Our church constitution states that Christ is the head of Calvary Church and is governed by men who are known as elders or overseers, who are appointed by the Holy Spirit, recognized by the Church and identified jointly as the Elder Board. The Elders are spiritually mature and biblically qualified men who serve as leaders of the ministry. The Elders are assisted in their role by Deacons, who are spiritual minded servants, who serve the membership under direction of the Elder Board. The Congregation of Calvary Church is invited to suggest the names of qualified candidates to serve as elders and deacons/deaconesses. Each year, the nominating committee identifies and evaluates individuals to serve as elders and deacons/deaconesses at the church, including those recommended by the congregation. Many more Calvary members are qualified than can be selected. The Nominating Committee submits its recommendations to the Elders for their approval, and then for the approval of the Congregation. The following names have all been unanimously approved by both the nominating committee and the elders. These nominees are now being presented to the members of the church for consideration with a congregational vote set to take place at the annual meeting on Wednesday August 30. If you have questions or comment about the suitability of any of these candidates, please let the elders know –
New Elders (a first three-year term)
Cliff Hurter
I was born in Melrose, Massachusetts and grew up in Newton, MA. When I was sixteen years old, our family moved to Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where I graduated in 1972 from Cherry Hill High School East. In 1979, I received my BS in Business Administration from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University). In 1975, I met Carol Brady on a blind date. A short time later, through witnessing from my brother, Steve, and from Carol, I received Christ as my Savior. Carol and I were married in June 1976 and just celebrated our 47th anniversary. We have three married children, and seven grandchildren, and are blessed that they all live locally. In 1980, I began working at Calvary Homes as a Business Manager. Then, in 1986, was named the Administrator of the Health Care & Personal Care Centers. Two years later, I was appointed President & CEO. This past December, I retired from Calvary Homes after 42 years of ministry. Carol and I have been attending Calvary Church for 46 years. Over those years, I have served in grades 4-6, on the Finance Committee, as Financial Secretary, and a number of terms on the Deacon Board. What I really appreciate most about Calvary Church is the solid Bible teaching we receive that helps us pursue life in Christ.
Mike Smucker
I was raised in Manheim, PA, within a Christian home that emphasized dialogue and the value of biblically-based thinking. I trusted Christ as my Savior at the age of eight, due to family and radio influence. My wife, Maegan, and I were married in 2005 and began attending Calvary Church regularly at that time. I have had the privilege of serving in various ministries throughout Calvary Church, primarily within Calvary Kids. Maegan also serves in Calvary Kids, and we have six very active children who enjoy the ministries provided at Calvary Church: Isaac, Elianna, Marcella, Isaiah, Marilys, and Eva. I love that Calvary Church is intentional and proactive about being an intergenerational church. The emphasis that our children are part of the church today, and integral to the health of the body, is very evident and is a source of joy for me as a parent.
Elder Recertification (a second three-year term)
Sam Harbin
I was born and raised in southern Indiana and came to faith in Christ at the age of six through the influence of godly, Christian parents. After completing degrees in pastoral studies in both college and seminary, I served for eleven years in pastoral ministry in Indianapolis, then returned to my alma mater seminary to serve as chaplain, professor, and ultimately president. Since 2014, I have served as chair of the Bible & Theology department at Lancaster Bible College/Capital Seminary & Graduate School and have kept busy helping churches through the transition between senior pastors. My wife, Elaine, and I have been married for 41 years, and we became members at Calvary in 2016. We’re blessed with three grown sons (two of whom are married) and five grandchildren.
Jay Weaver
I grew up in Lancaster County and married Beth (Jackson), a “missionary kid,” whose parents and grandparents had been Calvary Church staff. We enjoy a good rapport with three daughters, their families, and six grandchildren. As Global Partners (Calvary-supported), we have served various roles with World Team in Haiti, French Guiana, Eastern Europe from Budapest and, since 2008, as Assistant International Director from my home in Manheim Township. Seeking expansion of the agency’s fields of ministry, I am part of our Vision & Strategy Team, as well as a member of our World Team Global Alliance (functions as the international board). Mentoring numerous younger men is a privilege and, at Calvary, I help with Guest Services. Beth and I are an active couple in His Hands ABF and assist with Cross Training and pre-marital mentoring. For fun, we enjoy camping and riding bicycles on rail trails.
New Deacons/Deaconesses (a first three-year term)
Jeff Ibach
I was born and raised in Manheim, PA. My dad and mom took me to church, but I didn’t understand or respond to the gospel until my older brother invited me to evangelistic meetings at Calvary in 1969, as a fifteen-year-old. My wife, Pam, and I have been married for 48 years, and we live near Lititz. We have three adult children and eight grandchildren. I have worked for the last 50+ years as a self-employed arborist. At Calvary, I have served two previous terms on the Deacon Board, taught 5th and 6th grade Sunday School for many years, and currently serve in Guest Services. Pam and I enjoy traveling, biking, and walking. I also like to read and attend our grandkids’ activities. I love the Bible teaching, worship music, and multi-generational aspect of Calvary Church.
George Devine
I grew up in a blended family, the youngest of five siblings. We were a close-knit family, but did not attend church. When I began dating my future wife, Sandy, I was confronted by something different in her family. A short time later, Sandy’s mother shared the gospel with me and, at the age of eighteen, I accepted Christ Jesus as my Savior. When married, we started attending a young married couple’s class and began growing both spiritually and relationally. Sandy and I were married 47 years this past May, and have a son, daughter, and two grandchildren. I recently retired after selling our business of 41 years, and I look forward to more time to serve. We began attending Calvary Church in September 2012 and began attending the Winsome ABF in 2013. Currently, I am involved with marriage mentoring, the Winsome ABF, Guest Services, and church tours. The thing I love, and am most encouraged, about Calvary is the continual commitment and concern for members’ individual spiritual growth in all aspects of our walk, as well as the edification of other churches in the area.
Pam Shellenberger
I grew up in Lancaster County in a loving Christian home. At a very young age I knew of Jesus’ love for me. However, in 4th grade, during our family church annual Revival Meetings, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my sins, and the need to ask Jesus’ forgiveness and for Him to “come into my heart.” It was when I began attending Calvary Church, in 1975, under the Bible teaching of Pastor Eric Crichton, that I began to understand the importance of a relationship with Jesus. In 1977, after marrying my husband, Dick, I became a member. Currently, I attend Cross Roads ABF and serve in the following ministries: Care & Prayer Ministry, Calvary Care Direct, as a mentor to young women, Moldova Missions Committee, and as a Global Missions Prayer Partner. Two things that keep me at Calvary Church are the faithful, solid Bible teaching throughout the church and the commitment/passion for sharing God’s Word, both around the world and here “at home.” I have also been personally challenged through the Neighboring Small Group to grow in “loving my neighbor.”