Greetings! My name is Gene Ziesel (pronounced Zee-sul), and I am delighted to introduce myself as the new Senior Pastor of CBC. As I step into this role, I am genuinely excited about the diverse opportunities for this vibrant congregation.

I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. My journey took a transformative turn when I joined the Navy, a chapter of my life that instilled in me a deep sense of service and led me to a profound faith in Christ. During my time in the military, I met my wonderful wife, Paula, who has been my partner in life and ministry for the past 41 years.

After my service in the Navy, I pursued my calling by attending Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama. There, I deepened my understanding of scripture and prepared for a life devoted to ministry. Today, Paula and I are blessed with three adult children, all happily married, and we cherish the joy of being grandparents to six beautiful grandchildren.

Our ministry journey has led us to serve for 18 fulfilling years as foreign missionaries, where we experienced different cultures and shared the message of hope across the globe. Upon returning to the United States, we embraced pastoral roles in North Carolina, Virginia, and Alabama, cultivating strong community ties and guiding many in their faith walk. We are embracing our calling at Calvary in Oceanport, and we are thrilled to see how God will lead us in this new chapter of ministry.

I was raised in a Christian home and received Jesus Christ as my Savior as a

young boy. However, it was at age 13 that I fully dedicated my life to Jesus

and made Him Lord of my life.

I have served the Lord in Church ministry ever since I was a teenager, first as a

Youth Leader, and then in various other areas of ministry throughout the next

63 years of my life.

Calvary Baptist Church has been my Church home since November 1986. I

currently serve as an Elder, which not only gives me the privilege of

occasionally preaching in Pastor Gene’s absence, but also gives me the

opportunity to use my spiritual gift of administration. In the past I taught the

Adult Sunday School Class and the Bible Study for Great Youth Ministries

(GYM) Youth Group. I also served as Church Treasurer and am liaison

between the Elder Board and the Kingdom Builders. My wife Chris and I

presently serve on the OFPLM (Our Father’s Persistent Love Ministries)

Executive Board for prison ministry and are heavily involved with an

unreached people group in Northeast Africa.

I have lived in Oceanport with Chris, my wife of 53 years, since 1974. We have

2 children, Andrew and Jessica, and 4 granddaughters: Lilly, Ellie, Samantha,

and Bella; and a grandson Kyle. I recently retired as a part-time employee of

Colliers Engineering Consultants, where served and honored the Lord in my

job as a Civil/Environmental Engineer and Inspector.

I came to know Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior in 1980. I was 32 years old at the time when the Lord made Himself know to me and I received Him into my life. I was married for 45 years to my wife Helen. We have 2 children and I still live in the same house we purchased in 1975. I enjoy playing golf, old movies, and watching people use the talents God has given them in various professions, activities and sports. Currently, I am serving the Lord Jesus as an Elder at CBC. I believe the Bible is the Word of God, given to us to know Him, to know His love for sinful people and how to come into an eternal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. I thank God for the opportunity to serve Him in this position.

I have been saved since I was a boy.   I have been attending CBC since 2009.  I served on the Board of Trustees since 2012.  I have been an Elder since 2022.   I am the Liaison between the Elder Board & the Trustees and the Deacon Board.  I have been married to my wife, Suzanne since 1997.  I have to two grown sons, Trevor & Matthew.  Trevor lives in PA and Matthew lives home.  Matthew serves on the Worship Team.