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- HOME | Calvary Baptist Church
WE WELCOME YOU! We are a church that believes in Jesus, a church that loves God and people. We have a heart for authentic worship, are passionate about the local church, and on mission to see God’s kingdom established in the city of Milwaukee and beyond. PLAN YOUR VISIT OUR MISSION DREAMING GOD SIZED DREAMS: REBUILDING FAMILIES IN 53206 New to Our Church Community? START HERE Experience the Power of Worship WATCH NOW SUPPORT THROUGH GIVING Join Us in Faithful Giving A Message of Hope and Faith from Pastor Walton Dear Members and Friends of Calvary: We are in the Advent Season preparing for the arrival of our Savior and Lord. There are four guideposts we think of during this festive and contemplative season. These are as follows: HOPE , PEACE , JOY , and LOVE . This past year, our motivational theme was No More Manna 2.0. Our 2025 theme is The Mind of Christ Works For Christ. These 4 guideposts and our motivational themes intersect and interact. How, you may ask? That is a good question for you to work on because we all must figure this question out for ourselves, in our own contexts. For example, how do I overcome complacency? One way may be to combine LOVE with The Mind of Christ Works for Christ in what you know God is saying. In this example we think of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. Love made Him do the work of laying down His life so we could be saved (John 3:16). That is just one quick example. Another example might be combining The Mind of Christ Works for Christ when you feel anxiety coming on with PEACE. I think we all understand now! As we celebrate, may HOPE - PEACE - JOY and LOVE be yours. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Faithfully, Pastor Walton Reverend Dr. John Richard Walton, Jr. The Reverend Doctor John Richard Walton, Jr. is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and has served as the senior pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Milwaukee for the last 22 years. Pastor Walton is well-respected and sought after as preacher, pastor to pastors, lecturer, and spiritual, biblical, and academic authority in the training and discipleship of deacons and church leadership. MEET OUR PASTOR LEARN MORE WATCH SERMONS Watch Latest Service WEEKLY PRAYER DEVOTIONS: January 2025 Focus: The Mind of Christ Works for Christ: Choosing to Live Intentionally Seeking Things That Are Above Where Christ Is Click here for daily January scriptures. SUNDAY Dear Lord Our God, Today, we come boldly into this new month of this new year with the goal and desire to keep our eyes fixed on Christ. We come in need of Your help to keep us focused on following Your instructions in Your Word. You are clear that we cannot hang on to our old, comfortable routines and practices of sin, doubt, fear and discouragement. We must be intentional on what we do, what we think, what we watch, what we say, and where we go. Thank You for calling us to take action to put aside any and all thoughts, words, actions or relationships through the power of the Holy Spirit that may distract and hinder us from moving forward each day in Your Perfect and Divine Will for our lives in 2025. Thank You that through the strength and power that You bless us with each day, we can be in this world but know and live knowing we are Yours, divinely loved and protected. We can confidently step into each new day setting our mind up for success, focused on things above by using the tools of Your Word, prayer, thanksgiving, and praise to You to help bring us daily victories over Satan’s attempts to distract our attention from You. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. MONDAY O Lord, Our Excellent Lord and Father, We welcome Your Holy Spirit into our hearts, minds, homes, jobs and into every aspect of our lives, individually and collectively. Each day, we strive to rid ourselves of any sin we have become comfortable with, like, or used to. This fallen world can pull us down. It is filled with distractions, temptations, and entertainment, promising us temporary, worldly happiness. Often, our daily responsibilities can feel burdensome and cause us to worry and doubt. When we focus on earthly things our eyes and spirits slip from the things above and “The Mind of Christ does not Work for Christ.” Lead us to redirect our thoughts to remembering and celebrating the blessings and promises we have through our adoption into the family of Jesus Christ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. In Your Word, You teach us what it means to set your mind on things above, enabling us to experience the true joy the Father wants to bestow on us. Remind us each day in our minds and spirits that when we set our eyes on You, we are better able to serve You which is the honor, duty, and pleasure of every believer. In Jesus’ name, amen. TUESDAY Dear Father God, Honor and Praise to You for Your Love and Care each day. Thank You for providing for us through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. You knew we as Your children would need constant help and guidance to stay on the right path and bring You glory. When we reflect and meditate on things of this world, we lose our peace. We become focused and caught up in the temporary things and forget the