Our Pastors & Leaders

We're Here to Help You Know and Follow Jesus


At Calvary Chapel Clayton, our pastors and leaders aren't simply here to run programs or organize ministries. Our desire is to love God's people, faithfully teach His Word, encourage spiritual growth, and equip believers to follow Jesus and serve others.

Wherever you are in your walk with Christ, we want to help you take your next step in following Him.

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” - Ephesians 4:11–12

Pastors

Our pastors are here to teach God's Word, pray for God's people,
provide biblical guidance, and help equip the church to follow Jesus and make disciples.


Kevin Edwards

Senior Pastor

How Jesus Changed My Life
Pastor Kevin Edwards has served as the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel Clayton since its inception in 2008. His passion for ministry is rooted in his own experience of the transforming grace of Jesus Christ and a desire to see others grow through the faithful teaching of God’s Word.

Kevin came to know the Lord personally in 1994 while attending Saint Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina. Although he had grown up attending the small Baptist church pastored by his grandfather, by his college years he was living far from the faith and values he had known as a child.

As Kevin began reflecting on the direction of his life, he remembered the peace he had experienced growing up around the church and began trying to change. He attempted to clean up his life on his own—walking away from drinking, profanity, immorality, and other aspects of the life he had been living. But his efforts repeatedly fell short. It was during that season that Kevin realized he didn’t simply need to become a better person; he needed Jesus Christ. Though he knew about God, he did not have a personal relationship with Him. On a Friday night in the fall of 1994, Kevin called upon the Lord, surrendered his life to Christ, and experienced the saving grace of Jesus and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

That experience continues to shape his approach to ministry today: lives are not transformed merely through human effort, but through a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ and the power of His Spirit working through His Word.
How I Serve
Calvary Chapel Clayton began on February 21, 2008, as a Thursday night Bible study centered on the verse-by-verse teaching of Scripture. Since then, the Lord has grown the ministry and expanded its reach through worship, discipleship, missions, outreach, and numerous ministries serving the church and surrounding community.

Today, Pastor Kevin serves as the primary teaching pastor for Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services. He has a particular heart for discipling believers, mentoring men and ministry leaders, developing future pastors and church leaders, and encouraging the church to actively engage in missions and outreach.
What God Is Teaching Me
After more than 20 years in ministry, Kevin continues to see his need to seek the Lord in prayer and remain grounded in His Word. He wants to depend on the Holy Spirit as he teaches and shepherds the church.
My Encouragement to You
Knowing about God is not the same as knowing Him personally. Come to Jesus, spend time in His Word, and allow His Spirit to change you. As you grow, help someone else follow Him too.
Pastor Kevin would love to help you if you're...

Wondering what it means to follow Jesus,  Wanting to grow deeper in your faith, Wanting to better understand God's WordWalking through marriage difficultiesIn need of prayer

Jeffrey Anderson II

Assisting Pastor

How Jesus Changed My Life
I grew up as part of the Calvary Chapel family, so church and the Bible were familiar to me from childhood. I knew the rhythms of Christianity—when to attend, what to say, and how to look like I was following Jesus. But I did not yet know Him personally.

Jesus’ words to the church in Sardis describe where I was: “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1). I looked alive on the outside, but I was spiritually dead on the inside. Being raised in church had taught me about Jesus, but it could not give me a relationship with Him.

During a youth retreat as a teenager, I recognized my need for Jesus and surrendered my life to Him. He gave me more than a familiar church routine—He gave me new life. That experience is one reason I care so deeply about helping students move beyond simply growing up around Christianity to truly knowing and following Christ.
How I Serve
I joined Calvary Chapel Clayton when the church began in 2008. In 2011, the Lord opened the door for me to begin leading Calvary Youth, and I joined the church staff in April 2019.

I teach the Bible verse by verse during our Sunday and Wednesday youth services. My desire is for students to understand what Scripture says, come to know Jesus personally, and learn how to follow Him in their everyday lives. I enjoy encouraging them as they ask questions, build friendships, and begin taking ownership of their faith.

Beyond our weekly services, I organize retreats, mission trips, and events that give students opportunities to grow in their faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve others.
What God Is Teaching Me
God is teaching me to trust Him in every part of my life. My feelings and desires can change, and I don’t want them to determine my direction. I want His Word and His promises to be the foundation for how I think, make decisions, and respond to what comes my way.

I’m learning to bring every part of my life to Him, especially when I don’t know what to do or when trusting Him feels difficult. I want to become more and more reliant on the Lord and His Word, confident that He is faithful even when my circumstances or feelings change.
My Encouragement to You
If you’re a parent, give yourself grace as you raise your children. It’s easy to think about all the things you could have done differently or wish you had done more often. Don’t let regret keep you from being faithful today.

