Our History
Founded with a vision to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Calvary Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of faith in Wisconsin Rapids since 1936. Our journey began with a small group of 33 believers seeking to plant a church where the word of Christ could be shared and lived through meaningful fellowship and service. Over the years, God has grown that group of 33 people into an established and welcoming community of believers with a gospel burden for our city and the world.
From our humble beginnings to our present-day mission, our focus remains steadfast: to know Christ and make Him known. We celebrate our faith heritage while looking forward with hope, and we invite new people to join us as God writes the next chapter of our story.
Zachary Tornow
Associate Pastor
Pastor Zach and his wife, Jessica, began serving full time at Calvary in 2015. He, like pastor J, is also a graduate of Clarks Summit University. A natural musician, he leads our congregation in worship through song each Sunday. He oversees Adult Bible Fellowships, counseling ministry, adult discipleship studies, and media/technology at Calvary. A true Wisconsinite, Pastor Zach grew up right here in Wisconsin Rapids and has been attending Calvary for over 30 years. He enjoys a variety of hobbies such as videography, hunting, golf, and aquariums. However, his favorite times are spent with his wife and their two sons, Connor and Deacon.
Our Pastors
J. Fischer
LEAD Pastor
Pastor J began serving at Calvary in 2026. Previously pastoring at Faith Baptist Tabernacle in Sherburne, NY since August 2011. He is a graduate of Clarks Summit University and Baptist Bible Seminary, and he and his wife Erin have four children, J.J., Grace, Justus, and Joy. He has a passion for the local church, believing we must grow in our love for God and for one another through discipleship, Christian fellowship, and the preaching of God’s Word.
Pastor J also serves on the council for Baptist Church Planters. He is an avid outdoorsman which includes hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and competitive shooting.
Kodiak Boersma
Associate Pastor
Pastor Kodiak has served the Lord and the Calvary family since 2020, beginning his ministry during the unique challenges of the global pandemic. Influenced by the discipleship of his own youth pastor, he earned a B.S. from Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, IA. He provides shepherding guidance to Catalyst, our youth ministry, and to ministries that serve children and their families. Known for his love for people, his value of God’s Word, his quick wit, and his strong administrative gifts (especially Excel!), he creates meaningful times with youth.
Our Purpose
We are Calvary Baptist Church of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. We are dedicated to the building of a New Testament church that is committed to the fulfilling of the Great Commission, locally and throughout the world. No one member of Calvary can do this alone. We draw together, therefore, to strengthen and sharpen one another through mutual encouragement and edification. As an assembly of redeemed believers, we purpose to impact our community, state, nation and the world for Jesus Christ until He returns.
Dan Madsen
Resident Pastor
Pastor Dan Madsen began a pastoral residency at Calvary in November 2025. During this time, Dan has been involved in leadership roles, preaching, pastoral care, counseling, and community outreach.
Dan and his wife, Lindsay, along with their six children, are an integral part of our church family and actively participate in our annual live Nativity, Journey Through Bethlehem.
Dan is currently pursuing his degree through Moody Bible Institute. He and Lindsay are grateful for the opportunity to grow in ministry and serve in a formal pastoral role in their home church.