pASTOR Jason Cameron
Senior Pastor
Pastor Jason Cameron and his wife Molly, along with their four children, relocated to Sonora in July 2021 with a heart to serve and lead others into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is a graduate of the School of Ministry at Calvary Chapel Downey. For more than eleven years, Jason has served in various capacities, from children’s ministry to young adults. Before stepping into his current role as Senior Pastor, he served as the Junior High and High School Youth Pastor and later as Associate Pastor.
Jason’s life verse is Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” His heart is to see lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit—just as his own life was. He often says, “It’s not about how you start, but more importantly, how you finish.”
There’s no greater honor for Jason than to serve the community and the family of believers at Calvary Chapel Sonora, pointing people to the love, grace, and truth found in Jesus Christ.
Jason’s life verse is Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” His heart is to see lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit—just as his own life was. He often says, “It’s not about how you start, but more importantly, how you finish.”
There’s no greater honor for Jason than to serve the community and the family of believers at Calvary Chapel Sonora, pointing people to the love, grace, and truth found in Jesus Christ.
Pastor John Cowan
Transitional Pastor
Our journey began when we committed our lives to Jesus during the 'Jesus Revolution' of the 1970s, singing at coffee houses and churches in Northern California. We helped launch Maranatha! Music and The Word For Today ministries in Southern California.
With our eyes on Jesus, our guiding verse is, "Oh let us magnify the Lord, and let us exalt His Name together." (Ps. 34:3). We pray, "Lord, use us in spite of ourselves," and seek to serve others in His name.
In January 2025, John became the Transitional Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel Sonora, guiding the church through its transition to new leadership. It’s a blessing to be part of this vibrant, Jesus-loving community.
With our eyes on Jesus, our guiding verse is, "Oh let us magnify the Lord, and let us exalt His Name together." (Ps. 34:3). We pray, "Lord, use us in spite of ourselves," and seek to serve others in His name.
In January 2025, John became the Transitional Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel Sonora, guiding the church through its transition to new leadership. It’s a blessing to be part of this vibrant, Jesus-loving community.
Melissa Nevarez
Children's Ministry Director
Melissa Nevarez is dedicated to serving others and bringing glory to God through every area of her life. Her professional background includes experience as a maintenance manager for a local real estate company and as a banker specializing in customer relations and operational efficiency. In each role, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and encouraged.
Melissa’s heart for service extends well beyond the workplace. She has been actively involved in community outreach, including building homes with Habitat for Humanity and volunteering in various church ministries. Alongside her husband, she serves as a leader in both the Marriage and Youth Ministries, helping to strengthen families and guide the next generation in faith and fellowship.
A devoted homeschool mother of five children, ranging in age from 8 to 29, Melissa finds great joy in guiding her children’s growth and learning through both life’s adventures and everyday moments. In her free time, she enjoys biking along the beach and cherishing time with her family.
Melissa’s heart for service extends well beyond the workplace. She has been actively involved in community outreach, including building homes with Habitat for Humanity and volunteering in various church ministries. Alongside her husband, she serves as a leader in both the Marriage and Youth Ministries, helping to strengthen families and guide the next generation in faith and fellowship.
A devoted homeschool mother of five children, ranging in age from 8 to 29, Melissa finds great joy in guiding her children’s growth and learning through both life’s adventures and everyday moments. In her free time, she enjoys biking along the beach and cherishing time with her family.
Jamie Acker
Administrator
Jamie, a graduate of Azusa Pacific University, has a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, with an emphasis in Teaching. Before joining the staff at Calvary Chapel Sonora, she taught school for 14 years at Mother Lode Christian School and was a Middle School Principal for three years. Jamie has been on staff at Calvary Chapel Sonora since 2004. She leads the Women’s and Children’s Ministries. Jamie has a heart to see children come to Jesus at a young age and to grow strong in their faith. As director of Women’s Ministries, her desire is that the women of Calvary Chapel Sonora would feel welcomed and would have many opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. She and her husband, John, have been married since 1981. They have two sons, Jacob, who is married to Adrianna, and Joel.
Laura Baker
Bookkeeper
Laura, originally from Southern California, accepted Jesus' invitation to follow Him in high school. After graduating from Whittier College in 1985 with a degree in Sociology/Social Work, she moved to Tuolumne County and married John in 1988. They have four adult sons. In 1990, she earned her teaching credential from Chapman College and spent 16 years teaching 4th grade at Mother Lode Christian School. Now, she participates in the children's ministry at Community Bible Study, enjoying both her time with children and fellowship with other women.