At Abide, we desire to do everything with a heart that is rooted in loving God and loving others. To accomplish this, our efforts focus on abiding in Christ and teaching others to do the same.

On this page, you’ll meet the people who help shepherd and support our church family in abiding in Christ. We’re glad you’re here, and we invite you to learn more about the team behind the ministry.

ELDERS

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Chris Vanoli

Lead Pastor

Chris has been the Lead Pastor of Abide Calvary since it was planted in 2021 and loves serving in this calling. His favorite Biblical topic is abiding in Christ (John 15) and how that relates to the grapes growing in his garden.

In 2007, he started vocational ministry as a Music Director which grew to various pastoral roles at Calvary Chapel Oxnard, later at Shoreline Calvary Morro Bay, and now Abide Calvary Atascadero.

He has been married to his wife, Michelle, since 2005 and they have leaned on their faith through many of life’s joys and challenges in the last 20 years together. They consider raising their two amazing children their greatest accomplishment together.

In his free time Chris enjoys tending to his fruit trees, growing and harvesting food for his family and has begun to dabble in making homemade cured meats from the wild game that he and his son harvest.

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Ben Eisenman

Associate Pastor, Home Groups

Ben Eisenman currently serves as an Elder and Associate Pastor at Abide Calvary. While involved in the worship ministry at Shoreline Calvary Chapel, he taught many satellite college courses for Calvary Chapel Bible College. He was the Associate Pastor at Shoreline Calvary Chapel from 2010-2013. Ben was a church planter in Arkansas and served in a variety of capacities in churches in Arkansas and Florida. In his travels, he received his Masters in Biblical Leadership (Calvary Chapel University). Most recently, in Atascadero, he has been serving as an Associate Pastor and elder for four years.

The Lord has often brought to mind in ministry Jeremiah 9:23-24 as a guiding verse:
“This is what the Lord says: ‘The wise person should not boast in his wisdom; the strong should not boast in his strength; the wealthy should not boast in his wealth. But the one who boasts should boast in this: that he understands and knows me—that I am the Lord, showing faithful love, justice, and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things.’”

Ben and his wife Nicole were married in 2006 and have a vibrant household with three wonderful children. Ben has been working full-time in retail management since 2013 and is an avid baseball fan and musician.

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Pete Maskal

Elder, Men’s Ministry

Pete has served as an elder at Abide Calvary since its planting. He came to know Jesus personally during his college years through a campus ministry and Bible study, where his love for God’s Word began to grow deeply.

Pete graduated from Cal Poly in 2005 with a degree in civil engineering and later earned a Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies from Calvary Chapel Bible College in 2007. Over the years, he has served in a wide variety of ministries from greeting and ushering, to children’s ministry, sound, men’s ministry, missions, and facilities maintenance.

Pete has a heart for servant leadership and finds joy in quietly supporting the work of ministry. He has been married to his beautiful wife, Amy, for 12 years, and is blessed with two amazing young boys who keep life fun and full.

One of Pete’s life verses is Philippians 4:6–7, and those who know him best—especially his wife—would describe him as steady, thoughtful, and devoted to doing all things with excellence and a heart of service.

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Brian Barnes

Elder, Hospitality

Brian Barnes has served as an Elder at Abide Calvary for the past three years, offering wisdom, care, and spiritual guidance to the congregation. A retired software engineer, he brings a thoughtful and analytical approach to leadership, grounded in faith and a heart for service.

In addition to his work within the church, Brian volunteers with Search and Rescue and serves as a certified EMT, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to helping others in times of need.

He and his wife have been married for 46 years and are proud parents of three adult children. Whether he’s supporting the church family or serving the wider community, Brian is passionate about seeing lives transformed through the love of Christ.

Rick Sletten

Elder, Men’s Ministry

Rick faithfully serves the church community in a variety of ways—whether helping organize men’s events, leading Bible studies, or simply being available to pray with someone in need. He works in accounting and has a particular interest in forecasting, a skill that lends itself well to his roles on the financial board and as the building committee leader.

