Skip to Content
Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting

Each year, members of Calvary Church gather for an Annual Business Meeting to elect members to the Board of Elders and approve the budget for the coming year. This year, we are also electing Deacons and Deaconesses for service, for the first time in Calvary’s history! Additionally, important updates to vision and key processes are shared.

This year's meeting will be held on Sunday, December 8, at 3 pm in the Auditorium. We look forward to sharing stories from the past year and looking ahead to what's in store for 2025! Childcare will be provided for birth - 5th grade so that everyone has an opportunity to attend. 

The results of the voting will be shared verbally during the meeting and, within a few days, posted on this webpage.

Below you will find:

  • A detailed description of the proposed 2025 budget.
  • Pictures and a brief bio for the Elder Board members up for election.
  • Pictures and a brief bio for Deacons and Deaconesses up for election.

2024 Annual Meeting Results

All measures passed with over 98% approval.

Agenda

December 8, 2024, 3 PM

Congregational Business Meeting

  • Call to Order
  • Devotional and Opening Prayer
  • Docket Preview
  • Ministry Wins: Numbers & Stories
  • Vision for 2025 & Beyond
  • Explanation and Vote for Elders for 2025
  • Explanation and Vote for Deacons for 2025
  • Explanation and Vote for 2025 Budget
  • Ministry Reports
  • Adjournment and Closing Prayer

2025 Budget Information

A church budget is an opportunity to creatively imagine how God is going to work in the next year to expand his mission through the faithfulness of his people, financially. 

2025 Budget: Income v. Expenses

Income:

  • Giving: $3,109,558.78
  • Non-Giving: $120,000.00
  • Total: $3,229,558.78

Expenses:

  • Compensation: $1,634,642.69
  • Operational & Ministry: $1,594,916.09
  • Total Expenses: $3,229,558.78

How does the proposed budget move us forward?

  • Staff: Our proposed budget places a great emphasis on taking care of our staff by providing raises, development, and further resourcing for ministry effectiveness so that the people of our church are fully supported, seen, and empowered for ministry.
  • Savings: This budget includes $150,000 in savings for facilities-related maintenance as well as future strategic initiatives. Instead of relying on a surplus to help us accomplish financial goals, we're proactively planning to save in line with our philosophy of financial stewardship.
  • Spaces: Our proposed budget will help us give facelifts to common spaces, classrooms, and children's ministry.

What about our cash reserves?

At the beginning of November we had $854,688.40 in reserves. Due to ministry needs and events, spending ebbs and flows throughout the year. We will continue to emphasize giving, putting specific goals in front of the congregation. A strong fourth quarter and end of year will set us up for a strong start to 2025. 

Short Term & Longer-Term Savings Goals:

  • Build our emergency savings to $800,000 (3 months' expenses).
  • Build our checking to $200,000 to cover the ebb and flow of month-to-month operations.
  • Intentionally save to pay off the $1.9 million mortgage and pad our facilities contingency fund.
  • Save for strategic facilities and ministry initiatives.

**Below is a Google slides presentation that contains similar 2025 budget content that will be used during the annual meeting. Unfortunately, it's not visible on all devices but we will publish it again on our website after the meeting.**


Annual Meeting Elder Intro

The Elder Board is comprised of nine elected lay-Elders and one elected Lead Pastor. The Elders carry responsibility for the spiritual well-being of Calvary. While Elders protect against corruption of doctrine or morals, they are to be primarily known for their shepherding, comforting, and watchful care of our people. As spiritual leaders, they instruct with the Word of God. They pray with and for the people and love the lost. The Board of Elders serves as the Board of Directors of the corporation.

Elders Up for Election

Roger Coles

  • Electing for: 3 Year(s)
  • Family of: Spouse: Sarah. Daughter Lydia, Son in Law, Kevyn, and grandson Rowyn.
  • Attended Calvary: 3 Years
  • Serves in: Usher, Children's Security, Oil Change
  • Also: I enjoy the NFL and NBA (go Thunder!). Cooking has become fun especially with my wife or when using my pellet smoker.

"I look forward to walking alongside members of the church as we continue this journey of becoming more like Jesus. I am also encouraged knowing God will continue to transform me as I join the other elders so that we will be able to serve the church in this way."

Christian Malley

  • Electing for: 3 Year(s)
  • Family of: Spouse: Ashley. Children Harper (8) and Harlow (5)
  • Attended Calvary: 9 Years
  • Serves in: Small Groups, Men's Ministry
  • Also: General Partner at Edward Jones

"I feel called to serve God and Calvary - to grow our impact in finding the unchurched and supporting the community. I'm here to join God's mission and believe that He will be using Calvary more and more to accomplish it."

Mike Zile

  • Electing for: 3 Year(s)
  • Family of: Spouse: Renae; Children Ryan (26) , Becca (23) & Rachel (21)
  • Attended Calvary: 16 Years
  • Serves in: Men's Ministry, Tuesday Night Classes, Disc Golf Club
  • Also: I love the outdoors! My happy places are usually found on a disc golf course, hiking trail, or anywhere my camper happens to be set up!

"Pastor Paul was very passionate about helping folks understand and unlock their spiritual gifts. Conversations with him ultimately inspired me to better appreciate and utilize my gifts initially on the Lead Pastor Search Team and now potentially on the Elder Board. The idea of helping fulfill God's plan for Calvary in the role of Elder in our new season comes with a lot of prayerful discernment, but also a lot of excitement."

