Today we’d like to introduce you to Calvary Callender.
Hi Calvary, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I spent most of my life helping people discover who they are in God and how they can live that out in everyday life. My ministry journey started in youth ministry, where I spent 10 years walking alongside students and learning how to communicate faith in ways that felt real and relational. I then took my first role as a lead pastor in Big Spring, Texas and spent eight years there. For the past eight years I’ve served as the lead pastor of Lantana Community Church, where our focus is simple…to love like Jesus so lives are changed. Over the years, that calling has expanded beyond one congregation to include helping start new ministries, mentoring young pastors, and building bridges into our surrounding communities.
What keeps me going is seeing transformation happen; whether it’s a student finding purpose, a neighbor discovering Hope, or a church learning to serve outside its walls. My faith has shaped how I lead, teach, and even think about growth. I’m entrepreneurial by nature which has been helpful in the church to find creative new ways for people to experience God’s presence and grace. Every season has had his challenges, but each one has deep in my conviction real leadership begins with listening to God and loving people will.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would not say it’s been smooth, but it has been good. Ministry, like life, rarely goes in straight lines. There have been seasons of discouragement, times when the numbers don’t tell the whole story, and moments I questioned if I was really making a difference. Leading people means walking with them through grief, conflict, and change; and sometimes doing that while carrying your own.
Still, those hard seasons have shaped me more than easy ones ever will. Hard times teach us that success isn’t measured by size or speed, but faithfulness. I’ve learned to slow down, listen to God’s voice, and let his grace do the heavy lifting. It’s the struggles that deepen my empathy and my joy. They remind me that the best stories are usually written through perseverance.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lantana Community Church. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Lantana Community Church is a place where faith meets real life. We’re a growing, multigenerational, multi ethnic church in bartonville that serves the surrounding communities of Lantana, Argyle, and Flowermound. Our mission is simple: to love like Jesus so lives are changed. We’re known for being a warm, relational church. We are authentic in our worship, generous in service, and intentional about community. Every Sunday we gather to grow together through practical teaching, corporate worship, and a shared sense of purpose that carries through the week.
What sets us apart is that we see the church as more than a building. The church is a movement of people scattered throughout neighborhoods, schools, gyms, and work places to bring Hope and kindness wherever they go. I’m proud of how our people live that out, whether it’s serving through local food distributions, mentoring students, or simply opening their homes to neighbors. At its heart, our “brand” isn’t a logo or a slogan, it’s people learning to live and love like Jesus in everyday places.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve absolutely had support in my life and ministry; nothing meaningful I’ve done has been done alone. Over the years, I’ve been shaped by pastors and mentors who modeled integrity, humility, and faithfulness when no one was watching. Our now-retired District Superintendent, David Downs, has been a tremendous mentor, as has my friend and pastor, Bob Heneghan. Of course, there are many others, but not enough space or time to name them all.
My wife, Ceresa, has been my greatest encourager and steady partner through every season of ministry. She’s the one who keeps me grounded and reminds me why we do what we do. I’ve also been surrounded by incredible teammates and lay leaders at Lantana Community Church who give their time, creativity, and heart to serve our community. My staff and fellow pastors all shape me in different ways. We work together as a family, eager to achieve the same goal…bringing people into God’s Kingdom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lantana.church
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lantanachurch
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LantanaChurch/
- Twitter: https://x.com/lantanachurch
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/lantanachurch
Image Credits
Candace Hollings Photography. https://candacehollingsphotography.pixieset.com/lantanacommunitychurch/
