Ron Smith

Senior Pastor

Ron Smith was born in Burlington, Washington. He was raised on a farm in Mt. Vernon, Washington. He learned his work ethic on that farm. He came to know Christ at an early age and by his late teens was committed to serving the Lord in the ministry. He began preaching in his teens.

Upon High School graduation he attended Seattle Bible College where he spent three years in the intense study of God's Word. Those studies set the standard for his ministry of teaching through the Bible.

In 1973 Ron was called to pioneer a Church in Eastern Washington. He was there for two years establishing the fellowship. During those years he worked full time as a journeyman meat cutter to support his family and ministry.

Late in 1975 he was called to Pastor a Church in Tacoma, Washington. Then, in June of 1977 he moved to Tualatin, Oregon where he was an Assistant Pastor at Grace Community Church.

From Tualatin, Ron was called to McMinnville in June of 1984. He continues to serve Calvary Chapel as the Senior Pastor.

He has a passion to see the Word of God shared throughout the local community and has pioneered new works to accomplish this goal. He is a strong supporter of missions world wide.

Ron is married to Marleen, a very supportive Pastor's wife. He has three children and several grand-children.

For recreation, Ron enjoys planes, motorcycles and cars.

John Marr

Assistant Pastor, Youth Pastor

John Marr was saved from a life of drug use and dissipation when he was 24 years old. He immediately entered a local Bible School where he soaked in the word for 2 years. During this time he led teams to the streets of McMinnville for outreach every Friday night.

After school, John moved to New Mexico to work for Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque in their mission department. He spent 3 years there, leading a small internship of missionaries, and then leading trips all over the world. This is where he met his wife, Gizelle, who also has a heart that beats for missions.

He eventually moved back to McMinnville to found a Bible school like the one he himself had attended. He directed this school for 3 years, then turned to a focus in music ministry. After a number of years preaching and teaching through the use of Christian Rock Music, John and his family moved to Hawaii for more mission training and involvement, including a few months in Taiwan. Upon returning to McMinnville he took up the role as Assistant Pastor, with a long term vision, and excitement in his heart to be part of Calvary Chapel of McMinnville.