Pastor's Welcome

I've been involved in full-time ministry for 20 years. Originally, it wasn't something I was planning on doing, but God had other plans. Looking back over the 16 years I've been at Calvary, I've been impressed by the way God leads, and the necessity there is in following Him. Sure, there are many 'models' at how we are supposed to be 'doing' church, but God has laid out his plan very clearly for us in His Word. 

I believe that the church is to have a Great Commission mindset and a Great Commandment heart. The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20 and says "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." The Great Commandment is found in Matthew 24:27-40 and says "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. All the Law and the Prophets hand on these two commandment."

At Calvary Baptist, our desire is to follow God in these dictates, not out of ritualistic obedience, but because His love compels us. I like to think of our plan as "growing, going and sowing". We are to be growing as Christ-followers, simply put taking on the character and priorities of Christ and walking as Jesus walked. That is a life-time task and one that isn't done by your own strength. It doesn't come from trying harder, but by trusting more.

Our going takes us into the marketplace. As we going, we are examples and ambassadors for Christ. In the Gospel of Matthew it talks of letting your light shine so that people will glorify your Father in heaven. We don't want people to see us, but see our Heavenly Father, and be drawn to Him.

Sowing is the ability to interject the gospel of salvation in everyday life. Sometimes it involves cultivating, sometimes it takes planting, but the ultimate goal is to be reaping. There is nothing greater than being able to share the Good News, and see a person trust Christ.

Our desire is to reach people in our neighborhood, in Reading, in Berks County and the world with the Good News. I believe that God has given us a great campus atmosphere and setting to be about that work. God is at work today, and I praise Him for how He is leading us at Calvary!

Please click here for an outline of our Core Values.