God has given you a responsibility to guide your children spiritually. Be bold in bringing Jesus to them. Teach them about His amazing love, open God’s Word with them, and show them why gathering faithfully with the church matters. Listen to your children and care about what they’re going through, but don’t leave the direction of their spiritual lives for them to decide alone.

You can always do more for your kids, but you don’t need to condemn yourself for what you haven’t done. Seek the Lord, trust His grace, and take the next step He is calling you to take as a parent.

Gustavo Solis

Gus grew up as a "PK" (pastor's kid) at Calvary Chapel Old Bridge, where he developed a passion for serving and ministry. His life took a significant turn when, at 18 years old, while attending Calvary Chapel Bible College Europe (now Calvary Chapel Bible College Eurasia), he fully surrendered his life to Christ. It was during this time that he was encouraged to learn guitar and start leading worship, uncovering his calling as a worship leader. This path eventually led him to serve for five years on staff at a Calvary Chapel in New Jersey, where he oversaw the worship ministry. Gus is married to Becky, and they have four daughters: Sonia, Emma, Zoe, and Rosa Raelynn. Gus officially joined the staff in September 2024.

His favorite Bible verse is "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.  - Jeremiah 29:11

Ministry Staff

Ministry happens through the faithful service of many people.
Our staff helps create opportunities for people of every age and stage of life to hear God's Word, build relationships, serve others, and grow as followers of Jesus.

Susan Vaughn

Administrator

Susie experienced a transformative moment in her early thirties when she was saved by Jesus. Prior to this, her life was marked by a cycle of sin, driven by fleshly decisions, leaving her in a state of darkness. Since then, Jesus has become the guiding light in her life, a source of daily reliance and inspiration. He holds a profound place in her life as both her Savior and Lord. Her deepest wish is to lead a life that pleases and glorifies Him. Susie officially joined the staff in July 2011.

Her favorite Bible verse is"You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAH, the Lord, is everlasting strength." - Isaiah 26:3-4

Creesha Jones

Calvary Kids Director

Creesha, a devoted wife and mother of two, dedicated her life to Jesus Christ in 1996 at the age of 19. This marked the start of her journey walking with the Lord. Over the years, she's gained valuable insights from her walk with Jesus and believes God has equipped her with everything necessary for effective service. Her passion lies in loving and serving, especially children and those with special needs. She cherishes the opportunities to make a difference in their lives through Calvary Kids, always aiming to lead them towards Jesus. She feels honored and privileged in this role, hoping to always glorify God through her actions as she directs the children to God. Creesha officially joined the staff in November 2021.

Her favorite Bible verse is "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ." - Ephesians 1:3

Troy Ewart

Facility and Kitchen Manager

At 35 years old, Troy faced the challenge of reprioritizing his life and focusing on what truly mattered by “keeping the Main Thing - The Main Thing." After reflecting on this, he embarked on a quest to discover the essence of what that meant. For him, Jesus emerged as the only Main Thing. Without Jesus, life and eternity seemed dark and hopeless. In 2020, Troy and his wife, Billie, moved to North Carolina and joined Calvary Chapel Clayton. Troy officially joined the staff in March 2024.

His favorite Bible verse is "The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer's feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills." - Habakkuk 3:19

Elders

Our elders serve alongside our pastors to help shepherd, pray for, care for, and provide spiritual leadership to the body of Christ.
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers...” - 1 Peter 5:2


Chris Covington

Parking & Welcome

Lloyd Vaughn II

Ushering, Safety and Medical Response, & Men's Ministry

DaVaughn Dixon

Bookstore and Cafe

Lloyd "Pops" Vaughn Sr.

Prayer

Jeff Dohrmann

Home Fellowships, Missions, & Deacons

Michael Schweisthal

Household of Faith & Counseling

David Graham

Counting Team

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors provides organizational accountability and stewardship for the church’s legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities.

Kevin Edwards

Senior Pastor - CC Clayton
Kevin has a business background and Bachelors Degree in Accounting from St. Augustine’s University, as well as 15 years of experience in banking.

Mike Burner

Senior Pastor - CC Lake Norman
Mike is the Senior Pastor of CCLake Norman in Troutman, NC. His church shares our determination to walk by faith & reach the lost with the Gospel.

Ricky Rueda

Senior Pastor - CC Jacksonville
Ricky is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Jacksonville in Jacksonville, NC.

DaVaughn Dixon

Elder - CC Clayton
DaVaughn has served at Calvary Chapel of Clayton from our beginning in 2008.

David Graham

Assisting Pastor (Non-Staff) & Elder - CC Clayton
David has served at Calvary Chapel of Clayton from our beginning in 2008.
He was ordained as an Assisting Pastor in 2017.

What's Your Next Step?

Following Jesus isn't something we're meant to do alone.

Whether you're exploring Christianity, beginning a relationship with Jesus, looking for a church family, walking through a difficult season, or wanting to grow deeper in your faith, we would love to walk alongside you.