Pastor Darrol Nelson
Our Founding Pastor
Calvary Chapel of the Palm Beaches was founded by Pastor Darrol and Aimee Nelson in their home in Lake Park, Florida, in 1996.
Early Life and Calling
Pastor Darrol was raised in Detroit, Michigan, during the vibrant Motown era. He attended a Methodist church where many Motown artists also worshiped. As a pre-teen, he transitioned to a Baptist church but eventually walked away from both the church and his faith as a young man.
At the age of 34, Pastor Darrol experienced a profound spiritual transformation when he accepted the Lord as his personal Savior and was filled with the Holy Spirit in a Holiness Pentecostal Church. During his time there, he developed a deep love for the Lord and a fervent passion for prayer. It was in this small church that the Lord spoke to him, encouraging him to "grow in grace." During a prayer meeting, a prophetic word was spoken over him, envisioning Darrol wielding a sword, symbolizing his future spiritual battles and victories.
Ministry Beginnings
Compelled by an insatiable thirst for God’s Word, Darrol was drawn to Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, where he was eventually ordained. As he and Aimee hosted a prayer meeting in their home, it became clear that God was calling Darrol to start a church. With faith and courage, they transitioned their Wednesday prayer meeting to Sunday services at the Lake Park Town Hall. As the congregation grew, they moved to Lake Worth, where the church flourished, growing from 35 to over 400 adults and 100 children in the children’s ministry. The ministry expanded to include a radio program and various outreach efforts across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Pastors were ordained, missionaries were sent out, and the kingdom of God was profoundly impacted.
Challenges and Growth
In 2005, Calvary purchased property to build a permanent home. However, with the economic downturn in 2006, Pastor Darrol, guided by prayer and his board, made the difficult decision to sell the property and trust God for the next steps. The church continued to meet in different locations, eventually settling in a plaza in Greenacres, where God’s blessings continued. During this time, ministries like YouMom and a dynamic young adults program were established, along with a summer camp serving over 75 families. Pastor Darrol mentored and influenced several pastors, both locally and abroad, including a young and upcoming pastor, Daniel Williams.
Final Years and Legacy
In the spring of 2019, sensing another move, Pastor Darrol received confirmation through a faithful member. In November 2019, Calvary moved to its current location in Lake Worth. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Pastor Darrol remained steadfast in prayer, teaching, and fasting. His unwavering faith and commitment to God’s direction ensured that the church continued to thrive during these uncertain times.
As Pastor Darrol began to consider retirement and succession planning, he identified Daniel Williams as the first of his three choices to lead the church. Pastor Darrol and his family served the congregation at Calvary Chapel of the Palm Beaches for nearly 30 years. He faithfully taught the Word of God, raised and sent out ministers, and discipled countless individuals. His love for his wife, children, and grandchildren was evident, and his care for the body of believers left a lasting impact.
In April 2021, Pastor Darrol faced his greatest battle, cancer. In February 2024, after a two-and-half-year battle, he went to be with the Lord, leaving a legacy of faithfulness. His desire to see people thirst for God’s Word and to raise up the next generation to carry the gospel remains foundational to the vision of Calvary Chapel of the Palm Beaches today.
“….I know His Word will lead us into a deeper relationship with Him where we will find amazing love, incredible joy, and peace beyond understanding."
-Pastor Darrol Nelson, Founding Pastor