Our
History
A decade of grace, faithfulness, and the slow, steady work of God in ordinary people.
Year by Year
A Living Room and a Bible
In the summer of 2015, seven families gathered in a living room in Bengaluru with one shared conviction — that the city needed a church that would not apologise for the doctrines of grace. There was no building, no budget, and no plan beyond the next Sunday.
Rev. M Lazarus led the first gathering from John chapter 1. By the end of that evening, every person present knew they were part of something that had already begun. The church was named Calvary — a constant reminder that everything flows from the cross.
A Living Room and a Bible
In the summer of 2015, seven families gathered in a living room in Bengaluru with one shared conviction — that the city needed a church that would not apologise for the doctrines of grace. There was no building, no budget, and no plan beyond the next Sunday.
Rev. M Lazarus led the first gathering from John chapter 1. By the end of that evening, every person present knew they were part of something that had already begun. The church was named Calvary — a constant reminder that everything flows from the cross.
Taking Root
Through 2016, the congregation grew steadily from seven to over twenty families. The church moved from a living room to a rented community hall, holding its first formal Sunday service with an order of worship, corporate confession, and the Lord's Supper.
The first elders were appointed — Samuel Raj and Joseph Mathew — establishing the plural eldership model the church has maintained ever since. Membership classes began, and the first families formally joined the church covenant.
Taking Root
Through 2016, the congregation grew steadily from seven to over twenty families. The church moved from a living room to a rented community hall, holding its first formal Sunday service with an order of worship, corporate confession, and the Lord's Supper.
The first elders were appointed — Samuel Raj and Joseph Mathew — establishing the plural eldership model the church has maintained ever since. Membership classes began, and the first families formally joined the church covenant.
India Calvary Ministries is Formed
In 2017, the church formalised its outreach work by registering India Calvary Ministries as a charitable trust. What had been informal distributions of food and school supplies became structured, accountable, and scalable.
The first Bags and Books distribution reached 80 children that year. The youth programme was also formally launched, meeting every Friday evening under the leadership of Deacon Nathan Paul.
India Calvary Ministries is Formed
In 2017, the church formalised its outreach work by registering India Calvary Ministries as a charitable trust. What had been informal distributions of food and school supplies became structured, accountable, and scalable.
The first Bags and Books distribution reached 80 children that year. The youth programme was also formally launched, meeting every Friday evening under the leadership of Deacon Nathan Paul.
A Home of Our Own
After four years of meeting in rented spaces, the congregation secured a permanent meeting place on the 3rd floor of 12 Grace Avenue. The move marked a significant moment of stability and faith — the result of sacrificial giving from families who had waited and prayed for years.
The first service in the new sanctuary was held on Palm Sunday 2019. Elder David Thomas preached from Psalm 84 — 'How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts.' Many wept.
A Home of Our Own
After four years of meeting in rented spaces, the congregation secured a permanent meeting place on the 3rd floor of 12 Grace Avenue. The move marked a significant moment of stability and faith — the result of sacrificial giving from families who had waited and prayed for years.
The first service in the new sanctuary was held on Palm Sunday 2019. Elder David Thomas preached from Psalm 84 — 'How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts.' Many wept.
Faithful in Uncertainty
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the church into an unfamiliar season. Services moved online within days of the national lockdown. What could have been a season of scattering became, for many families, a season of deepening.
India Calvary Ministries pivoted quickly — organising emergency food distributions to over 150 families who had lost income overnight. The church gave more generously during 2020 than in any previous year. Faith, tested, held.
Faithful in Uncertainty
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the church into an unfamiliar season. Services moved online within days of the national lockdown. What could have been a season of scattering became, for many families, a season of deepening.
India Calvary Ministries pivoted quickly — organising emergency food distributions to over 150 families who had lost income overnight. The church gave more generously during 2020 than in any previous year. Faith, tested, held.
Rebuilding and Recommitting
As life returned to normal, the church undertook a season of intentional consolidation. Membership rolls were reviewed, the church constitution was updated, and a renewed covenant was signed by the congregation on the church's seventh anniversary.
The youth camp was held in-person for the first time since 2019, drawing 60 young people to a retreat centre in Coorg. It became the catalyst for a new wave of young adults joining the congregation.
Rebuilding and Recommitting
As life returned to normal, the church undertook a season of intentional consolidation. Membership rolls were reviewed, the church constitution was updated, and a renewed covenant was signed by the congregation on the church's seventh anniversary.
The youth camp was held in-person for the first time since 2019, drawing 60 young people to a retreat centre in Coorg. It became the catalyst for a new wave of young adults joining the congregation.
Beyond the City
In 2023, India Calvary Ministries extended its geographic reach into Kolar and Tumkur districts for the first time. Partnerships with local contacts allowed the Bags and Books distribution to reach over 300 children that year — the largest in the ministry's history.
The church also launched its first regular prayer breakfast for women, and a men's accountability group that continues to meet monthly.
Beyond the City
In 2023, India Calvary Ministries extended its geographic reach into Kolar and Tumkur districts for the first time. Partnerships with local contacts allowed the Bags and Books distribution to reach over 300 children that year — the largest in the ministry's history.
The church also launched its first regular prayer breakfast for women, and a men's accountability group that continues to meet monthly.
Ten Years On
In 2025, Calvary Reformed Church marked its first decade. The church that began with seven families in a living room now counts over fifty member families, with active ministries in youth, outreach, children's education, and community care.
The tenth anniversary service was held on a Sunday morning in September. Rev. Lazarus preached from Ebenezer — 'Thus far the Lord has helped us.' The congregation stood and sang. The room was full. The story is still being written.
Ten Years On
In 2025, Calvary Reformed Church marked its first decade. The church that began with seven families in a living room now counts over fifty member families, with active ministries in youth, outreach, children's education, and community care.
The tenth anniversary service was held on a Sunday morning in September. Rev. Lazarus preached from Ebenezer — 'Thus far the Lord has helped us.' The congregation stood and sang. The room was full. The story is still being written.