eternal inheritance we have in Christ. The world may shift and change values and beliefs like dust in the wind, yet Christ is our strong tower, our refuge, peace in turbulent times. When we keep our minds and spirits focused on things above and put our trust in You as You call us to do, our minds and hearts will be in “perfect peace.” Thank You that we can stand confidently in that promise. In Jesus’s name we pray, amen. WEDNESDAY Oh Lord, Our Alpha and Omega, The best way to focus our minds on things above is to spend dedicated time reading, meditating, and cherishing Your Word. We can confidently and boldly expect to have peace, joy and a Christ-centered perspective when we take delight in Your Law and meditate on it day and night. Remind us that when we do this we will be firmly planted and rooted against the ferocious and turbulent attacks of Your enemy. Lead us to watch what we put in our ears, in our minds, in our hearts, and in our environments. Help us to be vigilant in creating an atmosphere of praise and worship in our hearts, in our homes, and wherever we go. As Your children and believers in You and Your Son, we need to stand on the fact that You have gifted us with the best thing, Your Word and the best helper and guide, Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for equipping us with everything we need to keep our minds and hearts set on things above so we can build up Your Kingdom here on Earth. In the matchless name of Jesus we pray, amen. THURSDAY Dear Lord, Our Heavenly Father, We know that Heaven is filled with spiritual blessings and treasures that are waiting for us as Your children and Your church. We can expectantly know and anticipate that when we get our heavenly home there will be no more tears, worries, fights and battles, sickness, pain, or death. But, we live here on Earth where there is so much pain, heartache, complications, and distractions. Guard our hearts and minds as we choose to refocus our thoughts in trying and tempting circumstances and declare that we will not be comfortable with low-level thinking about what we don’t have, who we don’t know, where we can’t go, or what we can’t do. Instead, lead us to celebrate who You are, Your attributes, Your character, Your love. Lead us to look at all the victories You have brought us through and fortify our faith to live a life of purity before You. We know that if we do this You will continue to build up our faith so we may enjoy all the blessings You have for us. In our Savior’s name we pray, amen. FRIDAY Dear Jehovah Jireh, Our Provider At times, we forget to rest in the assurance of who we are and whose we are. Please in those times, remind us in our innermost spirit to remember that You are our shepherd and that we shall not want. You desire for us to rest in You in the green pastures of Your matchless provisions of love, grace, and protection. You surround us each day with Your angels who protect and guard us from hurt, harm, and danger in the midst of catastrophic events and situations all around. Everyday, You provide and perform miracles, signs, and wonders of love, grace, mercy, and blessings. You have girded us up on all sides with fulfillments of Your Promises, Your Steadfastness, Your Strength, and Provision. Remind us that we are really the ones who decide what we will set our thoughts on. Through the help of Your Holy Spirit, Your Word, prayer, and praise, remind us that it is up to us to maintain our focus on things above and what is truly important. In Your Son’s name we pray, amen. SATURDAY Dear Father God, We need You. We need Your strength. Make us aware of our thoughts. We need the constant reminder that anything that in opposition to Your Word is a lie no matter how good it sounds or may lead us to feel. If what we are thinking about fails to be in agreement with Your Word that You speak to us and help us to see it for what it is and to stop thinking about it or entertaining it. We want to be servants for You and warriors for You, and there is a battle for our minds, and we ask that You remind us that we live to honor and serve You. So today and every day, no matter what’s taking place around us, lead us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. When we do this, our hearts will be open to receive the victory and blessing You provide, both in the present and in the life to come! In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. CONTACT US We strive to keep our community informed and engaged. Want to stay connected? Contact us or follow us on our social media platforms. You'll see upcoming events and services, as well as other important news and announcements. STAY CONNECTED UPCOMING EVENTS HOME ABOUT MINISTRIES MEDIA MEDIA REQUEST FORM EVENTS CONNECT
- ABOUT | Calvary Baptist Church
