When you walk through the doors of Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Emporia, you’re not just stepping into a church — you’re stepping into a story of prayer, faith, and God’s leading.
Brad and Melodi Bowen first attended Calvary Chapel in Diamond Bar, California, before moving to Kansas in 1993. Their journey took them through several Kansas fellowships — serving faithfully in men’s ministry, women’s ministry, children’s ministry, singles ministry, Vacation Bible School, and even leading a Monday night men’s Bible study for over 10 years.
The History of Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Emporia
It was in 2005 that Brad felt God calling him to full-time ministry. After much prayer and counsel, Kansas Calvary Chapel pastors began to talk about Emporia, a city where a previous fellowship had closed. Concerned for those who were left without a church home, they asked Brad and Melodi to pray.
In August of 2006, the Bowens came to Emporia with one question: Is God calling us here? They walked the streets, prayed over the city, and in October of that year, began a simple Friday night Bible study at Arizings Coffee Shop.
That Bible study grew — and on June 10, 2007, Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Emporia held its first official Sunday service. For three years the church met in the VFW building on South Commercial Street. Then in 2010, God opened the door to purchase the historic Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club building at 1130 E. Ninth Ave. After months of prayer and waiting, the loan was granted, and on December 17, 2010, the fellowship had a permanent home.
Today, Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Emporia is more than a building — it’s a family of believers. A place where the Bible is taught verse by verse. A place where worship is heartfelt. A place where families, students, and individuals from all walks of life come together to grow in Christ and encourage one another.
We know visiting a church for the first time can feel overwhelming. That’s why our heart is simple: to welcome you with love, open God’s Word together, and grow as a community of disciples.
If you’ve been searching for a Bible-teaching church in Emporia, Kansas, or simply a place to belong — we would love to meet you. Come and see what God is doing here.
Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Emporia — teaching God’s Word, loving God’s people, and serving our city.
Our mission
The mission of Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Emporia is the same mission Jesus gave his followers: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Our vision
The vision of Calvary Chapel Fellowship of Emporia is create a community of authentic believers and to witness a city transformed by the life changing reality of the gospel, as people come to know Jesus as their lord and savior.