Biography

Prior to coming to Bradenton to plant a new Calvary Chapel, Pastor Ray served along side Pastor Bill Mobley as the Associate Pastor at Calvary Chapel of Naples, Florida. As the Lord so often does in His providence, He provided a wonderful season in Naples to equip Pastor Ray for this new work. By using him in the early stages of the Naples church plant, God provided a "hands on" season of preparation for what He has now called him to in Bradenton.

To accommodate a move to full time ministry when he relocated to the area, Pastor Ray left a 20 year career in business where he held various leadership positions with companies in the internet and telecommunication markets. In addition to starting the new work in Bradenton, up until recently, Pastor Ray served in full time ministry as the Principal at the Calvary Chapel School in Sarasota.

As he steps out in faith in response to God's call to service, Pastor Ray is totally energized and filled with anticipation of the Lord Jesus Christ being glorified in this new work.

In 1996 at the age of 32, Pastor Ray had the blessing to receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior along with his wife Elaine. He had the great privilege to be brought up as a babe in Christ under the solid teaching of Pastor Ray Viola at Calvary Chapel in East Rochester, NY. It's been a crazy ride ever since - one day he plans to post his testimony on the web site.

Like all Christians, God has used a myriad of trials and life circumstances to orchestrate His perfect will in his life. Ultimately bringing Pastor Ray to this exciting time in his walk. Pastor Ray & his wife Elaine are living testimonies of God's Amazing Grace - how God uses the weak things of the world to confound the wise.

Halleluiah for His Love and Grace!!