Youth Ministry Coordinator Announcement
Calvary Monterey is thrilled to announce the addition of two dynamic men to our church as Youth Ministry Coordinators: Austin Kava and Taylor Johnson! We couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to welcome them to serve the next generation here at Calvary, and we believe they will help bring our youth ministry into an even greater season of fruitfulness. Austin and Taylor have a heart for the local church and will grow in their gifts as they pursue Jesus’ calling to make disciples. Pastor Matt and Pastor Nate will continue their active involvement in the youth ministry with these men for a season to mentor them through every aspect of leadership. This onboarding process will be rigorous and high-touch to develop both men to become ordained pastors, integral parts of our staff, and godly influencers of our students. Join us in welcoming Austin and Taylor to the church staff as we embark on this exciting new chapter of youth ministry at Calvary Monterey!
Meet Austin Kava
Austin is married to Vanessa, has been attending Calvary Monterey since 2016, and currently volunteers in the Regeneration Recovery and Calvary Kids ministries. Austin comes to us from a position as a counselor at the CHOMP Emergency Room, which speaks volumes of his love for people. Austin is finishing a Bachelor’s in Business from the University of Toledo and has already started seminary training. He has demonstrated a deep desire to devote even more of himself to our church and make a career shift into full-time ministry. Another reason we rejoice in adding Austin to our church staff is that he came to our church through The Bridge Restoration Ministry. As a graduate, every spiritual leader in his life has continued to affirm God’s redemption and restoration in Austin, so we are blessed to partner with him as God continues to write his amazing grace story in this man. Austin acknowledges the significant privilege it will be to walk alongside our youth in their pursuit of Jesus. His adaptability, empathy, and life experiences as a 36-year-old married man and former Marine have prepared him to connect with youth from various backgrounds. We look forward to the blessing he will be to our church as we embark on this journey together.
Austin will be joining our team in April
Meet Taylor Johnson
Taylor came to us from Calvary Chapel Bible College (CCBC) and blew away our pastors and leadership team during his five-month-long interview. We have found a genuine and godly young man with a strong pastoral call on his life—a real diamond in the rough. Taylor is passionate about seeing students connect in community and experience what it means to belong in Christ. While enrolled at CCBC, Taylor’s roles as a Student Life Intern and teacher’s assistant have afforded him practical responsibility for his peers' discipleship—everyone there has affirmed to us that he is a true leader. Taylor was born and raised in a wonderful and tight-knit family in Santa Barbara, CA, and loves the active life the Central Coast provides. He will transition to our church after the conclusion of the spring semester and will finish his Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies online by the end of the year. Taylor’s enthusiasm for serving this generation is inspiring, and we are excited to add a younger voice to reach this younger generation. God will use his compassion, dedication to discipleship, and spiritual maturity to shepherd our youth in powerful ways.
Taylor will be joining our team in May
Middle School
7th & 8th Grade
Sundays at 11am
Tuesdays at 6pm
Our vision for the Middle School Ministry is to see Jesus famous in the lives of the middle schoolers in our church. Therefore, our mission is to facilitate opportunities for them to come to a complete knowledge of Jesus, being united together in love, and strengthened in moments of discouragement.
Middle School can often be a season filled with change, pressure, and exclusion. It is also a time in which questions rise about identity and purpose. Calvary Youth Ministry staff and volunteers work and pray diligently so that middle school students can discover a sense of belonging through their faith in God.
The incredible messages of love and inclusion in the gospel of Jesus Christ gives purpose to everything we do together. Our group seeks to model and experience God’s love as we study God's word together. We have tons of fun as we make lasting memories and lovingly welcome everyone who attends.
High School
9th - 12th Grade
Tuesdays at 6pm
The High School Ministry at Calvary has the vision to see Jesus famous in the hearts and minds of our high schoolers. Our mission is to see students come into a personal relationship with Jesus. We pray that they are encouraged and challenged to grow in their faith through the following spiritual markers:
Salvation: Students learn about a healthy, whole, and biblical understanding of what it means to live as a Christian, setting oneself apart to live a life that is honoring to God.
Identity: They are challenged to be authentic and encourage others to live the same, being inspiring and genuine in a world that encourages us to be weary and fake.
Service: Students are encouraged to see ways in which they can use their skills to serve the one true God of the Bible, both in and through the local church.
Life is a gift and full of joy when the purpose of it is realized. Our High School group strives to study with sincerity, live selflessly, and love as Jesus did.