Married for over 38 years, Rick finds deep joy in his family: three grown sons and a lively group of grandchildren who keep life full and fun. His faith is rooted in the 23rd Psalm, and he seeks to follow Jesus daily—as his guide, his example, and the source of strength behind all he does.

MINISTRY LEADERS

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Amy Maskal

Worship Ministry, Treasurer

Amy was born into a believing family in Fresno, CA and grew up involved in the church from an early age. She has always loved music, playing cello in symphonies and serving on worship teams starting in Junior High.

It wasn’t until college that the Lord captured her heart in true, personal relationship with Jesus Christ and her passion for leading worship emerged. Amy also works as an engineer and loves using those analytical parts of her mind for the church as well, currently serving as our Treasurer and a member of our Business Board.

She is married to Pete Maskal, raising 2 boys, Ryan and Daniel, and currently serves on the school board for Brookside Christian Academy.

Her life versus is found in Philippian 3:12: “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”

She desires to use every bit of her life and gifting to press into every opportunity to serve and expand the Kingdom.

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Amy Allen

Children’s Ministry

Amy Allen is the Children’s Ministry Director and began her position at the beginning of the Abide Calvary church plant. Amy has volunteered in Childrens and Youth Ministry since she was in college, serving at church and with organizations like Youth for Christ serving youth within impoverished communities.

The guiding verse that the Lord has given Abide Childrens Ministry is Deuteronomy 6:4-7 which says “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all of your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Abide Children’s Ministry is focused on discipling the next generation and coming alongside their parents and caregivers in that same endeavour.

Amy considers it an honor and JOY to serve our kids and families.

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Carrie Sletten

Women’s Ministry, Administrative Assistant

Carrie serves as co-leader of the Women’s Ministry, where she finds joy in teaching God’s Word and planning events that bring women together to grow in friendship, faith, and fellowship. Her calling into ministry was shaped by 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 will direct your path.” That verse reminded her that God had a plan—and would provide everything she needed to follow it.

In her role as part-time Administrative Assistant, Carrie draws on her marketing background to support the church through weekly communications, event coordination and office duties. She approaches each task with care and a heart to serve.

Carrie and her husband Rick have been married for 38 years and are grateful for their growing family: three sons, three daughters-in-law, and a lively group of grandchildren who fill their lives with joy.

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Nicole Eisenman

Women’s Ministry

Nicole serves as the co-leader of Women’s Ministry. She’s wife to Ben and mom to three amazing kids. Nicole began serving in children’s ministry in 2003 and, in 2007, expanded her ministry to include discipling and teaching women’s Bible studies.

Her heart for encouraging and equipping women and children continues today, both within the church and in the local homeschool community.

A verse that has been a constant source of strength and comfort in her life and ministry is:

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”

— Isaiah 41:10

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Carol Barnes

Hospitality Ministry

Carol has been joyfully serving at Abide Calvary for the past five years. In her gifting of service and as Hospitality Coordinator, she enjoys helping all feel welcomed and part of the church family. She also faithfully coordinates coffee & snacks for our fellowship times, training up volunteers to function well and seamlessly in the kitchen.

She also is blessed with a musical gift, regularly playing with the worship team on the keyboard and when opportunity arises, vocal harmony. She and her husband, Brian, in joint ministry, host one of the Home groups at their home twice a month. She also is a key participant in ministry to the local homeless at 40 Prado called Jesus Coffee.

Her favorite verses are 1 John 4:19, “we love because He first loved us” and Romans 15:13, “May the God all hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.

While much of her time is serving the Lord in varied ways, she loves spending time with family; with her husband, kids and grandkids, going on walks/hikes with friends, and being in God’s beautiful creation, and enjoying her favorite snack, popcorn.

