Our Leadership
Steve Esser started attending Calvary Church in 1951 along with his parents, Clark and Ruby Jim Esser, and his two brothers. Steve’s dad has been the general contractor for all the buildings on our campus. It was at the age of 6 that he accepted Christ in a Sunday School class at the old Santa Ana campus on French Street. At the age of 12 Steve clearly remembers committing his life to Christ. While in college Steve’s faith and commitment to live for Christ was greatly impacted by the Jesus movement started at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, led by Chuck Smith. In the 73 years that He has been attending Calvary, 52 of those have been with his wife, Clara and their two daughters, Jenn and Becka. Now their families and husbands, and 5 grandchildren, have been a part of the Calvary family as well, making a total of 4 generations.
Steve has been active in many ministries at the church from youth to adults. He has served on several non-profit boards and boards at Calvary – Elder Board, School Board, Trustees, Adult Ministries, and numerous committees. He has taught classes for New Believers, Money Management, and others over the years, and has always been active in discipling and mentoring men. Steve and Clara have gone on numerous short-term mission trips with both the church and other non-profit organizations.
For 25 years Steve was in the air conditioning business having his own company for 16 of those years here in Orange County. After selling his company he served for 20 years as the COO/Executive Director of The Master’s Program, a ministry to Christian marketplace and ministry leaders designed to help them get clarity and focus about their Kingdom Calling. Steve has also been a volunteer chaplain at Kaiser Permanente since 2012. In the past two years he has helped start and lead a Chaplain Ministry at Calvary Church that is serving OC Global Hospital across the street. Steve is passionate about sharing Jesus with others.
Steve and Clara enjoy being involved in the lives of their kids and grandkids, taking annual family boating vacations to Lake Almanor, walking and hiking, traveling, cycling, and also motorcycle riding on a BMW GS.
First Term: July 2021 - June 2024
Second Term: July 2024 - June 2027