Shane Mitchell
Lead Pastor
Pastor Shane Mitchell joined Calvary in October 2022, bringing more than 32 years of ministry experience in worship, senior adult ministry, church planting, and pastoral roles. He holds a master's degree in church planting and revitalization with honors from Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary and is currently pursuing a Doctorate degree from Trinity. Shane has been happily married to his wife, Melissa, since February 1995, and they have two adult children, Natalie and Daniel (married to Julia), as well as a grandson named Beau. In his free time, Shane enjoys traveling, fishing, playing music, riding motorcycles, savoring excellent coffee, and cooking creole and cajun dishes. His favorite scripture verse is 2 Timothy 1:8-9.
Meet our team.
Take a moment and get to know our support staff.
Carlos Gabriel
Associate Pastor of Hispanic Ministries
Carlos Gabriel and his spouse, Gladys, have been dedicated members of Calvary for more than a decade. Carlos is a retired bi-vocational pastor with over 25 years of service in Dade and Broward Counties in South Florida. Recently, they underwent the Church Planting Assessment by NAMB and are currently assisting in the establishment of Iglesia del Calvario Winter Haven, our new Hispanic church extension at Calvary. Celebrating 53 years of marriage, Carlos and Gladys continue to cherish their union. In his leisure moments, Carlos enjoys delving into the scriptures and reading bible commentaries. His preferred scripture verse is Galatians 2:20.
Robbie Ahlbrandt
Minister of Worship, Media & Teen Life
Robbie Ahlbrandt plays diverse roles at Calvary. He is a highly skilled musician, songwriter, and a well-rounded creative influence. Alongside his wife, Ashley, who radiates talent as well, they have been happily married for a year. Robbie is our worship, media, and Teen Life minister, demonstrating his deep devotion to Jesus across all his endeavors. Hailing from Florida, Robbie and Ashley share a love for photography, videography, music, songwriting, and simply spending time together as newlyweds. Robbie's guiding life verse is James 1:2-4.
Ryan Smith
Director of New-Member Assimilation and 20's Life Ministry
Ryan Smith has been a member of Calvary since 2015 and has served on staff in an internship role since 2021. Currently, he holds the position of bi-vocational director for the 20's Life Ministry and is in charge of new member assimilation. In addition to his church responsibilities, Ryan works as a grocery specialist at Publix. He earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and development from Polk State College. Ryan has been happily married to his wife, Meelisa Smith, since September 2022 and they are excited about starting a family soon. Outside of church activities, Ryan enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring state parks and amusement parks. He has a passion for growing peppers to create sauces and dry rubs. His favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:12-17.
Marilyn Sandlin
Financial Director and Office Admin
Marilyn Sandlin and Dennis, her husband, have been married since December 1997. They became active members of Calvary in December 2019, and Marilyn joined Calvary's staff in April 2020. Prior to her service at Calvary, Marilyn worked as a Financial Analyst for a decade in Silicon Valley, CA. After relocating to Oklahoma, she served as a controller at a manufacturing plant for 15 years. Marilyn is an alumna of Cedarville College in Ohio. In her leisure time, she enjoys traveling, reading, visiting Disney, and spending quality moments with her loved ones. Her cherished scripture is Romans 8:28.
Steve Culpepper
Building & Grounds Director
Steve Cupepper has been a member of Calvary since 1984 and has been on staff since 1990, currently serving as the Building Manager. Steve graduated from Polk State College with an associates degree in engineering and music. After a 40-year career singing with the Dapper Dan's at Disney, he retired. Steve and his wife, Vicki, who have been married since 1975, love spending time with their grandchildren Bransen and Elliott. They have two adult children, Jeffrey and Christy. Steve's favorite Bible passage is John 3:16. In his free time, he enjoys a cappella singing..