Pastor Gerry Brown founded U-Turn for Christ, where he has ministered the hope of the gospel to thousands trapped in addiction. His specialty in A Theology of Habitual Sin and Addictions helps students understand the spiritual realities behind enslavement to sin and how to counsel with hope, grace, and biblical truth toward lasting freedom in Christ.
Pastor Steve Greenberg has faithfully counseled and discipled others for over 25 years, bringing the riches of theology into the realities of daily life. His specialty in Practical Theology helps students see how sound doctrine shapes their thinking, living, and counseling — equipping them to bring God’s truth to bear on everyday struggles.
Jeff Christianson has been training Biblical Counselors since 1998, beginning at Calvary Chapel Bible College under the mentorship of Pastor Chuck Smith and Pastor Bob Hoekstra. He now serves as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Glenwood Springs, Executive Director of the International Association of Biblical Counselors, and Founder of the Biblical Counseling Academy, where he leads as Dean of Biblical Counseling and Soul Care.
Jeff is a Council Member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition, a Board Member of Blue Letter Bible, and an adjunct professor at Horizon University. He holds a B.A. in Biblical Studies, an M.A. in Practical Theology, and is currently completing his Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Counseling at Liberty University.
Jeff and his wife Jennie recently celebrated 25 years of marriage. They delight in their five children and share a passion for making disciples through Christ-centered, Scripture-sufficient counseling and teaching (Colossians 1:28).
Pastor Dave Shirley brings over 40 years of pastoral and teaching experience, having served as Director of Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, Senior Pastor in multiple congregations, and staff member at Calvary Chapel Westminster in London. He holds degrees in biblical education and education, and is known for his engaging teaching on Christian living, Revelation, and biblical studies. Now based in North Carolina, David writes the daily devotional Words from the Word and serves on the Board of Directors for the Biblical Counseling Academy, continuing to champion the sufficiency of Scripture.
I met the Lord in 1986 at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. After years of professional and financial success and what seemed to be the attaining of the “American Dream,” my life had become a nightmare of misery, self-indulgence devoid of any real sense of purpose.
After seeking answers through psychotherapy, self-help, and various religious philosophies, the Lord found me, saved me, and changed me. My salvation was radical in every way as I experienced forgiveness, new life, meaning and purpose in life, and hope beyond anything I knew could exist. That living hope still burns bright within my heart today after many years of walking with the Lord and almost 30 years of pastoral ministry.
Pastor Duane Burton holds a Bachelor of Biblical Studies degree from Calvary Chapel Bible College. Upon graduation from Calvary Chapel Bible College, Duane served six years in teaching and administrative roles at Calvary Chapel Bible College. Following the Lord’s leading, Duane, his wife Sherry, and their two children moved from Southern California to Texas in 2000. Duane has planted and managed two Christian radio stations. In addition, he has served in various ministries as an assistant Pastor, including the International Prison Ministry and Living in Christ Ministers, along with serving at Calvary Chapel Garland, where in 2012, Duane became the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Garland, a role in which he continues to serve the body of Christ. Duane is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity. Duane has taught the Word of God to young and old in prisons and churches in the United States and overseas.
Pastor Joel Dover is the founding Pastor of Calvary Chapel Newnan. Joel was led of the Lord to start CCN in 2014 and the church began as a Bible Fellowship meeting in a local home. Joel has served churches in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, and has been in vocational ministry since 1999. Joel holds a D.Min. from Luther Rice Seminary, an M.Div. and M.A.R. from Liberty Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina @ Wilmington. Joel is married to his college sweetheart Kimberly, and together they have three children. When not teaching, Joel enjoys gardening, playing the guitar, and wood working. Joel was ordained by the Faith Baptist Church of Faith NC in 2001.
Pastor Micah was raised in Lake Stevens, WA, the youngest of six in a missionary and church-planting family. Growing up in Calvary Chapel, he developed a deep love for Jesus and a calling to teach God’s Word. His ministry journey was shaped by varied experiences, including relief work in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Ordained at Calvary Everett, he served as assistant pastor before the Lord led him in 2016 to Calvary Chapel Fellowship Wenatchee, where he continues to minister alongside his wife, Sarah-Jane, and their six children.
Pastor Tom Rush helps students see the beauty and challenges of shepherding God’s people with a family-centered, Spirit-led heart. Through his example and insight, students learn how to care for souls, nurture families, and build Christ-centered community — all grounded in the sufficiency of Scripture and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Martin Sondermann is currently a Senior Pastor, Christian author, speaker, Bible teacher and has served in various leadership roles in Christian ministry for over 25 years. He earned a B.A. in Communication from Boise State University, an M.A. in Christian Apologetics, an M.R.E. in Religious Education, a Pastoral Counseling Certificate, and a Doctorate in Biblical Studies from Liberty University.
Liz Rush serves alongside her husband, Pastor Tom, at Calvary Chapel Walla Walla, where she helps foster a culture of grace, encouragement, and authentic fellowship within the body of Christ.
A devoted wife and mother, Liz’s heart is to see women strengthened in their walk with the Lord and rooted in His Word. Whether through hospitality, discipleship, or quiet acts of service, she reflects the gentle heart of Jesus in everyday ministry.
Liz’s faithfulness and love for God’s people have been instrumental in the life of Calvary Chapel Walla Walla since its founding in 2011, as she continues to walk by faith in the calling the Lord has entrusted to their family.
Hannah is the wife of Pastor Grant Barney, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel North Texas in Frisco. In 2018, she and Grant moved from California to the Dallas Metroplex to plant a church, beginning with a home Bible study. Since 2019, they have served the growing fellowship—formerly Calvary Chapel Frisco—while raising their children.
A devoted wife and mother, Liz’s heart is to see women strengthened in their walk with the Lord and rooted in His Word. Whether through hospitality, discipleship, or quiet acts of service, she reflects the gentle heart of Jesus in everyday ministry.
Jennie Christianson
Pastor’s Wife, Calvary Chapel Glenwood Springs, Women’s Ministry Leader, Biblical Counseling Academy Ministry Leader
Jennie Christianson helps students grow in confidence to minister God’s Word to the hearts of women and families. With over 25 years of experience as a pastor’s wife, teacher, counselor, and women’s ministry leader, she understands the unique struggles and opportunities in discipling women biblically. She equips students to apply Scripture with grace, wisdom, and conviction — showing how to encourage spiritual growth and bring hope to hurting women.