ABOUT US OUR MISSION At Calvary Baptist Church of Milwaukee, Inc., we are a Christ Centered Church dedicated to rebuilding families in the 53206 zip code and surrounding communities. All of the work and service we do is carried out through our mission which comes from the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 that directs us, “To Go into All the World and make Disciples of All People.” OUR VISION At Calvary, we strive to be Holy Spirit-filled agents to rebuild our families, our church, and community at large. In Genesis 37-50, Joseph’s story was told of how God used him to rebuild his family and the nation of Israel, and this is the foundation which we use to inspire us in our everyday lives. We continue to live as disciples of Christ and be rebuilt in His image through prayer, study, and fellowship. It is through rebuilding families that we pursue our mission of making disciples for Christ. What We Believe OUR BELIEFS God God has revealed Himself to be the living and true God, perfect in love and righteous in all His ways; one in essence, existence eternally in the three persons of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Scripture is an essential part and trustworthy record of this divine self-disclosure. All the books of the Old and New Testaments, given by divine inspiration, are the written Word of God. Scripture God, by His Word and for His glory, freely created the world from nothing. He made people in His own image, as the crown of creation, that people might have fellowship with Him. Creation CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH GOAL When we receive a word from God as Jesus did from His Father, whether we agree with it or not, it tells us God loves us and He cares. Revelations like these often come during high mountaintop spiritual times when we are yielded to receive an unusual word from God and they must be protected because the evil one wants to dislodge it from our minds and hearts. The Youth participate in a wide variety of activities at Calvary Baptist Church including: Sunday School, Youth Church, Community Dinner volunteering, Annual Youth Day, 5th Sunday Youth Services, New Genesis Dance Ministry, Fine Arts Ministry, including Youth Choir. Youth Service First, Sunday School is the arm that reaches all ages for Christ. “Reaching” is defined as making contact with a person and motivating him or her to give an honest hearing to the gospel. Since evangelism is giving out the gospel, reaching is basically preevangelism, for it gets people to listen to the gospel. How We Learn Small groups offer a place to connect with other believers in fellowship; to grow in our understanding of the Bible, as Jesus' own small group of disciples did; to meet the needs of others in your group in ministry; to become equipped for evangelism; and to worship God through practicing godly behavior. How We Worship Our Leaders Reverend Dr. John & Lorrie Walton Pastor and First Lady of Calvary Baptist Church Our Leaders Reverend Dr. John & Lorrie Walton Pastor and First Lady of Calvary Baptist Church Whether you are brand new to the church thing or you’ve been around church for a while; we want to say welcome! Our goal at Calvary Baptist Church is to create environments and experiences where you can encounter God in the midst of your life. When you come to Calvary Baptist Church, our aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by our amazing community of people & be reminded that God’s grace is here! Our Leaders Reverend Dr. John & Lorrie Walton Pastor and First Lady of Calvary Baptist Church Whether you are brand new to the church thing or you’ve been around church for a while; we want to say welcome! Our goal at Calvary Baptist Church is to create environments and experiences where you can encounter God in the midst of your life. When you come to Calvary Baptist Church, our aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by our amazing community of people & be reminded that God’s grace is here! Calvary Baptist Church was established in 1895. Calvary is the oldest African American Baptist Church in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Our church has a rich history and is presently striving to rebuild families through Kingdom Discipleship. Read Calvary Baptist Church History Ministerial Staff Rev. Dr. John R. Walton, Jr. – Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Eleanor Cardenas – Associate Minister Rev. Michelle Peterson – Associate Minister Rev. Howard Brown, Jr. – Associate Minister Church Office Hours Monday – Thursday – 9:00 am – 3:30 pm Office Staff Ms. Cynthia Blackmon – Church Clerk and Receptionist Mr. Terry Miller – Facilities Manager Church Facilities Our sanctuary and fellowship hall are available for rental for weddings, funerals, repasts, luncheons, etc. Please email reception@calvarybaptistmke.org for more information. Our Team Our Leaders Reverend Dr. John & Lorrie Walton Pastor and First Lady of Calvary Baptist Church Whether you are brand new to the church thing or you’ve been around church for a while; we want to say welcome! Our goal at Calvary Baptist Church is to create environments and experiences where you can encounter God in the midst of your life. When you come to Calvary Baptist Church, our aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by our amazing community of people & be reminded that God’s grace is here! Our Leaders Reverend Dr. John & Lorrie Walton Pastor and First Lady of Calvary Baptist Church Whether you are brand new to the church thing or you’ve been around church for a while; we want to say welcome! Our goal at Calvary Baptist Church is to create environments and experiences where you can encounter God in the midst of your life. When you come to Calvary Baptist Church, our aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by our amazing community of people & be reminded that God’s grace is here!
