Pastor Greg Schmidt

Leaving family and friends behind to start a new life, Greg joined the United States Marine Corps in 1980. Anticipating that he would someday face combat he hid a measure of evil in his heart.   He believed he could control the evil in his heart, but before long it controlled every aspect of his life.   While he was professionally succeeding, his life was out of control and he found himself despondent and broken.

In the spring of 1990, off the coast of Liberia, aboard the USS Saipan, Greg turned to Jesus Christ and was saved by God’s grace.   With new life through the power of the resurrection, God’s word began ordering the steps of his life.   Greg now had a new heart and a desire for others to know the salvation of Jesus Christ and to be equipped for kingdom work.   Encouraged to start a Bible Study in 1994, he has sought to fulfill this desire by teaching the word of God through the leading of the Holy Spirit; verse by verse, with genuineness, sincerity, and simplicity.

Pastor Larry has 35 years of pastoral experience. After pastoring civilian churches in Kansas, he served in the United States Navy as a Chaplain with duty stations in Pensacola (FL), Sicily, Jacksonville (NC), Norfolk (VA), Beaufort (SC), and Newport (RI). He retired from the Navy in 2007 and has been a part of Calvary Chapel Jacksonville since 2008. During his tour at Camp Lejeune from 1993-95, Pastor Larry met Chief Warrant Officer Greg Schmidt who was a capable worship leader. Together, they led worship services for the Marines and Sailors of their unit. In addition to seminary training, Pastor Larry has a Master of Arts degree from Liberty University in Pastoral Counseling.

He has been married to Diane for 21 years and they enjoy motorcycling together as a hobby.