Calvary Baptist Church of Denver

How others see us
We interviewed former Calvary pastoral staff and Region representatives, asking:

what dangers do you see Calvary facing at this point
what opportunities might lie ahead for Calvary
what other thoughts might you have about Calvary’s future

We asked representatives of Interfaith Hospitality Network, Christian Living Center, Calvary Early Learning Center and English Speakers of Other Languages:

what difficulties have you experienced working with Calvary or with individuals at Calvary
what are the benefits of working with or at Calvary
what other thoughts might you have about Calvary’s future

Here is a summary of the themes and significant issues raised in these interviews.

Calvary has a rich history, including strong pastoral leadership and preaching. Calvary should build on its past to change and grow to be a viable, dynamic church of the future.
Calvary is a progressive, open-minded American Baptist church. It is atypical of most Baptist churches. We need to consider how the word Baptist in our name may turn away people who might find a church home with us.
Calvary is an urban church with great potential for becoming a magnet church.
Greater involvement and visibility in the community may provide opportunities for growth.
Members of Calvary hold diverse social, political and theological points of view, yet members feel that they are a part of a loving, accepting congregation.
Calvary’s important involvement in and commitment to local and global missions must continue and grow, especially its direct service mission work.Calvary has a talented pool of lay leaders, but it should work to enlist and train a broadened base of leadership.
Calvary welcomes ethnic diversity but must work harder to successfully assimilate everyone into the congregation on a day-to-day basis.
Calvary accepts women ministers but lacks cultural diversity in its professional staff.
Calvary has an aging building that needs attention. Also, there is the question of whether Calvary should move.
Calvary’s congregation is aging. Unless we can attract new members who are good givers, Calvary will face financial challenges.
Calvary must be open to new people—especially younger people—and to new ways of worship.
Calvary works successfully with the Calvary Early Learning Center, Christian Living Center, Interfaith Hospitality Network and English for Speakers of Other Languages.
Calvary needs to clarify its core values, decide what it does well and accept that it cannot be all things to all people.
First and foremost, Calvary must continue to serve God and Christ and determine what ministry God is calling Calvary to fulfill.