Every Day at 7:00AM
Dr. W. D. 'Step' Martin
On October 24, 1954 while attending William Carey College in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Bro. "Step" Martin received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and later surrendered to preach. His early ministry included several years of pastoring small churches and two years in full-time evangelistic work with Billy Crosby, primarily in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana.
In March of 1969, Bro. "Step" moved his wife, Pat, and their six children from Alabama to become pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Shreveport. In the fall of that same year, Bro. "Step" founded Calvary Baptist Academy and began expanding the day care ministry. He later established an independent budget at Calvary to support worldwide missions known as the Faith Missions program.
In January of 1977, the church moved from its five-acre site in Cedar Grove to its current location, originally an 80-acre complex in South Shreveport. Bro. "Step" also led the church to build the Family Life Center and begin the recreation ministry which continues to impact souls for Christ. His 33 years of ministry at Calvary were marked by membership growth of more than 4,600 by letter and more than 4,500 baptisms. Bro. "Step" gives God all the glory and all the credit for his longtime ministry at Calvary.
Bro. "Step" was named Pastor Emeritus of Calvary Baptist Church upon his retirement in 2002. Over the past twelve years, his ministry has been focused on preaching revivals and encouraging pastors in churches across the south. His heartbeat is to point souls to the saving grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Step Martin Evangelistic Ministries, a 501(c)3 organization, was formed for this purpose and provides financial support to seminary students and missionary efforts throughout the world.