- Lent 2024 | CBC Church
Lent 2024 Dear Members of Calvary, I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, As we enter the season of Lent, let us begin with hope and determination: hope that we recognize our daily encounters with God as He blesses us with His divine grace and mercy and that we live with determination to engage seriously and consistently in the work of moral and spiritual renewal. Why is this important? Our goal as His children should be to live our Christian faith with greater integrity and celebrate the Lord Jesus’ death and resurrection with authentic joy. Let us be assured that God has an abundance of grace, which never runs dry and pours out more abundantly in this holy season. Bask and immerse yourself in that grace, for by it we may be cleansed of sin and refreshed in mind and spirit. Finally, nourish your faith Lent by seeking God diligently in your life. Only you and God know how diligently you seek Him. God loves us so much that He worked to diligently ensure that we would be with Him forever. He knew we would continuously fall down and would need supernatural help to get back up again and again. So, He intentionally sent Jesus to be our Savior Jesus was diligent in that He obeyed the Father even unto death to pay the price for our sins and cover us with His blood so that the light of God and His forgiveness will forever be upon us. During Lent, the practice is to give something up so that we may use that energy that we would use on an activity or the pleasure we take in a certain food and place that toward more time and thought toward God and our relationship with Him. Take time to spend more time with the Father in prayer and reading His Word. Ask Him to show you where you need to be more diligent in your relationship with Him. Make this Lenten season purposeful and intentional for you. Use that time, energy, or space that you would normally use for whatever you give up to get closer to God. As I close this letter, I remind you that Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead to make us a new creation. In 2nd Corinthians we are told, “From now on we regard no one according to the flesh . . . So, whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold new things have come.” Lent is a sacred and blessed time to throw off any habits, inclinations, or “stinkin thinking” that separates us from being closer and more intimate with Christ. You are here and alive for this Lenten season. Don’t say “ I will do it next year for Lent.” Remember, tomorrow is not promised let alone next year. Seize the day and be intentional about the next forty days of fasting, prayer, reading His Word, and seeking His face and best for Your life. Yours in Christ and Be Blessed Pastor John R. Walton, Jr., D.Min
- MINISTRIES | Calvary Baptist Church
At Calvary Baptist Church, when we answer the call and employ our gifts in the ministries of the church, God’s work gets done, the church is strengthened and the world is served. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MINISTRIES Purpose: To enhance the Worship Service through various styles of music. What we do: Sing for Sunday Services, accompany our Pastor on visits to other churches, and plan holiday music programs. The ministry also sings for special services, and collaborates with the Fine Arts Ministry. When we meet: All rehearsals are at Calvary Men’s Ensemble – Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Sisters of Praise - Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Who can join: Any church member who loves to worship God through song. Potential members must audition for the director (musician). Members must commit to weekly rehearsals and adhere to the rules of the choir. Children ages 5-12 years old may sing in the Children’s Choir. LEARN MORE CALVARY MUSIC MINISTRY FINE ARTS MINISTRY LEARN MORE Purpose: To enhance the worship service and take the various art forms we use into the community to spread the word of Christ. What we do: Present praise offerings in the form of drama, spoken word, dancing and visual arts. In each group we take time to study a Bible scripture that relates to the event we are ministering to. We also minister in the community at different functions. Who can join: Anyone who is a member of Calvary is welcomed to join any of the Fine Arts Ministry groups. We believe that people who are gifted in these areas will thrive and grow because we emphasize ministering to others and not performing. LEARN MORE Our outreach ministry sponsors programs and several smaller events throughout the ministry year. Hunger Task Force Food Drive,Milwaukee Diaper Mission Diaper Drive, Calvary’s cookbook sales were donated to Glow 414. All are welcome to participate. CALVARY COMMUNITY OUTREACH LEARN MORE This growing ministry is led by Mrs. Chandra Burns and Deacon Reginald Riley. Calvary Kids is comprised of Children’s Church (Every 2nd and 4th Sunday). Calvary Kids strive to sponsor age appropriate, spiritual building, and fun Christian activities. All children and youth are welcome to participate. CALVARY KIDS (CHILDREN'S CHURCH & MINISTRY) LEARN MORE The Calvary Men’s Ministry seeks to develop and implement programs, studies, and