Calvary Chapel Chelmsford

Our Pastors

Pastor Chris Bove

Lead Pastor

Christopher grew up in a believing home and accepted Jesus as his Savior in grade school. In high school, Chris attended a Calvary Chapel in Pennsylvania, and God started calling him to pastoral ministry. He moved to Massachusetts in 2013 to study robotics engineering at WPI, met Cara, found work in the area, and began attending Calvary Chapel Chelmsford in 2019.

In 2021 Chris and Cara were married and welcomed their first child in 2024. In May 2026, Chris graduated from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Arts in Christian Studies.

Chris joined the Calvary Chapel Chelmsford staff as Assistant Pastor in the spring of 2024. He was appointed Associate Lead Pastor on July 1, 2025, and became Lead Pastor on July 1, 2026, following the completion of the church's pastoral succession process.

Together, Chris and Cara enjoy hiking, traveling, and kayaking. He loves studying and preaching the Word and considers it one of his greatest privileges to serve our church family in his role today.

Pastor Chris Deans

Associate Pastor

Chris Deans grew up travelling as the son of a Marine but calls Beaufort, South Carolina his hometown. He has a B.S. in Communications and Bible from Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. and a M.A.R in Church Ministries from Liberty Theological Seminary. Chris spent 4 years in the Air Force and now lives in Westford, with his wife Stacy and his six children.

Pastor Ed Conway, D. Min.

Founding Pastor

Pastor Ed Conway is the Founding Pastor of Calvary Chapel Chelmsford, where he faithfully served as Lead Pastor for forty years. A lifelong student of God's Word, he holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Alliance Theological Seminary.

A native New Englander and U.S. Air Force veteran, Ed has devoted more than four decades to pastoral ministry, biblical teaching, and leadership development. In 1986, he began a home Bible study that grew into Calvary Chapel Chelmsford. Over the years, he shepherded the church through seasons of growth and change, overseeing leadership development, property acquisitions, and the addition of a second campus, while remaining committed to the faithful teaching of God's Word.

As a father, grandfather, widower, and now husband to Nancy, Ed brings a wealth of life experience and biblical wisdom to his ministry. Following the passing of his wife of thirty-eight years, Jan, God graciously brought Nancy into his life, and they were married in 2019. Nancy, a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a psychotherapist, shares Ed's heart for ministry and family. Together they enjoy serving in ministry and share a deep love for their nine grandchildren.

From 2023 through 2026, Ed led the church through a prayerful and intentional pastoral succession process. On July 1, 2026, Christopher Bove was appointed Lead Pastor, and Ed transitioned to the role of Founding Pastor. Today, while residing in Florida, Ed continues to serve Calvary Chapel Chelmsford through coaching, pastoral care, governance support, and helping preserve the mission and values that have shaped the church since its beginning.

roundedlinkedin

PASTORAL SUCCESSION

The journey of pastoral succession began with prayerful conversations in 2016 and became a formal leadership process in 2023. Through years of intentional prayer, discernment, and collaboration, God has faithfully guided our church to this important milestone. A few highlights:

Pastor Ed led a multi-year process marked by collaboration and collegiality with the elders, corporate board, and senior leadership team. The process unfolded deliberately, allowing time for prayer, discussion, communication with the fellowship, and careful discernment of the Holy Spirit's leading.

The leadership team recognized Chris and Cara Bove's love for the church and their faithful service since they began attending regularly in 2019. Chris' calling to pastoral ministry was affirmed through years of observing his character, marriage, and spiritual maturity; personal interviews; his faithful teaching of God's Word; the congregation's positive response to his leadership; his commitment to theological education; and his personal testimony. Throughout the process, the leadership became convinced that God had provided a shepherd whose heart is known to our church and whose life reflects our ministry values and God's direction for our fellowship.

On July 1, 2025, Chris was appointed Associate Lead Pastor and assumed primary teaching responsibilities, while Pastor Ed devoted himself to mentoring, coaching, and church governance throughout the transition.

On July 1, 2026, Chris was appointed Lead Pastor, and Pastor Ed transitioned to the role of Founding Pastor. In this new role, Pastor Ed continues to mentor and encourage the pastoral staff, support church leadership, and help steward the mission and values of Calvary Chapel Chelmsford as the church looks ahead to celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2027.