About Us
Senior Pastor Mike Morris
Born in San Bernardino in 1952 and raised in Rialto, I graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1970. My teenage years were filled with surfing, sports, and part-time jobs, ranging from a neighborhood market to a gas station and a drive-thru dairy. Amidst family turmoil, I left home at 17, struggling to find my place and resisting the Christian faith shared by my friend’s family with whom I lived. However, a deep depression and a life-changing encounter with a Campus Crusade for Christ member at the beach in 1971 led me to embrace Christianity, a decision that saved me from a moment of despair and gave me a new purpose in life.
My life transformed after this pivotal moment. My friends and I found faith, and I started a career at a Title Insurance Company, pursuing a Business Management degree. Meeting Mary Travers, who later became my wife, we were deeply influenced by Pastor Greg Laurie at Calvary Chapel Riverside. We married in 1975 and were blessed with two children and four grandsons. My journey in ministry led me from serving at various Calvary Chapels to becoming the Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel Antelope Valley in 2005, a role I cherish and hope to continue as long as I can.
Assistant Pastor Josh hueser
Elders
Robert Smith
Ruben Diaz
Ruben Diaz is a committed elder at our church. He oversees the Mana Cafe, a ministry that offers coffee, pastries, and a welcoming space for fellowship and prayer, located adjacent to the Fellowship Hall. He is also in charge of the Abound Ministry, which focuses on serving the homeless community by providing sack lunches on the first and second Saturdays of each month and hot to-go meals on the last Saturday of each month.
Lee Jimenez
Jim Eckmann
Jim Eckmann, an Elder at CCAV since 2006 and the Treasurer of the church board, has been with the church since 1991. Surrendering to Jesus as his Lord and Savior in 1985 at age 25 empowered him to overcome a past of substance abuse. Married to Carmen in 1986, they have been blessed with five children and the joy of serving in various ministries over the years. As he nears retirement from his Aerospace Engineering/Program Management career, Jim looks forward to more ministry opportunities and continuing his oversight of the Missions Ministry at CCAV.
Our Story
Calvary Chapel Antelope Valley has a rich history rooted in the late 1990s, founded by John Snodderly. Over the years, we’ve been blessed with the leadership of several pastors. Today, our spiritual journey is guided by Pastor Mike Morris. We also acknowledge the longstanding contributions of Assistant Pastor Rich Cowe, who recently retired in 2023, leaving an indelible impact on our community.
Our church has called several locations home, each one a chapter in our unfolding story. For a significant period, we were housed on the campus of Desert Christian High School. Since 2010, we have found our home at the intersection of Lancaster Blvd. and 17th Street West, graciously renting space from a Presbyterian church.
Our commitment to spreading the Gospel and fostering a nurturing community has never wavered, regardless of where we meet. The story of Calvary Chapel Antelope Valley is not just about buildings or leadership; it’s about our unwavering faith and the lifelong friendships formed through years of fellowship.
We warmly invite you to become a part of our continuing story. Whether you are new to the faith or seeking a church family, you are always welcome here.
Our Beliefs
Calvary Chapel Antelope Valley is centered on the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to know Christ deeply and emulate Him through the Holy Spirit.
- Foundation: Jesus Christ mends our broken relationship with God through His sacrifice.
- Holy Spirit: Empowers us to live faith-filled lives.
- Community: We are a fellowship of believers, united in love and purpose.
- Scripture: The Bible is our ultimate guide and authority.
- Outreach: Committed to sharing the Gospel and serving the community.
