Joel M. Ward has been the pastor of Calvary Baptist Church since 2002, however, he and his wife, Cara, have faithfully served this ministry since the mid-1980's.

Pastor Ward graduated from Massillon Baptist College in Massillon, OH in 1988 with a Bachelor of Divinity, Cara graduated the same year as the class Valedictorian with a Bachelor of Religious Education. They both joined the staff of the Calvary Baptist Church and Calvary Academy in May of 1988.

Pastor Ward grew up in a Christian home and attended independent, fundamental baptist churches and schools. It was not until September 28, 1979 as a Junior in high school that he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. While serving his country as a Marine, he felt the call to preach and surrendered to do so on March 13, 1983.

Cara also came from a Christian home and was actively involved in her father's ministries since the time that she was very young. She trusted Christ at the tender age of 3 and has faithfully lived for Him her whole life. She is vital to this ministry and is a lady that our ladies can strive to be like.

Pastor and Mrs. Ward were married June 20, 1986 at Calvary Baptist Church. Their family now consists of  three children and a son-in-law. The whole family actively works within the ministry. God has been good and continues to work through the lives of each member of their growing family.