Calvary Church

Calvary Church is a relatively new, independent church that was planted 12 years ago with affiliation to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). The congregation has a typical weekly attendance of about 125 people, and has held steady at this number for a couple years now. The church is currently renting spaces in a local school for Sunday services but owns land that it plans to build on in the near future.

The congregation is made up mostly of young families and a smaller number of retired/older adults. Calvary has a growing Awana program, and though many do not attend Sunday services, this provides a fertile ground for growth. The church is fairly multi-generational, with a healthy presence across different age groups. Worship Service is more casual with a blend of hymns and worship songs focusing on truths over style.

Though the center of ministry is in New Prague, people drive from as far as 20-25 minutes away to attend Sunday worship. Calvary is conservative theologically and culturally and is situated in a mostly conservative area 45 miles southeast of Minneapolis. It will be key for the new Lead Pastor to understand the unique cultural dynamics of folks in the Upper Midwest.

New Prague is a small, charming town that feels like a hallmark movie setting. Located about 45 minutes outside of Minneapolis, it is a tight-knit community with a strong sense of local identity. The town's political landscape is conservative, and this does influence the community's values and perspectives. 

The church’s future pastor will need to understand the unique cultural dynamics of New Prague, as the church is striving to create a welcoming atmosphere for people from all walks of life, and build a multi-generational church that reflects the community.

Community Dynamics:

• A relatively small but friendly and traditional community.
• Residents are used to a slower pace of life and hold conservative values.
• A town where local businesses and tight-knit relationships are important.