Does anyone else remember those long family road trips? In the days before cell phones and tablets, we would sit in the backseat staring out the window. As the number of miles increased, our level of frustration and anxiety would rise. Eventually, parents would hear the words for the umpteenth time, "Are we there yet?"
As the calendar shifts from 2023 to 2024, we progress from a time of challenge and change to more challenge and more change. Variants of the COVI D-19 virus still plague our communities. Economic uncertainty is still our companion. War is breaking out across the world, and politicians play with human lives like a board game at times. I know, like children on a long car ride, we are tempted to raise the question, "Are we there yet?" The answer of course is no.
We have a long road ahead of us. Calvary Baptist Church of Glenwood has traveled this road with excellence for 43 years. I am excited that I, along with the Higginbottom family, can continue this journey with The Church of Love. Thank you all for your dedication, and sanguine spirit, even in times of uncertainty. Calvary Baptist Church of Glenwood is a resilient and strong church.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
-Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV)
Reverend LaMont A. Higginbottom, M.Div., Pastor
When the Lord puts something in your heart, regardless of how big or improbable it may seem, it's difficult to ignore. We thank the Lord for the vision given to Rev. Carl K. Manson to start a Baptist church in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Although God did not lay out a step-by-step plan with a physical church building to occupy, it was clear there was a need for His Kingdom work, and He selected the right person for the task. Rev. Manson heeded his heart and his love for the Lord to that call.
The birth of Calvary Baptist Church of Glenwood started in the basement of Rev. & Sister Manson's home, then went into a school gymnasium for 14 years where the membership had to physically set up and take down furniture and equipment each Sunday to turn the gymnasium into a sanctuary. During these early years, the church faced opposition from key figures in the community, including the Village Mayor, who vowed not to allow a black Baptist church to reside within the Glenwood community; however, God always has the final word. In His infinite wisdom, the Lord replaced this mayor with a leader who was sympathetic to our initiative and the President of a bank that was willing to aid us in our building plans. "Won't He Do It!"
On July 8, 1995, the Lord blessed us to march across the Big Road {Glenwood Dyer Road) to occupy our church building, which sits on nine acres of land. God also blessed us to acquire an additional 40+ acres of land on Cottage Grove. Look at what the Lord can do with those who are faithful to His Voice. Although Calvary is considered a young black Baptist church and has had many hills to climb, we have survived and grown stronger with the leadership and members listening to the voice of the Lord. God has been so good to Calvary! Calvary is known in the South Suburbs for preaching and teaching the truth of God's Word, for our welcoming spirit, and for our generosity in meeting the needs of the community. Examples of how Calvary has been involved in annual outreach within the community include the Back to School Bookbag Fair, Thanksgiving Baskets, and the Angel Tree Program which provides Christmas gifts for children of incarcerated parents.
As the church enters its 44th year, we stand ready to expand our reach to all members of the Glenwood and South Suburban communities including those who are hungry for God's Word and have a yearning to learn how to apply it in everyday living. To accomplish this, Calvary has partnered with DAK Consulting to develop and implement a strategic plan that compliments Pastor La Mont A. Higginbottom's vision of spreading the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through love and deeds.
Evangelism first, Evangelism second, and Evangelism last!
Emphasize the importance of sound biblical teaching in all aspects of the church’s ministry.
Enhance the quality and variety of our ministries to better serve our communities.
Leverage the geographic location of the church to actively seek ways to serve and engage with the local community and surrounding villages.
Optimize Godly responsibility of resources, including finances, facilities, and people.
Emphasize the importance of sound biblical teaching in all aspects of the church’s ministry.
Develop and implement comprehensive discipleship programs for current and potential members that lead to Christ.
Provide regular and diverse opportunities to deepen spiritual understanding of the Word of God.
Encourage and support personaI and corporate study of the Bible. 
Emphasize the importance of sound biblical teaching In all aspects of the church’s ministry.
Enhance efforts to engage youth and young adults in all aspects of the church’s operations.
Provide comprehensive and ongoing training opportunities for all church leaders and ministry workers. 
Develop a process to ensure existing and future ministries align with the vision of the church and community needs. 
Encourage diversity within ministries that leverage people, talent, and experiences.
Leverage the geographic location of the church to actively seek ways to serve and engage with the local community and surrounding villages.
Identify and prioritize local community needs.
Establish partnerships with schools and health care systems to address identified community needs. 
Address the changing needs of our community while ensuring alignment with church priorities. 
Optimize Godly responsibility of resources, including finances, facilities, and people.
Conduct a thorough financial review and establish a continuous sustainable budget.
Manage resources responsibly, including finances, facilities, and volunteer efforts. 
Encourage a culture of generosity and sacrificial giving. 
Create mechanisms to transparently communicate current and future states of the budget. 
LIVESTREAM