Leadership

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.

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.

Mat and Dawn have faithfully served the Lord and His church for many years in a variety of roles, including Youth Pastor, Sunday School teacher, and ministry leader or wherever there has been a need. Mat has also stepped into the role of interim pastor numerous times over the years. Beyond the church walls, Mat has invested in the next generation by coaching baseball for local high school and community youth programs, building relationships and mentoring young people both on and off the field.

In this new volunteer role, Mat and Dawn are excited to come alongside our outstanding youth staff to support, encourage, pray, facilitate, and disciple. Their heart for service is rooted in one of their favorite passages of Scripture, Philippians 2:3–4:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This calling reflects how they strive to live—placing others first and serving with humility and joy.

Mat and Dawn are blessed with three adult children and ten wonderful grandchildren. When they’re not serving at church, Mat enjoys golfing, and together they love traveling (especially to Idaho to visit their granddaughters), camping, gardening, gold panning, snowshoeing, and backpacking. Their greatest desire is to see the next generation grow strong in faith, grounded in truth, and confident in Christ.

Matt serves as the Head Administrator and Worship Leader at Calvary Chapel of Sonora, where he is dedicated to both the spiritual and operational life of the church. With a heart for worship and a passion for ministry, he leads the congregation in meaningful praise while also overseeing administrative responsibilities that support the church’s mission and daily operations.

Through leadership, organization, and servant-hearted ministry, he works to create an environment where people can grow in faith, experience authentic worship, and build a strong community in Christ. His calling is to serve faithfully, encourage others in their walk with God, and help the church thrive in both ministry and outreach.

Keli serves as the church’s Office Administrator and is grateful for the opportunity to support the body of Christ through faithful service and encouragement. She has been actively involved in church life through children’s Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and as a co-leader of a single moms’ ministry, and she values creating a welcoming and supportive environment for both staff and congregation. A mother of three daughters, Keli brings a heart shaped by family, service, and a deep dependence on the Lord. Her life has been marked by a variety of seasons and service-oriented roles that have strengthened her compassion, steadiness, and care for others—qualities she now brings into her work at the church. She desires to encourage others with the love of Jesus as He has poured it into her own life and seeks to walk daily in trust and obedience to Him, guided by her life verse, Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."

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.