About Jay

Learn about our Senior Pastor, Jay Underwood.


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JAY UNDERWOOD

Senior Pastor & Elder
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After making my living as an actor here in LA for over 20 years, God called me into full-time ministry in 2003. I first became the Junior High Pastor, here at CBC, while attending the Master’s Seminary. I graduated with a Diploma of Theology in 2007. From there, I went on to become the Senior Pastor (okay, I was the only pastor!) at First Baptist Church of Weaverville, nestled up in the Trinity Alps of northern CA.

In January of 2021, my family and I happily returned to Calvary Bible Church so I could be the Pastor of Adult Ministries. In April of 2022, I stepped into the role of Senior Pastor. I currently lead two fellowship groups, Crossroads and Cast & Crew, for people involved in the entertainment industry. I have a passion for preaching and teaching God’s Word, shepherding God’s people through discipleship, men’s ministry, leader training, and Biblical counseling. My other interests include sharing my love of acting and filmmaking with young people, fly-fishing, pickleball (even starting a CBC group), and spending time with my family. My greatest joy is to see people learn and grow through the Word of God in the power of God’s Holy Spirit (Colossians 1:28). My greatest hope is to one day hear from the Lord, “Well done good and faithful slave…enter into the joy of your Master (Matt. 25:23).”

My hope and prayer for Calvary Bible Church is to be a thriving, vibrant, stable church that continues to be grounded in the Word of God and is a life-saving beacon to the local community. 

I was married to my sweetheart, Julie on October 16, 1997 and we're proud to have six children and one daughter-in-law: Jack (married to Caylen), Will, Lily, Austin, Geanna and Owen. Plus, we have dogs, cats, parakeets and chickens, who are enjoying the warm, Southern California sun!

My favorite thing to do is whatever my family is doing, whether that’s bargain shopping, filmmaking, theatre, all things Navy, pickleball or video gaming (though “environmental biology,” and “video gaming” aren’t really my favorites).

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