Leadership

Pastor Joel Dover is the founding Pastor of Calvary Chapel Newnan. Joel was led of the Lord to start CCN in 2014 and the church began as a Bible Fellowship meeting in a local home. Joel has served churches in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, and has been in vocational ministry since 1999. Joel holds a D.Min. from Luther Rice Seminary, an M.Div. and M.A.R. from Liberty Theological Seminary, and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina @ Wilmington.  Joel is married to his college sweetheart Kimberly, and together they have three children.  When not teaching, Joel enjoys gardening, playing the guitar, and wood working.  Joel was ordained by the Faith Baptist Church of Faith NC in 2001.

JP Garrison joined the Calvary Chapel Newnan staff as the Student Pastor and Worship Leader in January of 2019 and has since made the shift to full time Student Pastor. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical and Theological Studies from Regent University. JP is married to Stephanie and they have two young children. JP was raised in east Tennessee where he developed and still holds a fierce loyalty to the Tennessee Volunteers. His hobbies include watching the Atlanta Braves, reading good books, watching good movies, losing keys, and going on walks (all with his wife). Pastor JP was ordained at CCN in 2020.

Nikki and her family moved to the area from Colorado in 2021 and quickly plugged into serving at Calvary Chapel.  When it was time to bring a full-time minister to our Children on the team, Nikki quickly emerged as the right choice.  She has a massive vision for our kids ministry, and not only that but also for Christian education.  She brings years of Christian service to our staff and was a ministry leader in her former church.  Nikki is leading the charge to pioneer a homeschool coop at CCN.

Ashley Stapleton has a heart for leading small groups and has been a part of small groups ministry and church planting for many years.  Ashley is great with planning, organization, and details.  His full time job is an an investment consultant with Edward Jones.  Ashley holds an M.Div. from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.  He is married to his seminary sweetheart Lauren, and together they have three children.  Ashley was ordained at CCN in 2021.

Chris Simmons has a heart for worship and leading others to the feet of Jesus. He has been leading worship for over 15 years as the Lord has called him. He and his wife share a heart for the mission field and served as missionaries in Queens, NY for a year and a half where the Lord gave them opportunities to serve the community and share the gospel. Chris was brought on staff as the worship and community pastor in August of 2023. Chris and his family love the outdoors and being in God’s creation.

Greg Smith has been with CCN since the early days when the church was started in 2014.  Greg works with Operation Mobilization as an accountant, and holds both Masters and Bachelors degrees in accounting from Kaplan University.  Greg oversees the financial operations at CCN and coordinates volunteers who serve in our accounting ministry.  Greg is a retired member of the US Armed Forces where he served in the USA and overseas, and is married to his true love Theresa.  Greg and Theresa have three grown boys and numerous grandchildren.