This page is designed to assist you as you consider visiting Calvary.
We have posted a few frequently asked questions concerning Calvary. Any further suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated and may be sent to our e-mail listed here.
Question # 1--Where in Minnesota is Sleepy Eye located?
Sleepy Eye is located about 15 minutes west of New Ulm. We are approximately 100 SW of Minneapolis, MN, and slightly over that NE from Sioux Falls, SD. The largest town near us is Mankato, MN, just under one hour to the east of us.
For more information about the city of Sleepy Eye, click here.
Question # 2--What do you mean when you use the term "Baptist"?
There are several varieties of Baptists here in America, and we know that can be confusing at times. They range all over the theological spectrum. However, the primary distinguishing characteristic of Baptist churches historically has been that the Bible (with a strong emphasis on the New Testament) is the only authority for faith and practice. A second characteristic is that we believe baptism is to be for genuine believers by immersion. Therefore we do not baptize/immerse infants. Thirdly, Baptists have generally held to the Biblical teaching that each local church is self-governing before God. Biblically, there is no hierarchy over the local church. There are other characteristics that some Baptists have added to the list over the years, but these three are primary. The original Baptists in the early 1600's sought to bring their churches into line with Biblical teaching in all areas. Being a Baptist in name does not necessarily guarantee that one is Baptist in practice. At the same time, we recognize that there are churches who are Biblical in practice but are not Baptist in name. We recommend Michael A. G. Haykin's "Kiffin, Knollys, and Keach" as a excellent resource for learning more about Baptist history.
Question # 3--What does Calvary teach about the forgiveness of sins?
We believe that salvation is available to all who genuinely repent of their sin and turn to God, through faith alone, by grace alone, in Christ alone. There are no human efforts that can accomplish anything to make us acceptable to God. James 1:18 says, "Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures." John 1:13 states, "who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." Salvation is all of God. Our part is simply to depend (exercise God's gift of faith) upon His completed work. God receives all the glory because He has done all the work.
Question # 4--What does Calvary teach about End Time events?
CalvaryBaptistChurch holds to a view of the End Times commonly known as dispensationalism. (Don't be scared away by a big word like that.) Essentially, dispensationalism means three things. First, everything God does (and we are supposed to do) is to bring glory to God (see 1st Corinthians 10:31). Second, we read the Bible in a normal or literal manner. Take the words for what they say, unless the normal sense doesn't make sense. Third, we seek to maintain the Biblical distinction between Israel and the New Testament church. We do not believe that the church has replaced Israel in God's overall plan. By maintaining these three key points, ones view of the End Times will result in an understanding that Jesus Christ can return at any moment to claim His own (see First Thessalonians 4:13-18). We believe His return to be before the Tribulation, and thus before the Thousand-yearKingdom.
Question # 5--I noticed that Calvary Baptist doesn't have any youth activities listed. Why is that?
We believe that the family is the primary spiritual training location. It is our responsibility as an assembly to equip parents, primarily fathers, to provide spiritual nourishment for their families. We ocassionally have weekly Family Bible Time classes for younger children if the parents would like to make use of that time. Parents are free to keep their children with them in all of our services.
Question # 6--What is Calvary's position on the debate between Calvinism and Arminianism?
Calvary is quite comfortable with the Doctrines of Grace (sometimes referred to as Calvinism). We believe that God's sovereignty is a fundamental part of Biblical doctrine. We also believe that each and every person is totally unable and unwilling to come to Christ unless God does a work of grace in his/her heart. We believe that God chose certain ones unto salvation based solely on His grace. We believe that the atoning work of Christ on the cross was efficient for the elect, and that there are certain non-salvation benefits for the non-elect. We believe that all whom God has chosen will come to Him for salvation. We believe that all who are genuinely born again will continue in the faith until their death or the rapture. Far from eliminating our zeal for evangelism, the Doctrines of Grace enhance our passion to share the Gospel of our God, bringing encouragment and direction to our efforts.
Question # 7--What is Calvary's view of educating children?
Several families at Calvary has chosen to home educate the children God has given to them. This does not mean that we believe this is the only method God can use. We believe that strong Biblical parenting is essential, no matter what form of education parents may choose. Therefore we seek to equip the parents so that they will be better prepared to equip the children entrusted to their care.
Additional Questions: It you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us. We have a Doctrinal Spectrum Analysis of Calvary Baptist available below on this page for download in PDF format. It will identify where Calvary stands on variety of issues.
