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Doctor Joseph B. Willard has served at Calvary Baptist Church since January, 2007. Pastor Joe has been in ministry for over 23 years, having served churches in North and South Carolina. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Charleston Southern University and holds both Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Joe is married to his lovely wife Lisa. Lisa holds three degrees from Southeastern Seminary, including a Doctor of Ministry degree. She currently serves as Staff Biblical Counselor at Lakeview Baptist Church, Hartsville. Her ministry is available to all of the churches in the Welsh Neck Baptist Association.
Pastor Joe has a great passion for preaching and teaching the word of God. He believes with deep conviction that the truth of God is still saving lost souls and transforming lives. He is committed to leading Calvary Baptist Church to be a disciple-making church.
The following words are a personal statement from Pastor Joe and we hope that it will help you to know more fully his heart for ministry:
My philosophy of ministry is God-centered and based on the Word of God and the example of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. This philosophy is guided by the belief that the church is a holy nation, set apart by God to be distinct from the world in order to reach the world and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ. A holy, healthy church will be an empowered church that has a Christ honoring witness to a lost and dying world. The work of the church, the people, and the pastor cannot rightly be done apart from the empowering and anointing of God.
My ministry objective is to glorify God by faithfully fulfilling His calling to preach the Word, make disciples, and holy living. The Scriptures should be central in the life of the church and in the life of every believer. Through the Scriptures believers are nourished and transformed into the likeness of Christ. I am committed to faithful study and exposition of God’s Word.
Disciples are faithful followers of Christ and it is the great mission of the church to make disciples of all the nations. Discipleship begins with evangelism and continues as believers are led to spiritual maturity and complete allegiance to Christ and His church. It is my desire to make disciples whose faithfulness to Christ is evidenced in every facet of their lives.
The pastor should be an example of such faithfulness as he lives out a life of holiness. This example opens the door to leading God’s flock, caring for God’s flock, and equipping the saints for the work of ministry.
