The following letter was sent worldwide today, Nov. 28, to all 1,600 Calvary Chapel Pastors by the Calvary Chapel Association.
November 28, 2016
Calvary Chapel Pastors,
Pastor Chuck Smith chose a group of men to lead the Calvary Chapel movement after his passing. The Calvary Chapel Association Council was a plan he reiterated on numerous occasions. A Council provides checks and balances, and a collective wisdom to help steer us in the right direction.
The CCA Council consists of men from across the country who are committed to the core values that have made us Calvary Chapel. Like many of you, we have given our lives to build Calvary Chapel churches. What makes the 1700 churches “Calvary Chapel” are the values Pastor Chuck instilled in us – our doctrine and philosophy of ministry. The principles we were taught and the transformative power of God’s Spirit have proven to be more than sufficient. The CCA Council’s primary goal is to maintain what has been our Calvary Chapel identity for fifty years, while seeking the Holy Spirit for fresh power and wisdom to advance God’s Kingdom.
We believe Calvary Chapel has a unique and important role in the Body of Christ. Pastor Chuck left us a glorious legacy. Yet the new Calvary Chapel Global Network, established by Brian Brodersen, now threatens that legacy. This network goes by the name “Calvary Chapel,” but has no framework for affiliation or required commitment to the Calvary Chapel core values. Such a network will ultimately de-emphasize our Calvary Chapel distinctives. The CCGN establishes a different version of Calvary Chapel, and will cause confusion. Brian claims the authority to represent, and even more critically, to define, what Calvary Chapel is and is not. In a recent letter to the movement, Brian quoted Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” Brian’s resignation from the Council, acknowledges he disagrees with the way the CCA Council would lead and define Calvary Chapel. This has created a crossroads that none of us on the Council wanted.
The division that has occurred in Calvary Chapel is not a minor issue. It is more than “good men separating.” Sadly, Brian is insisting on being the primary and authoritative voice of the movement without being accountable to the men Pastor Chuck chose to lead. The CCA Council cannot endorse this Global Network. Brian continues to present his version as the Calvary Chapel vision for the future. Brian has sole editorial control of calvarychapel.com. His webpage “Our Vision & Mission” describes the site as “the one-stop online-hub for all things Calvary Chapel” – and part of its purpose is to “explain the official theological positions broadly held by the Calvary Chapel Movement.” In the CCGN, one man is tasked in determining what is normative for all Calvary Chapels. None of the CCA Council members would take that kind of authority into our own hands. We recognize that no one man has the calling from God, or the stature in the movement to define “official theological positions” for all the churches. Our founder and pastor entrusted those decisions to a group of men, not one man.
CCA is built on the foundations given to us by Pastor Chuck.
CCGN is creating a new blueprint devised by Brian.
CCA is being led collectively by a group of men.
CCGN will be directed by one man.
CCA is a fellowship of pastors with an agreed upon philosophy of ministry.
CCGN is a community with no formal affiliation.
CCA will continue to have a regional emphasis.
CCGN will be centralized in Costa Mesa.
CCA has always afforded great freedom, but with a degree of accountability.
CCGN is about freedom, without accountability.
To avoid confusion moving forward, we think it is best to separate the CCA from the CCGN, now. Calvary Chapel is not just one church in Costa Mesa, it is 1700 churches that are affiliated through the Calvary Chapel Association. In spite of this, Brian has taken it on himself to “grandfather” the entire Calvary Chapel database into a network where he alone is the authority. Rather than granting us the freedom to join, Brian has forced us to choose to opt out.
As Council members we will not be part of Brian’s network, and we encourage other pastors who are affiliated with CCA to do the same. Rather than start a new group, Brian is building a group within an existing association. We believe this is divisive and will only bring further confusion. Yet each CCA pastor is entitled to make his own decision. For many pastors these issues are new and need to be given thorough consideration.
This splintering of our movement has been painful in many ways, but the CCA Council is relieved that we can now walk in unity and work to strengthen the foundations that have made Calvary Chapel a mighty move of God. Despite our best efforts, for the last three years, storm clouds have been gathering that were obvious to many people. It has caused our Calvary family confusion and grief. But the storm is now passing. New beginnings are ahead. Our vision is clearer and the future is brighter. Once again, let’s depend on the Holy Spirit’s empowering, abide in God’s Word, and trust Him in new ways. As our Pastor taught us, life is full of ventures of faith. This is one more.
