Upward Call

As a new believer, Pastor Jeff Solwold sensed the Lord’s call to ministry on a trip back to Wisconsin to visit family in the summer of 1994. This call was confirmed at a Tuesday morning Men’s Bible Study. The pastor was speaking on Isaiah 6, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “It was like the Lord was speaking to me”, I thought, “I will go”. The response in my heart was that of Isaiah, “Lord, send me,” Jeff recalls. Upon completion of the Bible College, a unique opportunity opened up for a 2 year pastoral training class which Jeff was accepted into. He received invaluable instruction under his pastor, David Rosales, in many facets of pastoral ministry. After completing this training, Jeff and Candy left for Wisconsin with their 4 small children (and one child on the way). “The Lord definitely had us take a step of faith, as there was no job or home waiting for us. Our car broke down a few times on the way. Calvary Chapel Madison was born as a home Bible Study, teaching one family for close to a year. After 2 years as a small fellowship, the church rented different spaces in the town of Mount Horeb until they leased an industrial warehouse and converted it into their church home. They called themselves “Westside Christian Fellowship." Jeff was the pastor of Westside Christian Fellowship for 2 years at that location. After 2 years, Jeff sensed the Lord’s leading to move the small congregation to the city of Madison where they affiliated officially with Calvary Chapel and became Calvary Chapel Madison.