fellowship opportunities. The purpose of this ministry is to help foster a desire in men to serve God, minister to their families, and serve the community as God outlines in His Word. This ministry is led by Deacon Kenneth Bynum. All men are welcome to participate. CALVARY MEN LEARN MORE CALVARY WOMEN The Calvary Women’s Ministry is led by First Lady Lorrie Walton and an executive team. The team plans and lead the women of Calvary in Bible studies, and other fellowship opportunities designed to educate and encourage women to be who God is calling them to be. All Women are welcome to join. LEARN MORE Purpose: To provide health awareness information and health screenings to the Calvary congregation and the surrounding under-served community. We work with medical and health agencies to introduce new and updated health initiatives. New programs are introduced that focus on transforming the community to maintain healthy lifestyles. We educate the church and community in our surrounding area regarding chronic diseases and ailments. Updated information and resources are brought to the neighboring community and church members. What we do: An annual Health Fair is held for the community. Information is provided to the congregation and community monthly regarding health matters. Speakers educate members and the community about various health subjects at intervals throughout the year. Who can join: Any adult member of Calvary, preferably someone who has some medical or community aide background. MILDRED LEIGH GOLD HEALTH MINISTRY E-5 MINISTRY LEARN MORE The E-5 Ministry of Calvary is made up of Deacons, Deaconesses, and Ministerial Staff at Calvary. These ministries work together, to fully support the pastoral ministry of the church through congregational care, teaching, and outreach services. This ministry also represents kingdom collaboration to develop and encourage kingdom discipleship in every member of the church.
- Church History | Calvary Baptist Church
Calvary Baptist Church traces its beginning in 1895 to a small mission church called Mt. Olive Baptist when the black population of Milwaukee was 551. Rev. J.D. Odom had attempted to organize a church prior to 1895, but was unsuccessful. Thus, Alexander W. Herron, Thomas L. Jackson, and Alfred Copeland organized Mt. Olive Baptist, the first Black Baptist church in Milwaukee. The congregation moved to 227 Seventh Street and called Rev. J. D. Odom, in 1897 to be the first pastor. Established in 1895 as Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Rev. George J. Fox was pastor when the name was legally changed to Calvary Baptist Church on August 26, 1912 due to legal difficulties with taxes and related issues. In 1913 Calvary relocated to 414 W. Cherry Street. Circumstances for Calvary Baptist Church greatly improved and in 1922, the pastor and members purchased the edifice at 1727 N. 4th Street and the adjacent home at 1737 N. 4th Street for the parsonage. By 1965, the membership of Calvary had grown to over 1,000 members, and more space was needed, even though an annex had been added. Under Rev. Dr. Melvin James Battle, the mortgages had been liquidated on the church building, the parsonage, and the annex to the church; therefore preparations were being made to build a larger edifice. Rev. Walter B. Hoard was the pastor when the groundbreaking took place on August 3, 1969, and the congregation moved to the new church facility at 2959 N. Teutonia Avenue in 1970. During Rev. Dr. Leary’s pastorate, the mortgage was burned and an elevator was installed. Pastors of Calvary who had extended lengths of service are Rev. S. J. Williams (1923-1934); Rev. Dr. Melvin James Battle (1937-1965); Rev. Walter B. Hoard (1965-1969); Rev. Roy B. Nabors (1970-1977); and Rev. Dr. James E. Leary (1983-2000). Each of these pastors expected leaders to be spiritually grounded and they believed in a well-trained and engaged laity and the orderly administration of church affairs. Rev. Battle is on record as holding the first Calvary Convention, organized to train members and his successors have continued leadership training. An extension of training for members and fellowship with other churches included attendance at annual denominational local, regional and national conventions. As expected, each pastor has left an indelible imprint on how the Gospel is spread and how Calvary ministers to its members and the community. Calvary, its pastors and members have been consistently involved in the community and community outreach missions. A major community outreach initiative, proposed by Rev. Roy B. Nabors and approved by the Church, was to respond to the need for quality, affordable housing for the elderly in the community. Calvary members approved the formation of Calvary Housing Development, Ltd., led by Walter Johnson, Susie B. Ellis, Fairbanks Cooper and others, now operates three housing projects for the elderly in the community. Calvary became one of the sites for a Milwaukee Public Schools Headstart Program for several years and sponsored its own afterschool tutorial program. In cooperation with local food pantries and members who volunteered, Calvary began a community food program and later a meal program, which still