The Calvary Chapel Association Council
Sandy Adams, Malcolm Wild, Joe Focht, Don McClure, Lloyd Pulley, Bill Stonebreaker, Damian Kyle, Jack Hibbs, David Rosales, Mike MacIntosh, Raul Ries, Jeff Johnson, David Guzik
Hat Tip: Roger Oakland and Understand The Times
Pastor Chuck fell into the problem of nepotism and sadly this is the result . Brian is no longer a Shepard of the flock but a Lord over “his” Church . The good news is there are many God first bible churches out there that are not about the man behind the pulpit but by the God man Jesus Christ who died for our sins . God is in control relax and look up .
I noticed the CCAC pastors started their letter by directing their problems at Brian and Cheryl Brodersen. My question is why they didn’t they include their own wives names when they “signed” the document?
I have been through a church split with another fellowship, this center issue was accountability just like in this instance.
Strong words……. You should visit CCCM and listen to your “lord” live.
So let me get this straight… CCA says one man should not be in charge yet they are basing their whole argument on one man who was in charge of the whole movement?
ya, that is a bit odd.
It’s not just that Pastor Chuck was “in charge,” it is also the case that he was accountable to this group and therefore any deviation from the Biblical account would get the attention of the others right away. Mr. Cheryl Brodersen has on the website his interviews with rick warren…sorry, Dr. RICK WARREN, an heretic commonly affiliated with the emergent church. The reason that Brian took over the pulpit at CCCM is that he was “next in line,” he just doesn’t seem to have been called there as the senior pastor. Just like someone above stated, nepotism is alive and well at CCCM. I currently attend there and have children in the school there and will not “run away” from this fight.
Wrong.
Chuck Smith decided what was and was not “biblical” and anyone who disagreed with him was ostracized and cutoff via “touch not my anointed” tactics.
Chuck surrounded himself with sycophants and ruled CCCM using the Moses Principle.
HISTORY
Chuck Smith left his church and started his own church Calvary Chapel because he disagreed with the Pastors at his church. Brian Brodersen is doing what Chuck Smith did. It’s what Protestants have been doing for over 500 years.
Did Chuck Smith keep the name of the church he left? If you break away to start something different, shouldn’t it have a different name?
one man claiming authority is not the same as a man respected by others who willing submitted to Pastor Chuck as their authority as Pastor Chuck gained their trust by his example and steadfastness in ministry.
Too many people within the movement have worshiped and continue to glorify Pastor Chuck Smith.
I know he was a wise man, grounded in Scripture and guided by the Holy Spirit. However he is not worthy of my praise, as I choose to worship God alone.
If you have been attending Calvary Chapel church you would know from the pulpit, the Calvary chapel Pastor will sometime remind their congregation if you don’t believe what I am saying, read the bible and let me know where I am wrong.
With that said, I have never heard of any Calvary chapel church founded by the late Pastor Chuck Smith, worshiping this great bible teacher. Pastor Chuck brought the teaching of God’s word, the whole counsel of God – Genesis to Revelation, book by book and verse by verse teaching to the Calvary chapel movement in the 1960’s. Because of Pastor Chuck’s method of teaching, you would get closer to God and know the will of God……nothing to do with Worshiping a men or a human being.
Perfectly said Melvin. Thank you.
Yes so now and then he stumbles and adds and takes away from the word, what ever suites his narrative.
Amen
I have written an article about what you are saying and my wife and I have been subject to the authority of a one man run and directed CC church.
Sounds like you are eating sour grapes.
Read the article again.
What does that mean!!!
Concisely stated. I think of the Paul & Barnabas split and how that doubled their respective ministries. When the Lord prunes a tree He is preparing it to bear more fruit. May God richly bless the ministry and vision of both the CCA and the CCGN!
Thank you Landis, I agree. Remember folks, we are commanded to love one another, and this world will know by our love for one another.
Landis. Really!! You don’t really mean this, you compare the Paul and Barnabas split, with the split at the Calvary Chapel movement.
Actually, they’re appealing to a “plurality of elders” argument even though the individual CC’s are governed by what’s called the “Moses model”. Yeah, it’s interesting to see them employ this argument only to return to their respective fellowships and uphold something different.
