Stephen Collins is the Lead Pastor of Mount Calvary Baptist Church. He has been faithfully serving in ministry in various positions from Associate, Youth, and Children’s Pastor, in addition to leading small groups, and serving on the worship team, for over 15 years.

Holding a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Lees McRae, Stephen is currently pursuing a Masters in Divinity in Preaching and Pastoral Care from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Stephen and his family reside in the beautiful foothills of North Carolina. He is happily married to his high school sweetheart, and they have been blessed with 3 beautiful children. When not preaching and ministering to his congregation and community, Stephen enjoys being outside, hiking, fishing, and camping with his family.

Stephen and his family are excited to be a part of the Mount Calvary church family and are looking forward to seeing how God is going to continue to use them for His glory.

Elisa Metzler was hired in June 2023 to serve as Church Secretary here at Mount Calvary.

Originally from North Carolina, Elisa previously lived in Asheville, Weaverville, and Spruce Pine. After 10 years in Colorado, she moved back in March of 2022. As a former bookkeeper, office manager, and administrative assistant, she brings years of experience to our church office. Elisa enjoys helping others and having opportunities to learn new skills.

Elisa is blessed with a loving husband, Don, a Colorado and New Mexico native. She is passionate about animals and has worked as a horseback trail guide here in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains. Elisa is a dog mom to Bear, an 11-year-old Black Lab who is a retired service dog, and Hannah, a 7-year-old Black Mouth Cur rescue from Tennessee.

When not working, Elisa enjoys adventures, listening to music, cooking, working on home projects, learning to garden, and spending quality time with her family. She looks forward to making new friends here at Mount Calvary.

Landon Murray is a 22-year-old resident of Valdese, NC, where he has lived all his life. He is husband to Molly Murray and the son of Robert and Lisa Murray. He has been a faithful member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church all his life, where he was introduced to the Lord at a young age

Landon is a recent graduate from North Greenville University in Tigerville, SC, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and played basketball for four years. During the past four summers, he has been on the staff at Calvary Kids, a daycare hosted by Mount Calvary Baptist Church.

Landon enjoys spending time with his family and playing guitar any chance he gets. He has been leading the praise and worship team at Mount Calvary for over a year.

Landon is excited to be selected as the new Youth Director and he looks forward to being a witness of what the Lord has in store for the MCBC Youth ministry and the students.

Vera Cabaniss has been a resident of Valdese all her life. 

After attending two years of Junior College at Wingate University she worked Customer Service at Burke Mills where she retired.

Vera is the widow of church member Ron Cabaniss. She became a member in 1962, and she has played the organ and directed the choir at Mount Calvary Baptist Church for 48 years.

Jan is a native of the Valdese area, and has served in some form of childcare nearly her entire life.

MCBC is blessed to have been home for the Calvary Kids before and after school childcare program and summer camp ministry for the children of Valdese and its surrounding areas since 2015.

As Director of Calvary Kids, Jan’s enthusiasm and dedication to the children in her care is evident to all. Her desire to serve the Lord through her work with the children, volunteers, and staff of Calvary Kids serves as an example to our church and community.

Jan also serves as wife to Brett, and mother to Katelyn, Leah, and Gavin.

Her favorite hobbies include watching her kids play sports, and hanging out with her family and friends.