Pastor Billy Walker, a graduate of William Tyndale College has been the Lead Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church for only four years, but his history with Calvary includes a lifetime. The son of the church’s former Pastor, and grandson of the founding Pastor, he only felt led to follow in their footsteps in recent years.
He and his wife, Laurie traveled around the United States singing and ministering together as One Voice in many of the largest churches, conferences and concert venues. But after the passing of his best friend, and an increase in speaking opportunities where God seemed to be using his message, he and Laurie both felt the Lord leading them into more of a home-based ministry: one that led them to even more service at Calvary.
Having served as part time minister of music for a number of years, Billy quickly made the transition into the role of Pastor, and has been non-stop ever since. Believing that Calvary’s best days are yet ahead, he has added another service on Sundays, increased the use of Small Groups, and has continued to pursue other avenues of growth and discipleship, while still traveling every few weeks sharing their music and message abroad.
Pastor Billy resides in the Downriver, Michigan area with his wife, Laurie. They have two daughters: Whitney and Kaylie.
Pastor Billy C. Walker pastored Calvary Baptist Church for over 30 years. He continues his effective ministry in the church by leading an Adult Bible Study class on Wednesday, preaching in Pastor Billy Walkers absence on Sunday, hosting a Small Group, counselin,g and numerous other responsibilities.
He is also the Program Director for the Downriver Prayer Breakfast, and is the leader of the Southgate Pastor’s Meeting, as well as the Southgate Leadership Meeting.
He and his wife, Sharon have been the Director’s of Hiawatha Youth Camp in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for over 40 years. This camp and conference center welcomes the best in speakers, musicians, and hundreds of guests each summer. It ministers under the auspices of the Billy Walker Evangelistic Association, of which Pastor Billy C. Walker is still President.
Pastor Dan serves as as Executive Pastor, and assists the Lead Pastor with preaching, teaches the mid-week Bible study, coordinates and teaches in the small group ministry along with the Associate Pastor, oversees the church’s counseling center, Awana Kids Club, and helps in the overall administration of the church’s various ministries.
He is a graduate of Calvary Bible College in Kansas City, Missouri, as well as Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana has over 30 years of pastoral experience, serving in five different churches in Missouri, Kansas, and Michigan, with his two most recent pastorates spanning the last 25 years.
He resides in a suburb near the church with his wife, JoLinda. They have three adult children, Ryan, Rebecca, and Rachel, two of whom are married and one engaged to be married, along with two grandchildren.
Pastor Dan’s “Bible passage to live by” is Philippians 1:20-21, “My earnest expectation and hope is that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or death. For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Pastor Jack VanAcker brings a wealth of experience and know how to the Calvary Baptist Church staff. Having served as a full-time Youth Director, Missionary to Trinidad, and Senior Pastor, there is not much in the ministry that Jack has not been a part of.
Heading up the Christian Education Ministries of Calvary, he oversees the Small Group Ministry, the Children’s Ministry, as well as the Youth Ministry. He is also in charge of the new Missions Ministry at Calvary, and still has a heart for reaching people everywhere with the news that they matter to God.
Pastor Jack has also trained and received credentials to be a First Responder Chaplain, able to respond with Spiritual assistance in local or national emergency situations, and is also pursuing a Hospital Chaplains degree.
He and his wife, Donna have raised three children, and now have their first grandchild.
Nathan Thomson brings a world of experience to his new position as Student Ministry Director. And we mean that quite literally. He has spent the last two years working in China as an English speaking teacher and returned in time to take on the role of Head Counselor at Hiawatha Youth Camp. Having grown up at Calvary, Nathan is a graduate of Spring Arbor University. He is currently working towards graduate school and we are excited his schedule allows him to be part of what is happening at Calvary.