Returning Elders

ChrisAke
Chris Ake
RogerAkester
Roger Akester
DanDuer
Dan Duer
CliffMerkel
Cliff Merkel
MarkRalfs
Mark Ralfs
CarlZaiser
Carl Zaiser
Annual Meeting Deacon Intro

Calvary Church may nominate and appoint men and women to serve as Deacons (1 Timothy 3:8-10) and Deaconesses (1 Timothy 3:11; Romans 16:1). The primary purpose of deacons and deaconesses is to support the ministry of the church with extraordinary service and compassion. They assist the ministry of the church by practical and exceptional service in specific ministries that fit the unique, particular needs of the church in various seasons of ministry, as determined by the Elder Board. Some may focus on physical and financial service, while others focus on areas such as care so that the needy, poor, and suffering of the church are cared for in a thoroughly Christian manner.


Assimilation

Jim Stiegemeier

  • Attended Calvary: 48 Years
  • Serves in: Small Group, Greeter, prayer, various volunteer opportunities

"I love to see new people get connected and feel like they belong at Calvary. Making new friends and celebrating when people use their gifts within the body of Christ."

Renae Zile

  • Attended Calvary: 16 Years
  • Serves in: Hospitality, Grounds Crew, Christmas Store

"As a deaconess of the Assimilation Team, I want to connect people with ministries that will utilize their God given gifts and bring them joy."

Benevolence

Cindy Salmons

  • Attended Calvary: 25 Years
  • Serves in: Small Group facilitator, Oil Change Ministry, MomCO Volunteer

"I look forward to helping those in need to be able get the help they need without feeling diminished and that they will come to know Jesus by the love and generosity of others. I feel called to this ministry because I was a single mom in need years ago and there were people that helped me when I was in need."

Marty Greathouse

  • Attended Calvary: 29 Years
  • Serves in: Ushers

"I think at this current time, as Calvary Church is reorganizing its outreach ministries, this is the role that best fits my current skill set."

Marilyn Pavia

  • Attended Calvary: 10 years
  • Serves in: Hammerheads, Tuesday Night Studies and Classes

"I would like to see our benevolence reach deep into St. Charles County and our local community. It is important to make the connection with people to show that Jesus Matters Most in our church and in their lives. Our helping low-income people often requires going beyond meeting their material needs to holistically addressing the roots of their poverty and needs."

Care

Cindy Aslin

  • Attended Calvary: 38 Years
  • Serves in: Momco Mentor Mom, Care Ministry, Greeters

"My heart is tugged by the desire to help people know that they are loved by God and their church."

Sherri Ralfs

  • Attended Calvary: 27 Year
  • Serves in: Women's Ministry, Next Chapter, Connect, Gala, Children's Ministry, Children's Desk, VBS, Grandparenting, Oil Change Ministry, Christmas Store

"Jesus tells us to love our neighbor and I feel serving them is my way of loving them."

Sarah Coles

  • Attended Calvary: 3 Years
  • Serves in: Card Ministry and Intentional Grandparenting

"I plan to continue my work with the Card Ministry, reaching out and caring for others alongside the Care Ministry."

Susan Godbey

  • Attended Calvary: 17 Years
  • Serves in: Small groups and Worship Arts

"I’m looking forward to partnering with Calvary’s current care leadership to help each attendee feel seen and known at Calvary, and empowered to care for others, inside the church and beyond."

Facilities

Gary Hawkins

  • Attended Calvary: 8 Years
  • Serves in: Intentional Christian Grandparenting, Safety Team and Men’s Bible Study

"Throughout my working career the Lord provided me with organizational, management, communication and common sense skills in a variety of challenging assignments overseeing people and facilities. I have a desire to use the skills given to me in the role of Facilities Deacon."

Bill Ross

  • Attended Calvary: 52 Years
  • Serves in: Worship/Tech, Facilities, Grounds

"It’s exciting to see Calvary implement the Deacon and Deaconess arm of the church. A great opportunity to use my gift of helps. "

Finance

Brian Frey

  • Attended Calvary: 26 Years
  • Serves in: Member of Finance Team / Previously involved with Greeting & Ushering Ministries

"I never thought my financial knowledge could be utilized outside of my employment and managing my family's finances. I'm excited to use my skill set to help Calvary in any way I can."

Personnel

Linda Greathouse

  • Attended Calvary: 29 Years
  • Serves in: Personnel Team, Usher, Big Desk

"We have an amazing staff at Calvary Church. They work so hard to serve the church and I feel honored to be able to support them on the Personnel Team. I'm so grateful to be part of the new changes that have been happening at Calvary and feel blessed to serve with the other members of the team."

Reconciliation

Anita Ross

  • Attended Calvary: 52 years
  • Serves in: Refreshment/Hospitality ministry, Discipling, MomCo, served on the interim Reconciliation Team

"I definitely heard God’s call to serve on the interim Reconciliation Team, and want to continue coming alongside congregants experiencing hurt in the church. Our desire is for the Holy Spirit to bring healing and freedom through the reconciliation process."

Steps to Becoming a Member of Calvary Church

Core Class
Membership at Calvary is a personal commitment to build into our Jesus Matters Most culture through faithful doctrine, proactive relationships, and personal investment. Core Class explores both our church culture and the implications of membership in a quarterly meeting over lunch. This class happens several times throughout the year. We'll announce those before they happen.

Meet with an Elder
After completing the Core Classes, potential members will meet with a member of Calvary's Elder Board.