352-350-1655

Pastor Eric Ward started with Calvary Chapel Villages in November 2025.

Ministry & Experience: Pastor Eric committed his life to Jesus in 1984. He previously served at Calvary Chapel Baltimore for 11 years before moving to Florida in 2003. He then spent 20 years at Calvary Chapel Melbourne/Viera, serving as an associate pastor since 2010.

Education & Teaching Style: A dedicated student of theology, apologetics, and Biblical studies, Eric studied at the Christian Leaders Institute and the Calvary Chapel School of Ministry. He also helped establish the Disciple’s Bible College. His teaching focus is verse-by-verse instruction with practical, personal application.

Personal Life: Originally from Baltimore, Eric has been married to his wife, Dyan, for over 34 years. They have a 26-year-old son who teaches at Calvary Chapel Academy.

Current Role: Pastor Eric and Dyan are excited to bring their passion for serving God’s people to their new role leading Calvary Chapel Villages.

The church community welcomed Pastor Bernard Harris and his leadership from October 2024 – October 2025.

Faith & Ministry: A devoted follower of Christ since 1978, his core mission is “To know
Christ and help others to know Him.” He holds a Bible Study degree from the Nazarene
Bible College.

Military Service: He is a 24-year U.S. Air Force veteran, having spent 14 of those years
serving in Chaplain Services providing spiritual guidance to service members.

Personal Life: Raised in New York and Louisiana, he is married to his wife, Brenda. They have three adult children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Current Role: Bernard continues as an Elder over the ministries of Prayer, Missions and Deacons.

Calvary Chapel Villages began before 2010 as a small group of retirees from Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale who met in a private home in The Villages to watch streamed services. As the group grew, they requested official support, and in 2012 Steve Turner was appointed to lead the new campus. They initially met in a rented church space in Wildwood but eventually chose to become an independent church and filed for nonprofit status.

In 2018, they moved to Temple Shalom in Oxford, Florida, as their main meeting place. The church later purchased a 13-acre property in Fruitland Park, called the Ella House, which is currently used for gatherings and ministry activities while they pursue zoning approval to potentially build a permanent church there. We wait upon the Lord (Psalm 27:14)

Current Role: Pastor Steve Turner retired in October 2024 after twelve years of leading Calvary Chapel Village with this mission, that stands today: Receiving from God, Investing in People, Sharing Life, and Making Disciples.

What To Expect

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