Our church, Calvary Chapel Melbourne, is governed by a team of Elders whose job is to hear from God and make major decisions for the church. We have been serving alongside Pastor Mark for the past 10 to 30 years. We all have a great love for Pastor Mark and have always considered him a true friend and co-laborer in Christ.

Almost 30 years ago, God put it in the heart of Mark Balmer to start a Calvary Chapel-style fellowship here in Melbourne, Florida. At the time, Pastor Mark was an Elder at Calvary Chapel Merritt Island and the full-time Director of Pharmacy at Wuesthoff Hospital. His intention was to plant a church here in Melbourne and turn it over to other leadership. But God had other plans.

After small beginnings in several rented facilities, God directed us to a 10-acre cow pasture here at Minton Road, West Melbourne. Eventually, Pastor Mark retired as the Director of Pharmacy to devote himself full-time to the work of the ministry. And the ministry grew.

We broke ground in 1998 with a 600-seat sanctuary, classroom buildings, and offices. Within one year we had outgrown the space. Calvary Chapel Melbourne, under the leadership of Pastor Mark, who humbly is quick to say, “it was all God,” has become the largest multi-site church venue in Brevard County. Thousands attend weekly services, and an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 viewing our services online. Every week hundreds participate in bible studies and small groups. We support many foreign and domestic missionaries and provide significant outreaches to our communities.

Pastor Mark has faithfully and energetically served us these past 30 years. He has taught us to “Love God and Love People” with the mission to win, disciple and send. He has given us many “Balmer minutes” and provided us with many Balmerisms such as “It’s not about you – It’s all about God,” “Where God guides, He provides,” “If nothing changes, nothing changes,” and “Love is a verb.” Pastor Mark’s solid expositional and application-based teaching of the Bible has nourished and encouraged our souls. Pastor Mark has always been a man of incredible faith and vision. He was one of the first pastors in Florida to bring innovations to Calvary Chapel Melbourne that we now take for granted – things like multisite campuses, online streaming of services, and on-screen sermon notes. None of us would be standing on this platform or sitting in our seats today if it hadn’t been for Pastor Mark’s vision and faithfulness over the years.

Ecclesiastes tells us, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Although we are sure Pastor Mark would want to stand in the pulpit until his last breath, the Elders with the support of Senior Leadership, believe it is time for Pastor Mark to pass the baton. We have been in discussion with Pastor Mark for the past two years, and although this decision was not easy to make, we believe it is the right time. Per this announcement, Pastor Mark will no longer be serving as Senior Pastor and Head Elder, however, he will retain the title of Founding Pastor/Pastor Emeritus.

The Elder Board has encouraged Pastor Mark to enjoy a long-deserved sabbatical after which we are in prayer with him as to the best utilization of his gifts to further serve our fellowship and the Body of Christ. This decision is in no way due to moral failure or any financial impropriety.

Please pray for Pastor Mark and pray with us as we seek the direction and will of God for this transition. Initially, Pastor Dave Folkerts will be our Interim Senior Pastor. The weekend services will draw on a multi-generational teaching team that has been well-prepared by Pastor Mark over the years.

We are excited for this new venture of faith and what the Lord has in store for us for the next 30 years and beyond. We have great anticipation and are excited for the lives that God wants to continue to touch through the ministries of Calvary Chapel Melbourne, Viera, and Sebastian.

AWANA kicks off this Wednesday, September 1 and we're still in need of 10 more volunteers to make this the best AWANA year yet! Through games, themed fun nights, Bible lessons, Scripture memorization, worship, and so much more, as an AWANA volunteer you'll serve as a way to introduce kids to God's Word and help them learn what it means to live like Jesus. 

On August 14, Haiti was struck by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that destroyed many homes and buildings in the southern peninsula near the cities of Jeremie and Jacmel. Preliminary reports confirm that the earthquake caused severe damage to infrastructure, including hospitals, roads, ports, and bridges. More than 1,400 people perished, 6,000 were injured, and up to 700,000 more will ultimately be affected.

Families in Haiti have many challenging needs such as basic shelter, clean water, and a shortage of available food. As we partner with Samaritan's Purse, we are collecting donations to aid in the relief efforts that have already begun in Haiti. Together we can be the hands and feet of Christ to provide hope and healing to those who are hurting and in need of support. To donate, follow the link below to our Disaster Relief giving page.

A family that prays together, stays together, which is why we have a prayer wall. On our prayer wall you can post your prayer requests and see the requests of others so we can pray for another. We know that prayer changes things, so let's be fervent in prayer and expectant for all God will do as we bring our requests before Him.

Due to the increased number of hospital patients, the blood banks are running low on supplies and are in need of donations. The Blood Mobile will be at the Melbourne Campus Sunday, September 26 from 8:30am-1pm. While attending, please practice all social distancing requirements and listen to instructions given by the coordinators and volunteers.

It is encouraged that you register ahead of time so that proper preparations can be made to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols and the appropriate number of volunteers can be assigned.

Due to the increased number of hospital patients, the blood banks are running low on supplies and are in need of donations. The Blood Mobile will be at the Viera Campus Sunday, September 26 from 8:30am-1pm. While attending, please practice all social distancing requirements and listen to instructions given by the coordinators and volunteers.

It is encouraged that you register ahead of time so that proper preparations can be made to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols and the appropriate number of volunteers can be assigned.

Due to the increased number of hospital patients, the blood banks are running low on supplies and are in need of donations. The Blood Mobile will be at the Sebastian Campus Sunday, September 26 from 8am-1pm. While attending, please practice all social distancing requirements and listen to instructions given by the coordinators and volunteers.

It is encouraged that you register ahead of time so that proper preparations can be made to adhere to all COVID-19 protocols and the appropriate number of volunteers can be assigned.

We were made to do life together. When you're part of a group, others don’t just know your name, they care about what’s happening in your life and want to support and encourage you. Meaningful relationships can be hard to find, but in a group, you're able to make life-changing relationships that allow you to experience the full life God intends for you. Fall Groups start the week of September 13. Find the perfect group for you by following the link below.

AWANA is a worldwide program that focuses on Scripture knowledge and use, understanding God's creation, creativity, and how He shares his love all over the world. Each week beginning September 1, your kids will have the opportunity to have fun with other kids and incredible volunteer leaders through games, themed fun nights, Bible lessons, Scripture memorization, worship, and so much more.

AWANA is for all kids from 4-years through 4th grade. Registration is $45 for all students. Registration includes materials your child will need to participate in AWANA each week. Contact Sarah K with any questions and for more info.

AWANA is a worldwide program that focuses on Scripture knowledge and use, understanding God's creation, creativity, and how He shares his love all over the world. Each week beginning September 1, your kids will have the opportunity to have fun with other kids and incredible volunteer leaders through games, themed fun nights, Bible lessons, Scripture memorization, worship, and so much more.

AWANA is for all kids from 2-years through 4th grade. Registration is $25 for 2-3 years and $45 for 4 years-4th Grade. Registration includes materials your child will need to participate in AWANA each week. Contact Shannon B with any questions and for more info.