continues. American Baptist Women Ministries expanded outreach through women organized into Circles. The Circles provided fellowship for the women and the opportunity for both local and foreign mission and outreach services on behalf of Calvary Baptist Church. The youth of Calvary have been active serving in their own youth group and other groups such Youth Choir, Children’s Choir, Youth Ushers and Vacation Bible School. Youth group leaders and parents have organized youth retreats and other opportunities for fellowship. The youth of Calvary were particularly active in the marches for Open Housing in Milwaukee. Calvary youth are eligible and receive scholarships from the Church to attend two-year and four-year colleges. Calvary members, Brenda and Mark Purnell, established The Calvary Endowment Fund for Youth and Children’s programs and the interest income has funded a variety of activities, including a college tour, the 2007 and 2008 Summer Day Camp, and continues to underwrite a portion of the Summer Enrichment Camp. In addition to regular Sunday Worship services, revivals and Bible Study, Calvary pastors and members worked together on special days, some of which are still part of Calvary programs. Annual Days, such as Men’s Day, Women’s Day, Youth Day, Children’s Day and observance of Mother’s Day provided opportunities for fellowship; however, Women’s Day and Men’s Day were also for fundraising to support the work of the church. The fundraising component was discontinued under Rev. Dr. Leary, who led an aggressive tithing program and urged members to support the church with their tithes and offerings. The Annual Easter and Christmas cantatas were a high point in the Church year. The Senior Choir, sang the cantatas for many years, and were joined in later years by the other choirs of Calvary as well as members from other churches. Marion Bailey, Christine Byrd Kiff, Tremerell Hunter, Shirley Brockenborough, Ella Washington and Judith Baity were the directors and musicians for the cantatas. Calvary choirs have been blessed to perform “Mary’s Story,” a Christmas cantata on two occasions and “Vision of Paul,” an Easter cantata, both of which were written and composed by Director of Music, Mrs. Judith Baity. Calvary has embraced the leadership of women in the church in all areas of service, except the Board of Deacons (until 2015). Mrs. Ardie Halyard, Mrs. Susie B. Ellis and Mrs. Frances Jefferson were the first women to serve on the Board of Trustees. Rev. Dr. Eleanor Cardenas was the first woman to be ordained a minister at Calvary and Rev. Dr. Trinnette McCray became the first woman to serve as a salaried Minister of Christian Education. Mrs. Judith Baity became the first full-time, salaried Director of Music. As an extension of their personal commitment to the community, the pastors and members have served on boards of such organizations as the YMCA and the NAACP, of which Calvary is a member. Calvary members, Ardie Halyard and Thomas Malone later served as presidents of the local NAACP. Mrs. Ardie Halyard and Mr. Wilbur Halyard founded Columbia Savings and Loan and Rev. Walter B. Hoard was one of the founding members of the North Milwaukee State Bank. Rev. Roy B. Nabors continued to encourage members to become more active in community outreach and missions. Rev. Nabors served as alderman of Milwaukee’s 6th Aldermanic District during a portion of his ministry at Calvary. Rev. Dr. James E. Leary was a founding member and the first president of MICAH (Milwaukee Inner Churches Allied for Hope). Calvary has been affiliated with American Baptist Churches/USA and ABC/USA of Wisconsin since the early 1900’s. The pastor and members are actively involved with the women’s, men’s and other ministries of both groups and have often provided leadership. Rev. Dr. Trinette V. McCray has served as the national president of ABC/USA. Susie B. Ellis, Robert Prince, Rev. Dr. James E. Leary, and Venora McKinney, all members of Calvary, have each served as president of ABC/USA of Wisconsin. Other members were active participants in American Baptist Women of Wisconsin, American Baptist Men and ABC/USA, as well as individual members who served on other committees of Wisconsin and ABC/USA. During his leadership at Calvary, Rev. S. J. Williams, with the help of Rev. Washington of Madison, Rev. Able of Racine, and Rev. Brown of Beloit, organized the Wisconsin Baptist State Convention (affiliated with the National Baptist Convention). Rev. John Richard Walton, Jr. was called to lead Calvary Baptist Church in 2002, making his pastorate of fourteen years to date, among the longest. His love of the Lord, his youth and forward-thinking brought a heightened level of energy and enthusiasm to the membership and the long term vision of Calvary Baptist Church. The Rev. Dr. John R. Walton, Jr. and Mrs. Lorrie Craig Walton have been Pastor and First Lady of Calvary since March 1, 2002. The two have led Calvary in a successful transition to a 21st Century style of ministry, while honoring historical traditions. Over the years, Calvary Baptist Church has prayerfully and diligently, “Transformed the Community for Christ,” in real and relevant ways inside and outside of the