Our Values
1. We value the will of God at any cost.
The will of God should be the orientation of our Christian mentality. It means living a life that makes God’s will the priority in our lives above everything else. Understanding the will of God can sometimes seem mystical, or something hidden. However, scripture tells us we can understand the will of God (Ephesians 5:17). Therefore, if we can understand the will of God, we can live out the will of God in our everyday lives.
2. We value the Bible as the supreme authority
We view the Bible as our spiritual road map. The Bible emanated from God (1 Timothy 3:16-17). It is God’s communication to humanity. Therefore, we allow God’s word to guide every area of our life. Its miraculous preservation, prophetic fulfillment and present-day power give us confidence that the Bible can be a trusted source of truth in our lives.
3. We value an inclusive compassionate community expressed by diversity
Over and over, in scripture we see the importance of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with people from all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). As Christians we are called to love and show compassion to those around us (Mark 12:29-31). Just as the body of Christ is to be made up people from all walks of life (Galatians 3:28), we should strive to reflect that reality in how we treat one another.
4. We value relevance pursued with excellence
Jesus used parables, metaphors, and word pictures to allow people to understand the truth of His message so they could make application to their lives (Mark 4:33-34). We know that walking into a church can be a great challenge to people. By creating a relevant environment done with excellence that honors God, people can hear the word of God, receive it and apply it to their life.
5. We value stewardship embodied in generosity
As we live our lives dedicated to God’s will and purpose, we see everything that we possess as a gift from God. Therefore, we look for ways to honor God with our time, talent, and treasure. Just as Christ gave Himself for us (John 3:16), we too give our lives as vessels for the cause of God’s glory in the world (Luke 6:38).
Our History
“The Will of God at Any Cost” was the driving force behind the formation of The Calvary Pentecostal Church on December 8, 1968. Bishop Norman I and MaryAlice Paslay founded the church and led the congregation with submission and sacrifice. For about five years, the church met in a rented building in Blue Ash, Ohio. The church relocated to Springdale, Ohio on Kemper Road where it continued to grow for 27 years. Under the leadership of Bishop Norman II and Jeannine Paslay, the church developed new ministries, focused on missions, and purchased a piece of prime real estate on I-275 in Springdale, Ohio. The new building on Kenn Road was dedicated on September 11, 1999. The church continued to expand its ministries and community reach and in 2017, TCC purchased the property at 11965 Kenn Road, now known as The Bishops’ Center. Under the capable leadership of pastors Tom and Kristen Ellis, since 2015, TCC has focused on new opportunities of ministry and outreach, impacting not only Springdale, but other neighboring communities. Our passion remains to see people find a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Meet Our Pastors
Tom & Kristen Ellis
Tom is an Ohio native, loves and serves the people of Cincinnati and the state of Ohio with passion. He completed educational programs at Indiana Bible College, Ohio Christian University, and Purpose Institute. Since 1999, Tom has been in full time pastoral ministry. He and his wife, Kristen, joined the staff of The Calvary Church in 2007, and Tom has served as the Senior Pastor of The Calvary Church since 2018. Tom serves the United Pentecostal Church as Presbyter of Southwest Ohio, and he is involved in chaplaincy work for first responders and he currently serves as a Hamilton County Police Chaplain, and the Police and Fire Chaplain for the city of Springdale, Ohio. In January 2022, Tom was elected as Senior Pastor of New Life UPC in Brookville, Indiana, which is an extension of The Calvary Church.
Kristen’s pastoral ministry in Cincinnati is second nature. She was born and raised in Cincinnati. The Calvary Church was founded by her grandparents, Norman and MaryAlice Paslay, was pastored by her parents, Norman and Jeannine Paslay, and now, since 2019, Kristen serves as Pastor alongside her husband, Tom, who serves as Senior Pastor. Besides her pastoral role at TCC, you will find Kristen busy as the TCC Bible Quiz Program director. Her passion is studying and teaching the Bible to individuals, to The Calvary Church, and in many places around the United States. Kristen completed educational programs at Indiana Bible College and Ohio Christian University. She is involved in chaplaincy work, serving as the chaplain for the Navy League, Ohio State Highway Patrol and FBI.
Kristen and Tom have three amazing daughters, Emma, Audrey, and Ava, who keep their life filled with drama and excitement. Being one of four girls herself, Kristen loves her “pink world.”