Our Mission Statement

Abridged Statement of Faith

God
There is one God who eternally exists as three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe
that all things were created by Him and for Him. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:21-22; Matthew
28:19; Colossians 1:16)

The Son
God the Son became fully human while remaining fully God in the person of Jesus Christ. He was
supernaturally conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life (for He was
without sin), died the death that all mankind deserves for their own sin, was raised from the dead
the third day, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God until His return to earth
(Second Coming) where His enemies are made His footstool. (John 1:1, 14; Matthew 1:18-25; 2
Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 10:12-13)

The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and
judgment. We believe the Holy Spirit regenerates, dwells in and seals everyone who believes in the
Lord Jesus Christ, and that He empowers us to live as witnesses for Christ. We believe that all of
the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to His church today. (John 14:16-17; John 16:7-11; Titus
3:5-6; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 1:13-14; Acts 1:8; Romans 12:6-8; 1
Corinthians 12-14; 1 Peter 4:10-11)

The Bible
The Bible is without error in its original writings, each author was inspired by God to write every
word, and it is the authoritative Word of God. It therefore is the final authority of all matters of life
and godliness for individuals and Abide Calvary. The Bible is the foundation upon which this
church operates and is the basis for which this church is governed. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter
1:3, 21; John 10:35)

Humanity
God created human beings, male and female, in His own Image. He created them equal in value,
dignity, and worth. According to His purpose and design, men and women are created to fulfill
distinct but different roles in the contexts of marriage, family, and the local church. (Genesis 1:26-
28; Ephesians 5:22-6:4; 1 Timothy 3:1-7)

Sin
Adam and Eve were created perfect but chose to rebel (The Fall) against God. As a result of The
Fall, all people are sinners by nature and choice. Therefore, all people are in need of the Savior
Jesus Christ. That salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Him. We believe that all who
call on the name of the Lord shall be saved eternally and there is no other way to God. (Romans
3:10; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:18-19; Matthew 1:21; 1 John 4:14; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Ephesians
2:8-9; Romans 10:9)

Church
There is one Church, the body of Christ, consisting of men and women from every tribe, tongue,
people, and nation. We believe that each local congregation is an expression of the larger church.
(Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Revelation 5:9; Acts 2:42-47)

End Times
After the 7-year Tribulation, and prior to the 1,000-year reign, Jesus Christ will return to the earth
(Second Coming) to make His enemies His footstool. We believe in a literal 1,000-year reign of
Christ on earth after the Tribulation. After the 1,000-year reign we believe that God’s Kingdom will
be established forever on the new earth, the new heaven, and in the new Jerusalem. (Revelation
20:1-6; Luke 1:31-33; Isaiah 9:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55; Hebrews
10:13; Revelation 3:10)

The Resurrection
All humanity will be resurrected – some will be raised to life, and some to shame and everlasting
contempt (a literal Hell). God will make a perfect new heaven, new earth and new Jerusalem in
which righteousness will dwell. We believe that the throne of God and the Lamb (Jesus Christ) will
be established in the New Jerusalem forever. (Daniel 12:2; John 5:25-29; Revelation 21:1-22:5)
For a copy of the complete unabridged Statement of Faith, please contact the Elders of Abide
Calvary.

Core Values
The Word of God is the compass that directs everything we do
God has given us everything required for life and godliness and speaks to us through the Bible.
We are spiritual gardeners
Followers of Christ are instrumental in the spiritual growth of each other as we become more like
Jesus.

We are spiritual contributors, not spiritual consumers
The church does not exist for us, we exist for the world.
We intentionally step out of our comfort zone to love our neighbor.
Jesus is the best love we can share with anyone and we want our community to experience it.
We go out of our way to make people feel at home
We cultivate a place for people to be healthy and grow where everyone is a greeter, and no one
goes unnoticed.

We place great worth on genuine community
We desire deep relationships within our church body that extend into our homes, our lives, and
throughout the week.

We raise up leaders and help them find their calling
Whether missionaries, pastors, church planters, students, workers, or parents we want to help
equip and unite them with God’s call on their life.