Meet the Staff

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Rev. Chris Hughes - Interim Pastor

My faith walk was initially nurtured in a tiny Missionary Baptist church in the neighboring mountains of western North Carolina. I came to know Christ in 1974 at age 13. From that time until now, not being involved in some capacity of church ministry has never really occurred to me.  Since 1981, I have been involved in numerous facets of ministry, both full-time and part-time. My wife, Tonia, and I have been married almost 39 years, and have one adult daughter, Amber. Tonia and I have lived in the Carter County/Elizabethton area since 1994. Along with our miniature schnauzer, Ollie, we currently reside in the Hunter community. I earned a B.A. from Toccoa Falls College, and an M.A. in Religion from Emmanuel Christian Seminary. I love my family, the ministry of the Word, the Southern Appalachian Highlands, cheeseburgers, and all three sizes of schnauzers.

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Mark Newman--Associate Pastor/Minister to Students

I have had the honor and privilege to serve as Student Minister at Calvary since December 2002. From the first moment I met with the Youth committee I knew this is where God was calling me to serve. God has allowed me to be involved in Youth ministry since 1989. God has allowed me to see Him move in the lives of teens that I would have never been able to see. God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, Myra, who keeps me in line, and two blessings MaKayla and Craig. I was raised in a Christian home, by two wonderful parents, Don and Mary both of whom taught me the importance of following and serving Christ in all circumstances. Thanks Mom and Dad for living the Christian life out in front of me.
 
Before serving at Calvary, I was a volunteer worker at Duncan Park Baptist in Chattanooga and Cedar Valley Baptist in Sweetwater TN. God then moved Myra and myself here to the Tri-Cities, where I served at Boones Creek Baptist in Gray, and First Baptist Jonesborough.
 
I have a BS degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (1993).  I worked for Blue Cross and Blue Shield as a wellness consultant, 1994-2000 in Johnson City. I then took a position at Franklin Health and Fitness Center as Program Director from 2000-2002. Then I felt God was calling me to full time Youth Ministry.
 
More of a personal note: I am the Cross-Country and Track Coach at Elizabethton High School. I love spending time with my family, going for a run in the community, and watching Craig and MaKayla play sports. I am a huge fan of the Tennessee Volunteers “Good Ole Rocky Top” and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Carol Church--Ministry Assistant

I have served as Ministry Assistant at Calvary Baptist Church since November 1999.

I am married to Gary Church since 1980. We have one daughter, Leslie, a grandson, Kian, and a Weimaraner, Lilly. I enjoy target shooting, riding my bike, reading, cooking (especially grilling out!), and serving as Media Technician at the church I attend, University Parkway Baptist in Johnson City, TN.

 I also serve as Manager of the Baptist Village of Johnson City which is a part of the Tennessee Baptist Adult Homes.  

 My life verse is Romans 1:16--"I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for everyone who believes, first for the Jew and then the Gentile."

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Lori Hamilton - Children's Ministry Coordinator

I have been serving as Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Calvary since July 2019, & even though we have only been here a short time, my family and I have already been so warmly welcomed into this wonderful church family. I am excited to be part of this ministry as I know God has great things in store for the children and families at Calvary.

I graduated from Milligan College with my BS in Early Childhood Development, from Tusculum College with my MaEd in K-12 Education, and from East Tennessee State University with my PhD in Early Childhood Education. I taught in the public school system for 12 years—kindergarten-8th grade (mostly kindergarten)—and have been teaching in higher education (off and on) since 2010. I have worked in different capacities of children ministry since I was a high school student, and I know that children’s ministry is where God has called me to serve Him. The season of childhood is precious and we must nurture children in the love and knowledge of Christ. “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” ~Matthew 18:3-5

I am happily married to the love of my life & best friend, Terry. Terry and I have been blessed with two boys, Samuel and Noah who bring so much joy to our lives. I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, crafting, gardening, and reading.

It is my desire for every aspect of my life to proclaim Jesus, and to continually point people to Him. For without Him, nothing else matters. “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” ~Galatians 6:14