Calvary Chapel of Russell

Jeff York has been the lead Pastor at Calvary Chapel of Russell, PA for over 45 years. After coming to faith in Christ in the early 1970's, Jeff followed God's calling to be a pastor by enrolling at Melodyland School of Theology in Anaheim, California. Jeff's instructor for his "Evangelism" class was Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Jeff remembers Pastor Chuck saying, "Take out your Bibles. This will be our textbook for the semester. Turn to the book of Acts." Pastor Chuck proceeded to teach the class verse-by-verse through the book of Acts. This was the first time that Jeff encountered the simple verse-by-verse teaching of God's Word for which Calvary Chapel would become known. Jeff immediately resonated with this style of teaching and became a part of the early Calvary Chapel movement. He eventually moved back to his hometown of Warren in northwestern Pennsylvania in 1977 where he planted, "River of Life Church", a Calvary Chapel fellowship. Now, nearly 50 years later, that fellowship (since renamed Calvary Chapel of Russell) has continued to faithfully honor God by worshiping Him and teaching His Word. Since September of 2025, Jeff has turned the Senior Pastor role over to longtime worship pastor, Jim Hunt. Pastor Jeff continues to teach regularly as we transition new leadership. Jeff also serves as the General Manager for our DoveFM radio ministry and as the Chaplain for the Rouse Estate, a nearby Assisted Living, Rehabilitation, and Nursing facility.


Jeff married his wife Kim in 1980. They have three grown children and seven grandkids.

Jim Hunt grew up in a Christian home here in Russell, PA and began attending "River of Life (our Calvary Chapel fellowship) in 1985. After attending college, Jim began his ministry in 1991 at our Christian School serving 26 years wherever needed from teaching all the grades to school Administrator the last few years until the school closed in 2017.


Jim has worn many hats at our church over the years. Possessing a strong love for music, Jim is talented guitarist and singer, and has served as our Worship Pastor since 1998. He fills a vital role in our chaplaincy ministry at a nearby nursing facility for seniors where he delivers two Sunday services twice a month and sings for residents weekly. We also rely on his vast knowledge of contemporary Christian music to help him serve as Music Director of our DoveFM radio ministry.``


Jim was ordained as a Calvary Chapel pastor in April of 2005. Since September 2025, Jim has assumed the role of Senior Pastor as Pastor Jeff prepares to hand the fellowship to a new generation. Jim and his wife of 36 years, Kelly, have 3 grown children and are excited to see how the Lord will continue to direct the path of ministry at Calvary Chapel of Russell.

Lance has been a part of the fellowship since the mid 80's and has served on the Elder Board since the mid 90's. He plays on the worship team, regularly covers services at the Rouse Estate, and oversees a variety of technical services for the fellowship including the DoveFM Radio Network. He has been married for 45 years to his wife Ginny. They have five children and six grandchildren.

Bob has been are part of the fellowship since the mid 90's. He regularly covers Sunday services at the Rouse Estate, plays keyboard on the worship team, helps Lance run the DoveFM radio network, and has served on the Elder Board for some time. He's married to his wife Nancy and they have three children and 10 grandchildren.