Meet the Staff

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.

Mark Newman--Associate Pastor/Minister to Students

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

Carol Church--Ministry Assistant/Financial Secretary
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 and Sunday School Teacher at the church I attend, University Parkway Baptist in Johnson City, TN. I also enjoy meeting people on the air via amateur radio (KE4IAZ).
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."