Calvary Staff
At Calvary Baptist Church, our dedicated staff embodies a family spirit, working closely together to blur the lines between colleagues and loved ones. United by our passionate hearts for Jesus and a deep commitment to our community, we strive to transform lives through faith, service, and love. Together, we create an inspiring environment where each member is valued, empowered, and encouraged to make a meaningful impact, fostering connections that resonate far beyond our church walls.
Chad Zueck
LEAD PASTOR
My wife and I have deep roots in Christian County. After graduating from Taylorville High School (Go Tornadoes!), Marla and I moved away to fulfill my military service in the US Navy. While serving in the Navy, I gave my life to Jesus Christ in Jacksonville, FL, at 21. Following our time away, Marla and I moved back to Illinois, and we graduated from Southern Illinois University (Go Salukis!).
With the experience of working on aircraft in the Navy, I thought aviation maintenance was to be my career path until God had other plans. Through a series of events (sounds like a screenplay, cue sound effects), we both knew that vocational ministry would be our future. That was in 2004.
We accepted a ministry opportunity in West Melbourne, FL, and lived there for five years. I finished my graduate degree from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary (Go Eagles!). We moved north to Dublin, GA, for a lead pastor position at Dublin Bible Church. I served that church for ten years until God called us a bit more north to our old stomping grounds, Taylorville. I accepted the call of Lead Pastor at Calvary in January 2022.
God's up to something awesome! He's always up to something awesome.
Chad's Email: czueck@cbctaylorville.com
Marla Zueck
CHILDREN'S DIRECTOR
I grew up a few miles from here in Kincaid, Illinois. I met my husband while we were in high school, and we married in 1993. I committed my life to Jesus when I was in my early twenties and connected to Calvary when we moved back to Taylorville after Chad’s time in the military and our college career in 2000. God then called us into full time ministry which moved us to Florida first, then Georgia. We moved back to Taylorville and to Calvary!
I have been an educator all of my life. I have worked in preschools, including directing two of them. I have also been an elementary classroom teacher. I have been actively serving in children’s ministry many years. My role has not always looked the same, but God has used those opportunities to bring me where I am today as the children’s director here at Calvary Baptist Church.
I enjoy time with our children and love being a Mimi to our grandchildren.
Marla's Email: mzueck@cbctaylorville.com
Nick Byers
WORSHIP LEADER
Nick is a passionate worship leader with over 30 years of ministry experience, known for his dynamic leadership, authenticity, and infectious energy. Starting his journey at 13, Nick discovered his calling for worship, officially committing to ministry in 2003 at Calvary. By 2005, he was leading worship and has since guided congregations of all sizes, creating environments where people can deeply encounter God.
After a season away, Nick returned to Calvary in 2022 as a volunteer and resumed an official worship leadership role in 2024, bringing renewed enthusiasm and expertise. Nick attended Lee University with an emphasis in Church Music and combines theological depth with musical skill, excelling in both high-energy celebrations and reflective worship moments. Beyond leading, he mentors other worship leaders and fosters authentic church relationships, believing worship is a lifestyle that reflects God’s goodness.
Nick’s leadership continues to inspire transformative worship experiences, encouraging bold, joyful, and authentic faith.
Nick's Email: nbyers@cbctaylorville.com