The Sword & The Trowel TS&TT: A Call for Baptist Renewal in the SBC
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Apr 2, 2026 Willy Rice, pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater and church-planting advocate, talks vision for Baptist renewal and his SBC presidential nomination. He discusses his church’s multiplication strategy and a new book critiquing growth-obsession. He shares shifts in leadership posture, listening to marginalized pastors, and seven pillars for renewing clarity, accountability, mission, and unity.
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Pastor Returned To His Childhood Church
- Willy Rice grew up at Calvary Church and returned as pastor in 2004 after serving in Pensacola, Alabama, and a church plant in the 1980s.
- He was licensed and ordained under Dr. Bill Anderson, describes Calvary as his home church, and will celebrate 22 years as pastor this fall.
X150 Goals Celebrated With Global Partners
- Calvary celebrated meeting its X150 goals at the end of the decade with partners including an international church planter from South Asia.
- Rice noted the joy of tangible fruits: churches planted, leaders raised, and children served through adoption and foster care.
Multiplication Over Addition In Church Vision
- Calvary shifted from addition to multiplication with an X150 ten-year vision to plant churches, raise leaders, and serve children.
- The plan tied to their 150th anniversary aimed for 150 churches, 150 leaders, and 150 adoptions/foster placements.
