Leadership Team
Thomas Settles
Senior Pastor
Thomas C. Settles, III is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Bible Church. He was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN and surrendered his life to Christ as a 15-year-old.
At age 20, he committed to full-time Christian ministry during his sophomore year at Morehouse College. While a student at Morehouse College, Thomas played football, achieved the Dean’s List, and served as a Bonner Scholar, E. B. Williams Honoree, President of Campus Outreach Ministries, and Student Congress Representative. Upon graduating from Morehouse in 2003, Thomas enrolled at Beeson Divinity School of Samford University and received his Masters of Divinity.
Thomas has a tremendous love for discipleship through local church and is excited about equipping believers to go outside of the four walls of the church to do the work of the ministry.
In 2009, Thomas married the former, Avita Fannin. Thomas considers Avita to be his “co-laborer for life” because she serves such an essential role in his ministry. Her heart for Christ, love and support for Thomas, and commitment to her family and the local church inspire him to continue serving faithfully in ministry.
Brody Bearden
Family Ministry Pastor
Brody Bearden joined the staff at Calvary in 2022. He was raised in Commerce, GA and surrendered his life to Christ at 8 years old.
He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Risk Management and Insurance from Terry College, Class of 2005.
He committed to full-time ministry while in college and served as a Student and Associate Pastor for 19 years at Salem Baptist in Lexington, GA.
Brody married Trisha in 2008 and together they have four children, Nik, Leeland, Jude, and Ruth. They love to host people at their home, eat great meals with friends, and cheer on their kids at the ball field.
Brody loves to see students mature and grow in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man and considers it a joy to serve at Calvary.
Kelby Kimball
Children’s Ministry Director
Kelby Kimball, and her husband Jason, are originally from Indiana.
They both graduated from Purdue University (Boiler up!) and moved to Athens in 2019. They have been attending and serving at Calvary since 2023.
Kelby works part-time as a pediatric speech-language pathologist in Athens and has loved working with children her entire life. Jason is a strength and conditioning coach who also enjoys working with kids and athletes of all ages.
They both enjoy reading, baking, and watching movies as well as traveling to new places and enjoying God’s beautiful creation.
Deacons
Aaron Cavin gave his life to Christ at a church camp in 6th grade. After graduating from UGA, he began teaching at Clarke Central High School, helping lead the FCA huddle, which he continues to do.
Aaron met his wife Lindsey at FCA camp in 2008, and they were married in 2012. The Lord led them to join Calvary Bible Church that same year.
Aaron and Lindsey became foster parents in the early years of their marriage and now have 6 biological kids who are active in the local homeschool and athletic community in Oconee County where they live.
Over the years Aaron and Lindsey have personally seen Gods faithfulness and sanctifying race in their lives through shared trials and the love of God through the Lord Jesus.
Aaron Cavin
Larry Chapman, and his wife Betty, came to Athens from the Kansas City area in August of 2018. The second Sunday here, they began attending Calvary Bible Church and have been here ever since.
After pastoring more than 45 years and teaching High School English for 25+ years, the couple came to Athens to be nearer their children and grandchildren. Their two daughters and one son are all married with a total of seven grandchildren between them.
Calvary has been a wonderful church family for the Chapmans where they have found a loving and spiritually alive community.
Larry Chapman
Michael Dukes
Michael Dukes and his wife, Christina, have been married since 1998 and have been at Calvary since 2015.
They have six children (Mackenzie, Maggie, Mary Claire, Mason, Hudson, and Cooper).
Michael serves as Regional Director for Donor Ministries at Samaritan’s Purse, working alongside donor partners in their relationship with the ministry.
As a deacon at Calvary, Michael desires to serve the church faithfully, encourage and care for others, and help meet practical needs while pointing people toward the hope we have in Jesus Christ. He believes that biblical leadership begins with humility, prayer, and a willingness to serve others as Christ served us.
Shaun Gonzalez
Shaun Gonzalez surrendered his life to Jesus Christ in September 1999. He serves in law enforcement, while his wife, Georganne, works for the University of Georgia.
Since making Athens their home in 2006, they have been committed to serving both their community and their church.
Shaun and Georganne are blessed with three wonderful and energetic children: Shaunice, SJ, and Jo’el.
Together, they have a deep passion for Christian fellowship, making disciples, mentoring others, supporting missions, and serving those in need. Their desire is to live out the love of Christ by investing in people and pointing others towards Him.
Andy Johnston
Andy Johnston and his wife Lori have attended Calvary Bible since 2012.
Andy and Lori are both journalism professors at the University of Georgia, and Andy is also the editor of The Oglethorpe Echo, a community newspaper in Lexington, Georgia, that has a news/academic partnership with UGA.
They have one son: Ty, who is a photographer and attends Arizona State University.
Fabian Maganda
Fabian Maganda is originally from Tanzania and, together with his wife Dainess, has a deep love for Christ, discipleship, and serving others through the local church.
Fabian teaches Swahili language and culture at the University of Georgia and serves as a chaplain at Piedmont Athens Regional.
At Calvary Bible Church, he has been actively involved in small group ministry and considers it a privilege to serve the church as a deacon.
Fabian and Dainess also share a passion for equipping Christian leaders in Africa, especially Tanzania, through leadership development, biblical teaching, and community engagement.
T.J. Martin
TJ Martin and his wife Julie have been attending Calvary since 2013, soon after moving to Athens. They have served in several roles including: men’s ministry, Sunday School teachers, small group hosts, and foster care support ministry.
They have three children: Breyl, Judah and Ophelia.
TJ is originally from Augusta, Ga., while Julie grew up on the mission field in Maracaibo, Venezuela. TJ enjoys running, spending time with his family and church fellowship.
Jake Parham
Jake Parham and his wife Katherine are Athens natives who have a design + build company called Wildwood.
They have a heart of service and love to use their gifts of hospitality, alongside their six children, to welcome people into their home and church.
They consider it a true privilege and blessing to be a part of the unique community of Calvary Bible Church.
Katherine also serves as a member of Calvary’s worship team, and has written and recorded music to share with the church.