsiveness to His leading, and increases our active concern for others.
Declaring the supreme worth of God through celebration and consecration in response to His Word, His character, and His activity.
Communicating the truth of God’s Word in a relevant and practical manner that inspires obedience and transforms lives.
Identifying faithful, available, and teachable believers and equipping them for growing involvement in ministries of winning, building, and equipping others.
Providing opportunities and assistance to believers at home and abroad for cultivating sensitive and significant relationships with the lost, for sowing the seed of the Gospel of Christ, and for reaping the harvest when the fruit is ripe.
In 1884, First Baptist Church established a mission Sunday school in a small schoolhouse at Fifth Avenue and Sixth Street Southwest. This became Second Baptist Church in 1890, and a church building was erected at that site in 1891. The name was changed to Calvary Baptist Church in 1897. The growing congregation constructed a new building at Third Avenue and Twelfth Street Southwest in the 1940s. Mission Sunday schools started by Calvary members led to the founding of several other area churches, but continued growth resulted in the move to our current facility in 1979.
Calvary Baptist Church is affiliated with the Venture Church Network, a fellowship of nearly 1,200 churches, and with its regional ministry, the VCNMidwest. The Venture Church Network family of ministries includes Missions Door and WorldVenture for the support of missionaries at home and abroad. We also support missionaries and ministries of several other evangelical parachurch organizations. Calvary is also active in the community as a partner with CareNetworkCR.