Pastor

PASTORAL LEADERSHIP UPDATE

Dear Calvary Family, 

Two years ago, as I began my 20th year of ministry at Calvary Church, the Lord put on my heart the desire to plan for succession so we can have a healthy transition to a new Senior Pastor. I began a journey in seeking the Lord, in partnership with our Elders, for the direction on both the timing and the person needed for this next season of ministry. The one name that God placed on my heart was Pastor Eric Wakeling.

His experiences here at Calvary have uniquely equipped him to know the needs and opportunities before us. He has proven faithful in pastoring people in need, teaching the Word of God and guiding our staff in the strategic development of ministry plans. In light of all this, I believe Eric is the right man to help us move toward Calvary’s 100th anniversary in 2031 with a more fruitful ministry for Jesus.

David Mitchell · Senior Pastor

Reflecting on the yearlong process I participated in as an Elder, I can see how God led the process. It was interesting to observe that the board members did not reach our conviction all at the same time and in the same way, but as we prayed and sought the Lord individually and corporately, each of us arrived at this united conclusion. Now, with all of them, I can say with confidence that Eric is God’s choice for the next Senior Pastor of Calvary Church.

In the process, I have come to appreciate Eric’s character, his leadership, and his heart for the heritage and people of Calvary Church. He has shown humility and patience. He expressed insight into the scriptures that illustrated both a scholarly understanding as well as a pastoral heart for people, and he articulated a vision for Calvary’s future that builds on its heritage. I am excited to see what God has in store for all of us.

Norm Alexander · Chairman, Board of Elders

Pastoral Profile   Church Family Q&A  

Membership Vote  Leader Testimonials

PHOTO: Pastor Eric teaching at Sea of Galilee | Calvary Israel Trip - February 2017

VISION FOR MINISTRY

The heart of my vision is that our strength comes from the joy of the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). Leaders who have a joy and passion for Christ, for the Word of God and for the work of ministry will inspire others towards transformation. The Holy Spirit is the one that actually transforms people. Our role is to inspire, point the way and then come alongside people in their journey of faith.

Eric Wakeling

Read more about Pastor Eric's heart and philosophy of ministry, centered around these five words in the Pastoral Profile: ROOTED, PASSIONATE, CHALLENGING, UNITED AND SHEPHERDING.

Pastoral Profile (PDF)  Watch Eric's Sermons

CHURCH FAMILY Q&A MEETINGS

Come be a part of the journey towards Calvary’s future through Church Family Q & As. These evening gatherings will provide opportunities for you to hear directly from our leadership what God has placed on their hearts for Calvary. And they will also give time for you to participate in discussion and partner in prayer as we seek God’s leading together.

Wednesday · September 6
7:00 pm · Worship Center Lobby
Focus on Process and Vision

Wednesday · September 27
7:00 pm · Worship Center Lobby
Focus on Theology, Scripture and Missions

Friday · October 27
7:00 pm · Worship Center Lobby
Panel Discussion with Calvary’s Elders

PASTORAL SUCCESSION Q&As

In this significant season of our church’s journey, we understand you may have many questions. It is our desire as Elders to do the best we can to address those questions. In the PDF below are some questions we have anticipated with our responses. It is our prayer that these are helpful to you as you consider your role as members of Calvary Church in the selection of our next Senior Pastor.

Q & A Info Sheet (PDF)

You can also contact any of our Pastoral Staff or Elders by email with additional questions you may have at or our individual emails are listed here.

MEMBERSHIP VOTE

All of this will lead up to a special One Service Sunday on November 12, 2017 at 10:00am in which the Elders will oversee a vote by the members of Calvary Church for our next Senior Pastor.

VOTING FAQs

Who can vote?
Affirmed church members in good standing (those who have gone through the membership process).

When is the vote?
Sunday, November 12 during the One Service at 10:00am. A brief congregational meeting will be held as part of the worship service and ballots will be collected.

How can I get a ballot?
On Sunday, November 12 ballots will be passed out to all those in attendance who are church members. 

What if I cannot attend the services?
Our church bylaws states that a member must be present to vote. Absentee ballots cannot be distributed.

When will the official results be announced?
At the conclusion of the One Service on Sunday, November 12

If you have other questions about the process, please send them to .

FROM OUR LEADERSHIP

“Eric’s biblical teaching is consistently both challenging and encouraging. His recent message on the Fruit of the Spirit, and walking in the Spirit’s ways, was especially meaningful to both my wife Betty and me. So much so that we spent much of that Sunday afternoon talking and praying together about it. Eric’s teaching and preaching help keep us where we need to be, rooted and ground in Christ and His word.”
Craig Bryson · Elder

“Eric has demonstrated a commitment to lead Calvary to know and practice the Great Commandment by being Better Together as a local church. His development of ministry staff and passion for teaching with a team of pastors has resulted in Calvary being motivated and equipped to live our love first to God, then to each other and to the ends of the earth.”
Rick Bergstrom · Elder 

“Throughout the process of the Elders considering what God would have for the next season at Calvary, there have been a few milestones along the way. For me one of those milestones was hearing from Eric of his deep sense of God’s calling him here to Calvary Church. It is clear that Eric has a unique understanding and passion for Calvary, and a love and desire to shepherd its people.”
Paul Nienow · Elder

"As a friend and mentor of Eric's for several years I have had a chance to get to know Eric personally and see his heart for the Lord, his family, and Calvary Church. His enthusiasm and passion for the Lord is evident in how he lives his life, worships, and loves his family and other people. I have witnessed firsthand how God has been preparing Eric for this new role as our next senior pastor. As a member of Calvary Church for 65 years I am confident that Eric is God’s man, who with the help of a great staff and team, will lead Calvary Church to our 100 year anniversary.”
Steve Esser · Elder 

"For the past ten years, Eric has proven himself to be a God-honoring strategic leader who wants to see others know Jesus and be transformed by Him. He's not afraid to make a fool of himself for the Gospel (VBS) or stand up for what is right (anytime). He is a growing person who seeks opportunities to learn and be mentored. I am excited to work with him to fulfill God's vision for Calvary Church."  
Shannon Reese · Women's Ministries Director

"As one of my best friends and a man I have done ministry with for more than 15 years, I'm continually challenged by Eric's persistence to be a growing person. He is someone who is well aware of his needed areas of growth and dives deeply into seeking the input and advice of his community, praying for God to continue to stir his affection toward the working of the Spirit in his life and those he leads."  
Matt Davis · Family Ministries Pastor

"In the 15 years that I have been friends and served alongside Eric at Calvary, one of my favorite things about him is his passion for missions. He has a deep love and commitment to see the Gospel preached and demonstrated to those who have not yet heard. I have watched him lead high school students to Kenya, serve in the poorest parts of Mexico and prayer walk in the urban city streets of Paris. In each of these places his heart for God's missions has been so clearly seen. I love this about my friend." 
Matt Doan · Reach Pastor

“I’ve known Eric for over 20 years. He loves God, his family and Calvary Church. He is a strong visionary leader with a passion for seeing others find joy and purpose in pursuing and serving Jesus.”
Scott Van Essen · Elder