Johnson City, NY — April 26, 2026. Calvary Community Wesleyan Church entered a new season as Rev. Dr. Theodore A. Griffin was officially installed as Lead Pastor, honoring the 38-year legacy of Rev. Garrett and Diane Sawyer.
The installation service marked the official passing of pastoral leadership from Founding Pastor Rev. Garrett Sawyer to Dr. Griffin after more than 38 years of faithful ministry that transformed Calvary Community from a church plant into one of the Greater Binghamton area's vibrant evangelical congregations.
Members reflected on the profound impact Pastor Garrett and Diane Sawyer had made over more than three decades while also expressing genuine excitement about what God had in store through the leadership of Dr. Griffin.
Honoring the Legacy of Rev. Garrett and Diane Sawyer
The day was filled with heartfelt gratitude as the congregation honored Rev. Garrett Sawyer and his wife, Diane Sawyer, for their extraordinary commitment to the church and the Greater Binghamton community.
In 1988, after serving in significant ministry roles in Springfield, Missouri, Austin, Texas, and Charlotte, North Carolina, the Sawyers answered God's call to plant a new Wesleyan church in Johnson City.
Over the next three and a half decades, they faithfully shepherded the congregation through every season of ministry. What began as a vision grew into a thriving church committed to biblical preaching, passionate worship, missions, discipleship, community outreach, and helping people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Sawyer's commitment to ministry has been strengthened through studies at Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Asbury Theological Seminary, along with degrees in theology and ministry from Indiana Wesleyan University and Liberty University.
Throughout the service, members shared stories of lives changed, families restored, prayers answered, and countless memories created under the Sawyers' faithful leadership. There were smiles, laughter, tears, standing ovations, and heartfelt expressions of appreciation as the congregation celebrated a remarkable pastoral legacy that will continue to shape Calvary Community for generations to come.
God's Hand in the Journey
The search for Calvary Community's next pastor was approached with prayer, discernment, and a deep desire to follow God's direction.
That journey eventually led Rev. Dr. Theodore Griffin and his wife, Randy Griffin, from Indiana to Johnson City.
After sensing the Lord's leading, the Griffins visited Calvary Community during the summer of 2025. Dr. Griffin ministered at the church in August 2025, immediately connecting with the congregation through his biblical preaching, authentic heart for people, and pastoral warmth.
The congregation responded enthusiastically, recognizing both his love for God's Word and his passion for shepherding God's people. Following a season of prayer and careful consideration, the church leadership and congregation unanimously affirmed the Griffins' call to Calvary Community.
In October 2025, Theodore and Randy relocated to Johnson City and began serving alongside Pastor Garrett and Diane Sawyer in a unique season of pastoral transition.
During those months, Dr. Griffin unofficially co-pastored the church—learning the ministry, investing in relationships, visiting families, leading ministries, preaching regularly, and becoming deeply connected with the church family. This intentional transition created continuity, stability, and confidence as leadership gradually shifted from one generation to the next.
By the time the installation service arrived, the Griffins had already become beloved members of the Calvary Community family.
A Moving Installation Service
The April 26 installation service was filled with emotion from beginning to end.
Members reflected on the profound impact Pastor Garrett and Diane Sawyer had made over more than three decades while also expressing genuine excitement about what God has in store through the leadership of Dr. Griffin.
There were moments of joyful celebration and moments where tears flowed freely as the symbolic passing of the mantle represented both an ending and a beginning.
Following the installation prayer, the congregation welcomed Pastor Griffin with enthusiastic applause and heartfelt affirmation, expressing their commitment to pray for, encourage, and support him as he leads Calvary Community into its next chapter.
The service beautifully reflected the biblical model of faithful succession—honoring those who have served while embracing those whom God has called to lead next.
About Rev. Dr. Theodore A. Griffin
Rev. Dr. Theodore A. Griffin is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church with more than two decades of pastoral leadership experience.
Originally from the Caribbean island of Nevis, Dr. Griffin has faithfully served congregations in multiple communities while developing a ministry centered on biblical preaching, transformational leadership, discipleship, pastoral care, and church health.
His educational background includes:
- Bachelor of Arts in Religion — Houghton College
- Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling — Asbury Theological Seminary
- Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership — Wesley Seminary (2024)
Throughout his ministry, Dr. Griffin has become known for his ability to communicate Scripture with clarity, compassion, and practical application while helping churches cultivate healthy leadership, spiritual growth, and meaningful community engagement.
He and his wife, Randy, have been married for more than 36 years and are the proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to one grandson. Together, they share a deep passion for serving the local church, mentoring leaders, strengthening families, and helping people discover the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Looking to the Future
As Calvary Community Wesleyan Church looks ahead, the congregation does so with gratitude for its rich history and great anticipation for what lies ahead.
Building upon the strong foundation established by Pastor Garrett and Diane Sawyer, Rev. Dr. Theodore Griffin and Randy Griffin are committed to leading the church into a new season of ministry marked by spiritual renewal, discipleship, evangelism, community outreach, and global missions.
With Christ at the center, Calvary Community Wesleyan Church remains dedicated to its mission of sharing the hope of the Gospel, equipping believers for ministry, and impacting the Greater Binghamton community—and beyond—for the Kingdom of God.
As one chapter closes and another begins, the church celebrates God's unwavering faithfulness and eagerly embraces the future He is writing.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. — Hebrews 13:8
