FAQ

Calvary is an independent church that is under the headship of Christ. Our sole pursuit is to exalt the Lord Jesus through the ministry of the Word. In accordance to Ephesians 3-4 we teach the Word of God as a means of equipping the saints for the work of the ministry for the building up of the body.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousnes: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We hold the Word of God in high esteem both in theology and practice. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, infallible Word of God. We believe that everything we need to know about God, salvation, and life are fully and accurately given to us in the Bible. It is relevant for all that we face in the 21st century. Therefore, we encourage every believer to have individual, daily Bible study so they can be instructed from the Word of God.

We corporately study the Bible verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter. It is our goal not only to teach from the Bible, but to actually teach the Bible itself. We recognize that topical Bible study affords a certain benefit, and we will, from time to time and in various venues, study necessary topics of the Bible. However, our commitment is to study the entire Bible, trusting that God will thoroughly teach us and help us through every issue we face in life. Therefore, our services are structured in such a way as to give ample time for the study of the Word of God and the application it has to our lives.
Although the King James Bible is favored and the most used translation in Calvary’s pulpit and classrooms, Calvary does not adhere to the tenets of the “KJV only” persuasion.

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

Worship begins in the heart of man in relationship with God’s truth as revealed by the His Spirit; outward expression follows. Corporate worship takes place every time Calvary meets together through various means; music, fellowship, giving, etc., all of which centers around the Word of God. Our music blends the old with the new and is normally led by a small team of musicians and singers. We do not emphasize the musician’s style or abilities but rather the message being sung and taught. Calvary worships corporately in music with the intent of exalting Christ through what is being played or sung as well as what takes place in the heart and life of the worshiper. We believe that God is worthy of worship and should therefore be exalted by the body as a whole, as well as by each individual member. This time of worship begins the dialogue between the worshipper and God and serves as an invaluable time of preparation for what God will say to us in the study of His word.

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Fellowship is a vital part of Calvary Baptist Church. It is encouraged in organized church functions as well as in more personal settings. We are encouraged, challenged and blessed as we develop relationships with others of like faith. It is our hope that each time the doors are open at Calvary we would interact spiritually with our brothers and sisters in Christ. We have various Bible studies, fellowship dinners, banquets, and retreats that provide the setting for establishing friendships, exercising our spiritual gifts, ministering to eat other and bringing edification (Ephesians 4:8, 12).

The Lord Jesus… took bread… and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup… saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye… in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

We believe that communion is a Christian ordinance that Jesus established at the Last Supper and is to be carried out by all believers until His return. We believe that the elements are symbols of what Jesus Christ did for us in His sacrificial death and atonement. We do not believe that the elements of communion hold any spiritual value other than the powerful reminder of how Jesus allowed His body to be broken and His blood spilled for our cleansing. Communion is open to all believers, and we encourage everyone to join us whenever we share together at the Lord’s Table.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matthew 28:19-20).

We believe in full water immersion for those who have put their trust and faith in the Lord. We do not believe that baptism is a prerequisite for salvation; rather, it is an act of obedience for those who are already saved. We believe that it is through faith in the Lord Jesus that the grace of God is appropriated to cleanse a person from their sins and bring them into a right relationship with God. This does not diminish, however, the importance of obedience to the instruction of Scripture that all believers should make this public profession and identification with Jesus through baptismal service.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14).

The Children’s Ministry is exciting part of what God is doing at Calvary! With Bible-based curriculum, inspired worship, and hands-on activities and crafts, the kids at Calvary are having a great time being taught the Scriptures!

Reaching a child for Jesus is a blessed opportunity. We believe we have an important part in coming alongside parents as they train up their child in the ways of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6). With this in mind we are prayerfully building a ministry designed to reach children for Christ in a format that they can enjoy. Children’s Sunday school classes take place at 8:45 each Sunday morning; the same time adult Bible studies are taking place. In addition, our “Little Lambs” are normally dismissed during the worship service for their own time of teaching. Little Lambs are children in the first grade and below. We believe that enjoying church and growing in the Lord as a child is a vital part in a person’s decision to follow Christ as an adult.

We encourage everyone with children to take advantage of this dynamic ministry. We also realize that some children may need some time to adjust to the new surroundings and may benefit from having a parent stay with them for a couple of weeks, until the child is comfortable.

We believe all we have belongs to the Lord and that the Bible teaches believers to participate in the worship of God and support of the local Church with their finances. For this reason we provide opportunity each week by receiving an offering during the morning service. When special needs arise the congregation is made aware of it and given the opportunity to give as the Lord lays it upon their hearts and as He has provided. We believe this act of worship should come from a joyful heart and that God is worthy of such acknowledgment (2 Corinthians 9:7). Because of this, coercion and undo pressure will never be used. We teach on giving when the subject matter comes up in Scripture and do not seek to make this a matter of weekly discussion.

In addition, since we believe all we have belongs to the Lord we encourage God’s people toward good stewardship, not only of what they give but also in what they keep. Our stewardship of finances affect the testimony the Lord Jesus Christ, therefore we encourage everyone who attends Calvary to be led of the Lord and obedient to the scriptures regarding this matter.

Calvary Baptist Church is an independent church that is elder-led and whose head is Jesus Christ alone. We are self-governing and are not under any ruling body or denomination. The name Baptist identifies our doctrine, practice, and our history but Calvary prefers to place more emphasis on Christ and His Word than upon being Baptist. Of the principal Baptist distinctives Calvary departs from two: we believe the church to be universal (represented in local assemblies), and we adhere to multiple eldership.

You will find that public invitations to go to the front of the auditorium at the end of each service are rare at Calvary. However, public invitations are given almost weekly to come to Christ. The invitation to come to Christ is always open as His Spirit moves and convicts in the heart of His people. As the morning service is dismissed you are invited to pray with one of our leaders who is waiting for you at the front of the auditorium. The pastor is also available to discuss further the truths of God’s Word and to visit and pray with you concerning what the Lord is doing in your life.

Church membership is not required for anyone to attend and to become involved in the fellowship at Calvary. All are welcomed to enjoy the benefits and life of the church. Participation is encouraged in any helps oriented ministry and limited people oriented ministry. Leadership oriented ministries are reserved for those in membership.

Membership is a conscious, verbal, and public commitment to identify with the local body of believers at Calvary Baptist Church. The membership of Calvary is made up of people who 1) have received God’s salvation by faith in the finished and sufficient work of Jesus Christ, 2) have been baptized in obedience to the scriptures, 3) have acknowledged and agree with the doctrinal and philosophical position of Calvary, 4) believe Calvary to be where the Lord would have them grow, worship, fellowship, and serve, and 5) are willing to exercise their spiritual gifts being actively involved in Calvary’s life and ministry.

We encourage everyone to prayerfully consider becoming a member of Calvary Baptist Church. A complete copy of Calvary’s doctrinal statement, constitution, and application for membership may be picked up at the back table.