church. Within the church, God blessed Dr. Walton to: oversee the successful building project of the enlargement and renovation of the pastor and administrative assistant offices develop annual leadership conferences to train and disciple the leadership of the church to move from being board driven to being ministry driven lead the most comprehensive revision and rewriting of the church by-laws in the history of the church oversee the development of the church’s 1st website lead and oversee the acquisition and purchase of surrounding properties and demolition of the Nevels building in preparation for future building projects place Calvary’s weekly broadcast on JOY1340 train and ordain the first female deacons (July 2015) in the history of Calvary Since 2002 when Pastor Walton commenced his journey of pastor and people working together, Calvary has “gone green” by incorporating screens for teaching and worship, developed, maintained, and grown several successful ministries that have enhanced the church and its effectiveness inside and outside of the church edifice. New ministries during Pastor Walton’s tenure include: Armor Bearer’s Ministry Greeter’s Ministry Mildred Leigh-Gold Health Ministry Church Security Ministry Fine Arts Ministry that includes the Selah Praise Dance Team, Wheel in the Middle of the Wheel Flag Ministry, Genesis Dance Ministry In addition, Calvary has grown to enlarge the missions ministry to include an outreach ministry to the community that now has a partnership with Feeding America that helps Calvary continue their tradition of a community outreach dinner every 4th Saturday and now includes a community outreach breakfast every 3rd Sunday. Under Pastor Walton’s leadership, Calvary Baptist Church has created and operated the Calvary Summer Day Camp, now the Calvary Enrichment Camp, in July of 2007. Established by Mrs. Venora McKinney and presently led by Mrs. Walton, the Calvary Enrichment Camp, now planning its 10th camp program, trains and employs almost twenty youth from the city of Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs, enrolls over sixty children from across the city, and partners with other local churches. Within the Community, Pastor Walton has led Calvary to develop community partnerships and has assumed leading roles with the: United Way Teen Pregnancy Prevention Oversight Committee Above the Clouds, HeartLove Place The Halo Project with Marquette University PAWS for Peace Milwaukee Christian Center, and the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee, Inc. where he represents the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin as a cabinet member, and in 2014 was elected to also serve on the Executive Committee. Continuing the social justice legacy of his immediate predecessor, Rev. Dr. James Leary, under the leadership of Pastor Walton, Calvary remains active in MICAH where he serves actively on the Religious Leaders’ Caucus. This past year, Pastor Walton had Calvary host a political candidates forum where both gubernatorial candidates and other local politicians were invited, and the Democratic candidate Mary Burke attended and spoke at the event. Pastor Walton counts being with the members of Calvary from day to day, week to week, and from Sunday to Sunday, participating in and experiencing the ministry of preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and outreach ministry with them, as the greatest accomplishment of his time at Calvary. Pastor and people continue to move forward to serve and “Transform the Community for Christ,” for there is more work to be done. One hundred twenty years, and pursuit of the Vision continues. Calvary Baptist Church History
- MEDIA | Calvary Baptist Church
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- Media Request Form | Calvary Baptist Church
Media Request Form The media request form is for Calvary members to request support for ministry activities and events. Please complete the information so the Media team may better assist you with the project you are working on. NOTE: All media requests must be submitted AT LEAST ONE MONTH prior to an event to ensure coverage and proper planning. If event date is LESS than a month away, the media team may not be able to assist. First name* Last name* Email* Phone* What Ministry is this request for?* Need a PowerPoint?* Yes No Need YouTube Live (video) support?* Yes No Do you need anything designed for this event? (flyers etc.)?* Yes No Are there rehearsals for this event?* Yes No Please describe your media request and be specific as possible regarding your needs (ex: pictures needed, song played during service etc.).* Today's Date* Month Is this event ONE MONTH out from today's date?* Yes No Submit
