Because you matter…
At Calvary Road, we are convinced from Scripture that every person matters to God–and that means you should matter to us too. Whether you're searching for meaning, seeking community, or wanting to grow deeper in faith, you'll find a place where you belong, because you matter.
…we're committed to:
Biblical Preaching
It doesn't matter what a pastor, denomination, seminary, or anyone else says unless it is grounded in something that is true. The Bible is that standard, the foundation that is certain.
Authentic Worship
We worship God in every sort of way–in our singing, in our giving, in our service. It cannot be for show or for others–rather it must be for Him.
Living on Mission
Christ in one of His last acts on Earth gave the church the Great Commission. We are sent out to make disciples of all peoples everywhere. Acts 1 makes it clear that that starts at home and extends to the edges of the world.
By the Numbers
- Years of Ministry
- 0
- Foreign Missionaries Directly Supported
- 0
- Domestic & Local Ministries Supported
- 0
- Number of Small Groups Meeting
- 0
Meet Our Team
Faithful leadership serving our community.
Behind every ministry at Calvary Road are leaders who believe that you matter - not as a number, but as a unique person with gifts, struggles, and a story that God wants to use. Our team is committed to walking alongside you in every season of life.
Leadership Team
Learn About Our Staff →
John Swanger
Senior Pastor
Mark Golden
Executive Pastor
Dan Benham
Pastor of Senior Adults
Matt Cowan
Pastor of Discipleship and Counseling
John Grasty
Student and Missions Pastor
Joshlyn Teague
Pastor of Men's Ministry and Facilities
Ministry & Support Staff
Our History
Serving our community since 1982
Calvary Road Baptist Church began on October 14, 1982, when 52 people gathered at Lake Junaluska Fire Department to explore starting a new congregation. Just three days later, 88 people attended the first worship service in a rented store building on Frazier Street in Waynesville, with families bringing their own lawn chairs. The congregation's rapid growth required multiple expansions, and in 1983 the church purchased two acres of land, raising over $16,000 in a single Sunday. After breaking ground in December 1984, the congregation moved into their first permanent building on October 27, 1985.
Under Pastor J.D. Grant's leadership, the church continued to experience significant growth and spiritual development. Later, under Pastor John Swanger's guidance, Calvary Road expanded its vision and ministry, culminating in a bold move to Maggie Valley in 2019 where the church purchased and transformed a former nightclub into a vibrant house of worship, demonstrating God's redemptive power and the congregation's commitment to reaching their community for Christ.
Our Core Values
Biblical Preaching
It doesn't matter what a pastor, denomination, seminary, or anyone else says unless it is grounded in God's truth. The Bible is our standard, the foundation that is certain.
Authentic Worship
Because you matter to God, our worship must be genuine - offered from hearts that recognize His worth. We worship God in every sort of way–in our singing, in our giving, in our service. It cannot be for show or for others–rather it must be for Him.
Living on Mission
Christ in one of His last acts on Earth gave the church the Great Commission. We are sent out to make disciples of all peoples everywhere. Acts 1 makes it clear that that starts at home and extends to the edges of the world.