Our History

The History of Calvary Baptist Church:

A Testament to God’s Faithful Provision

As we gather to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of Calvary Baptist Church, we pause to reflect not only on our history but on the unmistakable hand of God that has guided and provided for us every step of the way. We would not be here today without His sustaining grace and the faithfulness of those who answered His call. The story of Calvary Baptist Church beautifully demonstrates the provision, faithfulness, and sovereignty of God when His people follow His Will.

In August of 1982, Holly Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Star City, Arkansas, voted to extend an arm to begin a mission in Jonesboro. On September 15, 1982, Calvary Baptist Mission met for the first time in the home of Charles and Retha Burge, with thirty-one people in attendance. From the very beginning, God’s blessings were evident. It was immediately clear that a larger space was needed for future meetings. God provided the perfect location! The shopping center adjacent to our current location was available to rent. Things quickly fell into place and the first Sunday service was held at the new location just four days after that first in home meeting. That building served as the mission’s home for nearly three years and offered the space needed for Sunday School and fellowship dinners. Just four weeks later, the Lord provided the mission’s first pastor, Bro. Cliff Candler, to shepherd the growing congregation.

Within six months, God opened the door for the purchase of three acres—the land where our church stands today. Plans were made for a dome-shaped building, and financing was arranged. However, before construction could begin, the contractor withdrew, and the financial plan collapsed. Bro. Candler resigned in June of 1984. Though discouragement threatened to take hold, the mission pressed on in faith, trusting that God would make a way.

And He did. Even when the mission was without a pastor and unable to pay one, God sent help through the generosity of First Baptist Church in Mabelvale, AR, which offered to support a pastor for Calvary Mission. Soon afterward, Bro. E. Lowe Stone was called as pastor, and construction on the building began in August 1984. God again provided, supplying the funds needed through the Arkansas State Mission Project and the offerings of many churches and individuals.

The first service in the new building was held on February 24, 1985, and a dedication service followed on April 13, as the congregation gave glory to God for His great provision. On October 5, 1985, just three years after its founding, Calvary Baptist Mission was officially organized into Calvary Baptist Church with ninety-seven charter members. Many of those early members have since gone home to glory, but a few remain—living testaments of God’s faithfulness through the generations.

Under Bro. Stone’s leadership, the church continued to thrive. New ministries such as Children’s Church, the Ladies Auxiliary, and the Baptist Training Course were launched. When Bro. Stone was called to another ministry in 1987, the Lord once again provided, sending Bro. Wilton Wager to serve as pastor. During his ten years of faithful leadership, the church completed the remaining building work, began the Awana and Discovery programs for youth, launched a College and Careers ministry, and called its first Music and Youth Minister, Bro. Greg Curtis.

Even in times of transition, God’s hand remained steady. When Bro. Curtis resigned, the Lord led Bro. James Wehunt to serve as Music and Youth Director in 1997. The following year, Bro. Wehunt was called as pastor, and soon after, Bro. Shawn Brandon joined as Youth Minister. Together they led a fruitful ministry and began to dream of expanding the sanctuary. Yet when Bro. Wehunt resigned in 1998, those plans were put on hold. Still, God provided capable men within the church to lead while the pulpit was vacant. 

Within weeks, Bro. David Johnson was called as pastor, and under his leadership, the church grew and developed plans for a Family Life Center. When he resigned in 2001, once again the members of the church stepped forward to keep the work going. 

In December of 2001, God provided another shepherd, Bro. Tony Williams. Under his leadership, the foundation for the Family Life Center was poured and construction began. When Bro. Williams resigned in 2004 to serve elsewhere, God’s people once again carried on faithfully until another pastor could be found. In July 2004, the Lord sent Bro. Alan Roark. His ministry encouraged the church in both fellowship and outreach. He helped launch the “Caring and Sharing” ministry, a Men’s Bible Study, and a weekly visitation program. Under his leadership and with the help of Youth and Music Director Bro. Jeremy Keen, the church grew, and the Family Life Center was completed and dedicated. After Bro. Roark’s resignation in 2007—and his tragic passing in 2008—God sustained His people and provided strength to continue.

In January 2008, Bro. Greg Upperman was called as pastor, working alongside Bro. Keen to continue the ministry of Calvary. Six new deacons were ordained, and the church grew under his leadership. When both Bro. Upperman and Bro. Keen followed God’s call to the mission field in 2010, the church once again faced an uncertain season. Yet even in the waiting, God provided.

Though attendance declined during those months without a pastor, God had already made provision—Calvary was debt-free with funds available to continue its ministries. In September 2010, the Lord called Bro. Kurt Neeley to serve as pastor, and Calvary had the privilege of ordaining him that November. Under his leadership, the church grew, and the REACH program was launched to further the gospel’s impact. God continued to bless as Bro. Kurt married Sis. Laura in 2014, and they welcomed their first child in 2015.

When Bro. Kurt resigned in 2017, the church again entered a difficult season. Attendance wavered and hope seemed dim. Yet the pulpit committee and faithful members remained steadfast, filling the pulpit each Sunday and trusting God to send the right leader. During this time, Dr. Adrian Parker became a steady and faithful presence, preaching many Sundays when no candidates were available. Once again, God used His servants to sustain Calvary in a season of need and prepare the way for what He was about to do next.

In September 2018, God sent Dr. Jerry L. Medlock to serve as pastor. In addition to shepherding Calvary, Bro. Medlock teaches at Missionary Baptist Seminary in Little Rock, writes for the Bogard Press Sunday School commentary, and serves on the History and Archives Committee for the Arkansas State Association of Missionary Baptists. Under his leadership, the church stabilized and began to grow once more, and Bro. Bryce Hudgins was called as Music Minister in August of 2019. 

Then came an unprecedented challenge—the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Services were halted by state lockdowns, and uncertainty filled the air. Yet through prayer and God’s wisdom, Calvary resumed services with safety precautions in place. God provided the tools for ministry even in isolation, as Sis. Medlock led the effort to begin live-streaming services so the gospel could continue to reach beyond the church walls.

Bro. Hudgins resigned in October of 2020 to focus on his school work. In the years that followed, God continued to bless our church family as Bro. and Sis. Medlock welcomed their fifth child in February 2023. Bro. Medlock continues to serve faithfully under God’s leadership. Though attendance remains smaller than in years past, Calvary Baptist Church stands as a living testimony that God provides—for our needs, our ministries, and our mission.

Through every trial, every transition, and every triumph, God has proven Himself faithful. As we celebrate forty years, we look back with gratitude and look forward with confidence, trusting the same God who provided in 1982 to continue providing for Calvary Baptist Church today and in the years to come. We must remain obedient to His will, trust in His timing, and continue to serve faithfully.