- Dr. John Richard Walton Jr. | Calvary Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. John Richard Walton, Jr. The Reverend Doctor John Richard Walton, Jr. is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and has served as the senior pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church of Milwaukee for the last 22 years. Pastor Walton is well-respected and sought after as preacher, pastor to pastors, lecturer, and spiritual, biblical, and academic authority in the training and discipleship of deacons and church leadership. Pastor Walton earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the Cleveland State University, Master of Divinity degree from Howard University, Washington, D.C., and his Doctor of Ministry degree from the Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois in the area of Leadership through Preaching . In addition, Dr. Walton completed his Certification as a Spiritual Director and Life Coach with Soul Shepherding, Irvine, California and provides soul care primarily to senior pastors and their families. In addition, he has completed the Clergy Clinic in Family-Emotional Process Training with the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center and the Companions In Ministry Program at Marquette University. Currently, Dr. Walton is studying the Bowen Family Systems Theory withThe Bowen Center in Washington, D.C. Pastor Walton has been an active part of every community where God has planted him throughout his 32 year ministry career. In Washington, D.C., he worked on the readings committee for the African-American Heritage Hymnal. In Boston, Rev. Walton was an active participant in the Black Ministerial Alliance. In Wisconsin, he has served as a past member and Moderator of the Commission on the Ministry for the American Baptist Churches. In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors of the Milwaukee Christian Center, Past Chairman of Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee, Minister at Large of the Minister’s Council of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin, and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Oversight Committee. Currently, Dr. Walton serves on the Executive Board of the Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee and is a board member on the Board of Housing Ministries of the American Baptist Churches of Wisconsin. Dr. Walton has been happily married to the former Lorrie Grace Craig of Hyattsville, Maryland for over 27 years. They are the proud parents of four children.
- CONNECT | Calvary Baptist Church
At Calvary Baptist Church, we value staying connected with our community and members. STAY CONNECTED CONTACT + INFORMATION CHURCH DETAILS OUR ADDRESS: OUR PHONE NUMBER: 2959 N Teutonia Ave Milwaukee, WI 53206 (414) 372-1450 SERVICE TIMES Sunday School - Sundays 8:15 a.m. Worship Service - Sundays 9:30 a.m. When you come to Calvary Baptist Church, our aim is that you would be inspired by the music, encouraged by the message, welcomed by our amazing community of people & be reminded that God’s grace is here! Get In Touch First name Last name Email* Message* Submit DIRECTIONS
- Graduation Sunday | CBC Church
Graduation is a major accomplishment. On Sunday, June 30th, we will recognize any members of Calvary who were promoted or graduated from one of the following grade levels: • Elementary School • High School • College & above Graduation and Promotion Recognition Sunday Information Form Fields marked with an * are required. Please complete this form if you (or your child) would like to be included in the recognition slide show presentation on Sunday, June 30, 2024. We will recognize graduates by displaying their portrait and graduation information in a slideshow presentation on the screens and it will also be posted on the Calvary Baptist Church website: www.calvarybaptistmke.com throughout July and August. We also ask that graduates attend service person if possible and wear their cap. This form must be submitted by Tuesday, June 25, 2024. First name* Last name* Email* Name of School* Date of Graduation* Degree received * Post-Graduation Plans Personal scripture/quote* Parent or Guardian* Are you able to attend service on Sunday, June 30, 2024? (Check one)* Yes No Photo - To be used in slideshow presentation during service.* Upload a photo Submit
- Give | Calvary Baptist Church
Faithful Giving Is Faithful Living To God “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10 Stewardship is form of worship and our direct response to God’s generous and abundant love. Stewardship represents how we as God’s children use, care for, and share God’s gifts to us. God’s gifts include families, homes, jobs, money, everything. God wants us to all to have everything we need, and He will give us the desires of our hearts according to His perfect and divine will. All He asks of us is that we give Him the tithe (10%) in faith and obedience. Select your giving option below: Key Stewardship Terms Tithe – This word means 10. God says we need to give this to Him. This is the foundation of Christian Giving. In making the decision and commitment to tithe, the Christian is saying, “God is first in my life above everything else, and I trust God to provide because He said He would.” Offering – An offering is any monetary amount that is given above the tithe – 10%. There is no offering without the tithe. Contribution – If a Christian is not tithing – giving 10% of all that he or she makes, then they are giving a contribution. For Your Further Study and Education: Scriptures that Talk about Tithing Genesis 14:19-20 Genesis 28:20-22 Exodus 35:5 Exodus 35:22 Leviticus 27:30-34 Numbers 18:21 Numbers 18:26 Deuteronomy 12:5-6