Calvary Community Church selects new senior pastor





After a yearlong nationwide search, Calvary Community Church of Westlake Village has appointed Shawn R. Thornton as the new senior pastor.

Originally from South Bend, Ind., Thornton has spent the last 10 years in Charleston, W.Va., serving as the senior pastor of Bible Center Church. Under Thornton’s leadership, the Charleston church grew from an average attendance of 750 to more than 2,220. He also led a 106-acre expansion of the church campus, which houses more than 100 employees, an elementary school, preschool and counseling center.

“There is already great anticipation and excitement among the congregation for his arrival next month,” said Rick Fuselier, chair of the church’s elder board. “Shawn has a cultivating leadership style, a passion for missions and a vision for our community.”

Thornton is a graduate of Appalachian Bible College and has a master of divinity degree from Capital Bible Seminary. He is pursuing a doctor of philosophy degree in organizational leadership from Capella University.

Thornton serves on the board of directors of Awana Clubs International.

He and his wife, Lesli, an elementary school teacher, have three children: Jonathan, 14; Katie, 12; and Megan, 9.

“My wife and I eagerly look forward to getting to know the Calvary family and community,” Thornton said. “And our children anticipate new friendships as well.”

Thornton expects to begin his new position as early as midOctober.

Dr. Brad Johnson, who resigned as teaching pastor at Calvary in 2007, has launched a new faithbased community service organization. Life Change Community Inc. is a nonprofit corporation focused on the needs of people who are facing difficult decisions and challenging life circumstances and who desire Christian answers and support.

The initial focus of the ministry is the website at www .lifechangecommunity.org. In addition to a daily video message by Johnson via the website, the community is holding monthly inperson gatherings.

Johnson has advance degrees in religionrelated disciplines, including a doctorate from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.


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