Calvary Chapel Chelmsford | WORKING COPY

Pastoral Team

Pastor Chris Bove

Lead Pastor

Chris grew up in a believing home and accepted Christ as his Savior early in grade school. He earned both his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Robotics Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). While at WPI, Chris became involved in a student-led Christian fellowship where he met Cara and began leading Bible studies. After graduating in 2018, he joined iRobot and began attending Calvary Chapel Chelmsford regularly in 2019. Chris and Cara were married in 2021 and welcomed their first son, Isaac, 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.

Chris and Cara enjoy light hiking, traveling, and kayaking together. When time allows, Chris also enjoys astronomy and working on an old Volkswagen bus.

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

Founding Pastor of Calvary Chapel Chelmsford, Ed Conway has been a life-long learner of the Bible and has his doctorate (D.Min.) from Alliance Theological Seminary, Nyack, New York.

A native New Englander and U.S. Air Force veteran with an honorable discharge at the rank Staff Sergeant, Ed has been a pastor, teacher, and administrator for more than forty years. As a father, grandfather, widower, and remarried, he brings a great depth of experience to local church ministry.

Ed and his wife, Nancy, married in May 2019. Nancy is a Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary graduate and works as a psychotherapist in a group practice.Together they enjoy time with family, nine grandchildren, and outdoor activities, especially ocean kayaking.

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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.