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About Us

Calvary Baptist Church exists to exalt God, evangelize the lost, encourage one another, equip the saints, and enable members to serve.

 

 

History of Calvary Baptist Church

 

 

 In January 1964, Evangelist Arthur Blessitt came to Elko to start a mission sponsored by First Baptist Church of Winnemucca. This early outreach became Calvary Baptist Church. The Blessitt's ministered in Elko for 18 months before following God's call into full time evangelism. Don Ledbetter became Calvary's first full time minister in 1965. The congregation consisted of four families. They moved into their first building and parsonage at the corner of 5th and Walnut Streets on March 12, 1967.

Calvary Baptist Church was accepted into the Nevada Baptist Association in May of 1969. A short five years later, Calvary broke ground to build a two story educational building. After its completion, the church grew rapidly into the new space. During Dr. Ladbetter's pastorate, Calvary began its Bus Ministry that provides transportation for children and adults who would otherwise be unable to attend Sunday School. Additional staff was hired to meet the needs of the growing congregation.

John Randolph joined the staff as Associate Pastor in 1978. He was called as Pastor in May 1983 after Dr. Ledbetter and his family followed God's call to serve at the Nevada Baptist Convention in Reno. Pastor Randolph's vision for Calvary was one of growth and leadership. Home Bible study groups were developed, women's ministries expanded, and many members participated in MasterLife discipleship classes, and FAITH evangelism training. The church continued to increase in size and in 1986; the parsonage was vacated and remodeled for Sunday School classes. Two worship services were offered on Sunday morning and a traditional Vacation Bible School became Bible Day Camp held at city parks. A "Heart to Build" program was initiated in the spring in 1989 to help finance the building of a larger Worship Center and more classroom space. On August 16, 1997, Calvary joyfully held the first services in our current auditorium. The Randolph's were led to move to the Pacific Northwest in the fall of 1999. They currently serve with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Christopher Cupples became Calvary's third pastor on February 21, 2001. Discipleship classes and a Lay Ministry program were expanded, the new fellowship hall was completed, and more property acquired for future growth. The congregation grew to over 550 members. Pastor Cupples resigned from his position as Senior Pastor in November 2005.

In April, 2008, Dr. Sam Crouch was called to lead Calvary Baptist Church. Sam and his wife, Jan, began their ministry at Calvary on June 1, 2008. Pastor Sam brings over 35 years of ministry experience with him. He will be assisted by the church staff, the Church Elders, and Church Deacons as they seek to lead Calvary in the task of building the kingdom of God in Elko and Northeast Nevada.

At Calvary Baptist Church we hold to ten basic beliefs.

• We believe that there is one and only God who is bigger and better and closer than we can imagine. He is the eternal Creator and Ruler of the universe.
• Ruler of the universe.
• The Bible is God's perfect guidebook for living.
• Jesus is God the Son who came, revealing God to us.
• Through His Holy Spirit, God lives in and through us now.
• Nothing in creation "just happened."  God made it all.
• Grace is the only way to have a relationship with God and faith is the only way to grow in that relationship.
• God has allowed evil to provide us with a choice, God can bring good even out of evil events and God promises victory over evil to those who choose Him.
• Heaven and hell are real places. Death is a beginning, not the end.
• The church is to serve people like Jesus served people.
• Jesus is coming again. 

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