Our ministry team
pastor
Rev. Mark A. Callister
Pastor Mark grew up in the small coastal town of Tillamook, Oregon. He graduated from Tillamook High School in 1979. In 1985 he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. In 1990 he graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies from Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, CO.
In 1987, while in Colorado Springs, Mark met Charlotte and the two of them were married. They have three grown children, Jeffrey, Nathan and Bethany. They have also been blessed with three grandchildren, Adabella, Evelynn and Zayne.
Pastor Mark began his ministry as a Youth Pastor for churches in Oregon and Colorado. For over 30 years Pastor Mark has been a Senior Pastor, serving churches in Wisconsin, Missouri and Colorado. Before coming to La Junta, Pastor Mark served for nearly 3 years as the Chaplain and Facilities Director at Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center in Divide, Colorado.
Charlotte Callister, church secretary
Charlotte was born and raised in Colorado and is serving as the church secretary. She spent sixteen years as a librarian and nearly five years as the office manager for a gymnastics school. Charlotte also served at Golden Bell Camp and Conference Center as the Volunteer Coordinator and Facilities Secretary as well as doing other assorted duties.
As a pastor’s wife, her love for people is given a natural outlet. Charlotte is always available for a word of encouragement or a prayer of support.
gary addington, minister of visitation
Gary Addington and his wife Velva have lived in La Junta since 1974. They have two wonderful children, Gary Jr. and his wife Kelly and Shannon and her husband Rick. They will soon celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Gary has served as the minister of visitation since 2010, he has studied ministry through the Nazarene Bible College as he seeks to learn what God has in store for him. Surprising himself with how long he has served Gary said, “Wow! Time flies when you are doing something you enjoy.”
denise balicki, children's director
Denise was born and raised in La Junta, Colorado. She has served in children’s ministry for 15 years. Denise and her husband, Steven, live in La Junta and have 2 teenagers, Walker and Duncan, and a chocolate lab, Ares. She works as a Radiologic Technologist for Centura Health. She also enjoys following her boys to their activities which include swimming, running, and shooting. Denise loves working with the church’s children and seeing them choose Jesus at a young age.
Jake Martinez, Youth Director
Jake was born and raised in Rocky Ford, Colorado. He and his wife Lori live in La Junta and have 4 children: Blaise, Harley, Isaiah, and Sadie. Jake works for Lewis Bolt & Nut. The family is involved in various sports, 4-H, and other activities. Jake has a passion for working with youth and enjoys being part of their journey to get to know God.
sarah pierson, facilities manager
Sarah was born in Colorado Springs. She began to attend Eastborough Church of the Nazarene and was baptized when she was 5 years old. At the age of 8, her family relocated to Maui, Hawaii to start a Church of the Nazarene in Lahaina. They lived in Hawaii until Sarah was 17 years old. In one way or another, Sarah has served the Church of the Nazarene. Singing with her sister for specials, helping with children's ministries, working as our secretary, our nursery attendant, directory photographer, and is now our facility manager and Co-Sound Technician. Sarah has lived in La Junta since 1996. She has 5 children, a son and 4 daughters. Her husband, George, serves on the praise team as our drummer and has since 2013. George has 4 children, 2 sons, and 2 daughters. They are both passionate about serving the Lord together.