Today we’d like to introduce you to Tim Molter.
Hi Tim, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In the quiet fields of rural Minnesota, a family’s bold step of faith has grown into a thriving church that’s been transforming lives for over a decade. What started as a simple home Bible study in 2013 is now Calvary Chapel Fergus Falls—a living example of perseverance, outreach, and devotion to Scripture.
It began in summer 2013 when Pastor Tim Molter, his wife Anna, and their lively two-year-old son left California for Fergus Falls. They arrived on August 2 and immediately got to work planting a church from the ground up in this tight-knit Midwestern community.
“We were stepping out in faith, trusting God to lead,” Pastor Tim recalls. The family attended local events, went door-to-door, and shared their vision for a home-based fellowship focused on verse-by-verse Bible teaching. Early outreach included a Harvest America event with evangelist Greg Laurie and a My Hope initiative featuring Billy Graham, drawing in curious residents eager for a warm, faith-centered space.
On September 8, 2013, Calvary Chapel Fergus Falls held its inaugural Bible study on the Gospel of John—in the Molters’ living room. A small group soon swelled as word spread. The fellowship powered through John, then Acts, sparking deep conversations and spiritual growth.
But expansion brought space issues. “Our living room just couldn’t fit everyone,” Anna says with a smile. By early 2014, a move was essential. On June 3, 2014, services shifted to the YMCA’s community room. The church kept its signature teaching style while welcoming newcomers. Over the next seven years, the congregation worked book-by-book through the New Testament, becoming a spiritual anchor for families, individuals, and seekers in Fergus Falls.
A major milestone came on July 18, 2021, with the move to a renovated dedicated space in downtown Fergus Falls, which helped with continued growth. Then, in 2024, an unexpected gift: a closing local church offered its building for purchase. “We weren’t shopping for a new place,” Pastor Tim says, “but God opened the door.” After renovations, the first service there was March 3, 2024.
Today, Calvary Chapel Fergus Falls thrives on sharing God’s Word and building real community. Inspired by Jeremiah 29:11—“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future”—the church continues to see healthy growth and is active in:
– Deepening Faith: More small groups and discipleship to help members grow closer to Jesus and live boldly.
– Raising Up Youth: Stronger children’s and teen ministries to arm the next generation with faith for life’s trials.
– Community Impact: Partnerships to fight hunger, housing needs, and family struggles—shining God’s love across Fergus Falls.
– Fostering Bonds: New events, fellowship gatherings, and mission trips to tighten church family ties.
“We believe the best is yet to come,” Pastor Tim says. “God has been faithful every step, and we’re eager for what’s next.” Calvary Chapel Fergus Falls welcomes all to the journey—through worship, volunteering, or prayer. Visit CCFergusFalls.com or stop by 1500 S. Cascade St. in Fergus Falls, MN on Sundays at 10am. Pastor Tim says “Together, let’s keep writing this story of hope in Fergus Falls and beyond.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, the road for Calvary Chapel Fergus Falls hasn’t been entirely smooth—few church plants are. What began as a bold, faith-driven move from California in 2013 has indeed blossomed into a vibrant community, but it has been paved with the typical hurdles of starting and sustaining a ministry in a small rural town: rapid growth straining limited resources, the logistical headaches of multiple relocations, financial pressures for renovations, and the emotional toll of stepping into the unknown. Pastor Tim Molter and his family have often framed these as refining fires, drawing from Scripture to emphasize how trials build deeper trust in God (as seen in their teachings on books like James and 1 Peter).
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
A Fergus Falls native, Tim’s journey took him to California for ministry training and service before God called him and his wife Anna back home in 2013 to plant Calvary Chapel from their living room. Over a decade later, what began as a small Bible study has grown into a thriving church family—thanks to Tim’s unwavering commitment to verse-by-verse, book-by-book teaching through the entire counsel of God.
“I just want people to know Jesus—not just about Him, but to experience His love, forgiveness, and power in their daily lives.” – Pastor Tim
Tim and Anna are proud parents to three energetic sons, and their home has also been a place of refuge as they’ve served as foster parents. Their family life reflects the same values they teach: love, sacrifice, and pointing the next generation to Christ. Whether leading a midweek study or coaching a Trail Life USA troop, Tim models what it means to live out faith in the everyday.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The Christian life isn’t a solo journey. God designed you for community—where personal devotion fuels the Church, and gathering with believers draws you closer to Him on holy ground.
At Calvary Chapel Fergus Falls, we’re not just a Sunday service. We’re a family learning to follow Jesus together—through verse-by-verse teaching, authentic worship, and real-life faith in action.
God’s Church began as a radical, intimate gathering that changed history. Yet many today are mere observers—or have left, hurt and disillusioned.
But God is waking up His people to serve the community, give to those in need, and follow Jesus as we worship Him. We invite you to join us as we follow Jesus together.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ccfergusfalls.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccfergusfalls/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCFergusFalls/
- Twitter: https://x.com/CCFergusFalls
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Ccfergusfalls
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/calvary-chapel-fergus-falls-fergus-falls
