Mount Calvary Baptist Church Leadership
Mount Calvary Baptist Church is blessed to have a leadership team who are truly dedicated to Christ and accomplishing His will. Following are brief bio's of our leadership team and their qualifications for ministry.
Stephen Collins
Lead Pastor
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 4 beautiful children. When not preaching and ministering to his congregation and community, Stephen enjoys cooking, 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.
Judy McGuire
Church Secretary
Judy came to Mount Calvary in March 2024 to serve as Church Secretary.
A North Carolina native, Judy has lived in Valdese most her life, although she did reside in Avery County for 5 years. With over 30 years as a tax preparer and 14 years as a licensed insurance agent as well as many years as an administrative assistant, she brings lots of experience to our church office. Judy enjoys meeting new people and learning new things.
Judy is blessed with 4 children who are now married: Amanda (Lee), Mitchell (Breanna), Cassie (Mark) and Drew (Kelsey) as well as 7 grandchildren: Stephanie, Aiden, Brantley, Leyton, Nolan, Jacob and Rory. Judy has a heart for orphans and has been privileged to go on many international mission trips to minister to them.
When not working, Judy enjoys sewing and crafting as well as baking and decorating cakes. She also enjoys spending time with her family. Judy looks forward to serving the congregation at Mount Calvary for many years.
Landon Murray
Youth Director
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
Music Director - Choir Director
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 Keaton
Director of Calvary Kids
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.