Calvary Christian AG: a Route 66 Spiritual Success Story

Once crossing eight states and spanning more than 2,400 miles, U.S. Route 66 may be the nation’s most famous road. Numerous state associations and national organizations promote the legendary highway, which celebrates its centennial in 2026.

And along the original route—much of it since redesignated as part of nearby Interstate 44—lies a most fascinating story: the rebirth of an Assemblies of God church on property that once housed a tavern with a seedy reputation.

When co-pastors Floyd H. and Caryn S. McDonnell arrived in 2013, attendance at the once-thriving congregation had dwindled to a baker’s dozen.

Located in a pasture five miles west of the Springfield-Branson National Airport, Calvary Christian AG didn’t appear to be a thriving mission field. The minuscule attendance meant a modest ministry check for Floyd, and Caryn continuing her work as a school administrator.

“Pastoring in Springfield was the last place I wanted to be,” says Floyd, 51, a graduate of Central Bible College (now Evangel University). “But I remember looking into the doors of the old church building and sensing the Holy Spirit telling me if I took care of His business, He would take care of everything else.”

God honored His promise. Since then, the church outgrew its original 6,000-square-foot building and incorporated another 24,000 square feet. The three-year-old addition includes a 400-seat sanctuary, nearly three times the capacity of the old one.

The church used to average 225 attendees and now has 575, which means continuing with two Sunday services to accommodate everyone.

Calvary’s vision is to proclaim Christ to all generations, says Caryn, 48, also the church’s business administrator.

She says that includes planning ministries and programs to address an entire family’s needs, such as marriage, finances, discipline, or blended families.

The church also hosts regular “Family First” Sundays to promote families worshiping together. Children and youth serve alongside their parents or other adults as they learn to put their faith into action.

Caryn says the congregation expanded its vision two years ago after a conversation at a ministers’ conference.

Remarking that leaders with Convoy of Hope (COH) emphasize being your community’s church, Caryn commented to another pastor that they didn’t really have a community; they were stuck in a far corner of Springfield.

“You’re thinking about this all wrong,” the man replied. “You’re not a community church; you’re a regional church. You’re ministering to people across the region.”

“That struck a chord with us,” Caryn says. “We sat down with a marker one day and drew a circle in a radius an hour out. We have people who come from all over.”

To minister to the communities surrounding them, Calvary has longtime COH volunteers Jonathan and Robin L. Packwood serving as liaisons with rural schools and other entities.

Their first project involved getting to know the principal of nearby Bois D’arc Elementary, which spans grades fourth-sixth. Then, they measured every student’s shoe size so they could return later with a surprise: free shoes supplied by Convoy.

“We go three or four times a year and fill up the teachers’ lounge with snacks and coffee and love on the staff,” says Robin, 63. “We also received toys and snacks from Convoy that we took to the fire department, so if they go out on a call, they can give them to children after a fire.”

Since late June, Calvary has participated in three community outreaches. The two-hour weekend events have featured testimonies, music, food, games for kids and youth, sermonettes by Floyd, and free products supplied by COH.

Another family-focused ministry is led by volunteer staff member Terry J. Magness. She offers biblical counseling two days a week at Calvary for approximately 10 women.

In her position, Magness stresses to counselees knowing who they are in Christ and learning more about God’s loving character. She says Calvary’s emphasis helps undergird those lessons.

“To me, this is not just a church,” says Magness, who obtained her AG credentials later in life. “This is an organism of life-giving energy—it’s Holy Spirit-inspired, led, and energized.

“The heartbeat of this church is people, not religion,” she adds. “The life of Christ is being imparted to people and helping them grow in their relationship with the Lord.”

Since Springfield is known as the highway’s birthplace, a flock of motorcyclists and classic cars passes the church every August during the city’s Route 66 Festival.

Floyd finds it fitting that Calvary occupies a place in the old highway’s history: the tavern that once stood on their property closed nearly 50 years ago.

In its place sprang up an independent church, which later changed its name to Calvary Christian Center. In 2000, the name changed again when the congregation joined the Assemblies.

I tell people, ‘People were leaving here back in the day broke, busted, and disgusted,’” the pastor says. “Now they’re leaving healed and made brand new.

“I think it’s neat that God had a plan for this designated spot and area; an anointing was already here for His plan to take place. People are absolutely encouraged to see what God has done on this property and the Lord working it out to change the assignment for good and not evil.”