About Calvary  | El Calvario Ministries

Our mission is helping seekers find intimacy with God so that they will become fully devoted followers of Christ, leading to transformed lives, and impacting our community for good. 

Calvary was birthed at the peak of The Depression.  As evidence that God wanted to do something in Whittier, this place of Worship was built debt free.  One of the wonderful legacies of Calvary is its people. Calvary's people are friendly, comfortable and desire to see God move in this city and their lives. We continue to participate with God in this city and around the world.

Our Vision

If we are faithful and God blesses, our congregation will grow into an increasingly diverse community of people representing a variety of generations and cultures.

Our Values

  1. Everybody Counts
  2. Everybody Cares
  3. Everybody Contributes
  4. Transparent Truth is Our Custom
  5. Accountability is Our Routine

Our Priorities

Evangelism

Clarifying what seekers must do in response to Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:11-13

Worship
Teaching
Prayer
Fellowship
Equipping
Resources

Young children will be active participants in our fellowship. Our neighbors will welcome our ministry. And a growing number of people will find hope and fulfillment through new life in Jesus Christ.

We will eagerly and regularly gather for worship and fellowship to foster enthusiasm and reverence. Our members will enjoy thriving, healthy spiritual relationships, gathering in groups that work and grow together well. Our missionaries will know they are loved by our congregation because of the myriad of practical ways that we support and serve them. Our families will enjoy discovering real answers from God and genuine community with one another. Our children will know they are appreciated and loved, not only by their parents, but also by their peers and other caring adults in our fellowship.

Our Team

Dr. John Ploog

Lead Pastor

Pastor John  Ploog has a passion for communicating God's Word with practical clarity. He's thrilled knowing so many people from Calvary are involved in our sermon-based small groups. This year, efforts have been made to encourage everyone in our ministry to read God's Word daily. He and his wife have been immersed in our ministry since 1990. They are blessed to share their passion for this ministry with their four children and their families. It is a joy to know that their ten grandchildren are impacted for good by the Calvary family.

Dennis Mohler

Pastor of Administration

Dennis served for 13 years in youth ministry and also cross cultural missions in Mexico. God led him back to the states through the market place (aerospace industry, telephone and networking systems). In the summer of 2006, he returned to ministry and began working here at Calvary as Pastor of Administration. Dennis holds a B.A. in Christian education from BIOLA University, as well as an Associate of Applied Science and multiple certificates in Telecommunications Technologies.

Dan Ploog

Pastor of Music

Dan has been the Music Pastor at Calvary since he graduated from BIOLA in 2000. He started as a musician on the worship team in 1990 when his family moved here from Minnesota. While at BIOLA he studied Sports Physiology and met his wife Heidi. They have been married or 13 years and have 4 boys. Dan has a passion for helping musicians utilize their gifts and talents to serve and point others toward Christ.

Ivan Zelada

Children's Ministry Leader

Ivan ...