Yes… I have the same sentiments… but I also seem to agree with the CCA … Chuck Smith was my very favorite Pastor..!! I met him when i was in my late teens back in the 70’s… he had/has quite the impact… I could see my Father in him. 🙂
Thank you!
I have to wonder how many people Chuck had to hold him accountable in the early days. I remember Romaine. But as I understood it, Chuck was pretty much the sole definer of the CC movement.
With a board, it keeps a man from consolidating power to become centralized. Chuck Smith is our founding father, but stayed accountable, that’s the issue.
If you are a born again Christian saint, you whole focus should not be on one or more arguments, but the main issue of the late Pastor Chuck Smith Jesus movement for Calvary Chapel – teaching the “whole counsel of God. From Genesis to Revelation, book by book, chapter by chapter and verse by verse.
Eve the Apostle Paul says the whole counsel of God’s word should be taught. But those who are in the emergent church side want to do away with the Old testament, saying that salvation is only found in the New Testament. They also say teaching verse by verse is “idolatry.” Huh????
We don’t worship man (Chuck Smith) but we follow his Jesus Movement which says the Whole Counsel of God will be taught in Calvary chapel church. There is nothing to argue about, period!
Amen. Teaching the whole counsel of God is the most distinctive of all the distinctive. And the whole counsel of God includes explicit warnings against subtracting from
It. Those who do, do so at their own peril. Let’s pray for them.
Call no man father. Oh wait that’s only applies to Catholics ca right?
Calvary Chapel is saying that we should follow the WHOLE Word of God. These were the distinctives that Pastor Chuck Smith started Calvary Chapel with: Calvary chapel it is a non- denominational church movement focused on the inerrancy of the Bible and the expository teaching from Genesis to Revelation. Notice that it does not say just the New Testament. It isn’t following a man or a group of men it is following Jesus Christ and HIS WORD.
In Acts 20-27 the Apostle Paul says “For “I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” What is the whole counsel of God? The whole 66 books of the bible, from Genesis to Revelation, book by book, chapter by chapter and verse by verse.
God has a lot to say in those 66 books of the bible. You can’t say that do not teach the Old Testament, but God has something to tell us there also. You can’t shun bible prophecy. For prophecy is 2/3 of the Bible.
Calvary chapel association will continue to teach the whole counsel of God as well as prophecy.
Pastor Brian want to cater to the young generation and saying you don’t have to teach the Old Testament or go easy on bible prophecy because you will turn off the young generation. Even the young generation need the “Whole counsel of God” not one half of the counsel of God.
Psalm 119:11 reads “Your word (the whole counsel of God) I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You.”
I completely agree, Pastor Smith, have moved to higher grounds with Jesus. After much prayer, the Holy Spirit, is not bearing witness, we who have been called, by the teachings, of the gospel,with wisdom, knowledge, spiritual my life in the Holy Spirit, anointed, to glorify and as a child of God, no one has the right ,to make the followers of Jesus , believing in false les, May the God I follow, love and adore, take your greed eles we’re. Live best a long, this is the ministry’s of Jesus Christ, like Pastor said of his son in law. Live Calvary Chaple, memories, teachings training ,, of a Man our Pastor alone. Go and build your beliefs elsewhere, 40+ years, experiencing the mighty Holy Spirit, move, spiritually, Satan only comes ,to confuse , kill,destroy, .
Taking charge on yoUr own is different than a group of me seeing you as their authority. Pastor Chuck didn’t take that authority, men gave him that authority, and followed his style of ministry as God moved in their own lives, A man in authority knows how to be under authority.
But hopefully it’s God they are under authority to.
Amy…you mentioned this letter was sent worldwide to all 1,600 pastors. Was this sent via email or post? We are part of the group, have received all the letters, but have not gotten this one.
No One Should have followed Pastor Chuck past a point. He committed immorality and, because of it, gave too many of his pastors a “pass” when they committed it. This sinful leaven left disgusting fruit that was most graphically exampled by Bob Coy–although there were others. The only reason he hasn’t been put back into the pulpit is because too many people knew about it. Questions need to be asked about even the “original” pastors because some of them were disqualified for the same cause of immorality and some have had more than one wife contrary to Scripture. Calvary Chapel has been Scripturally illegitimate for years. It should be dissolved to spare the Body of Christ all of this rot. It is a lifeless body devoid of the Spirit that is being fought over. To deliberately ignore all the evil that nested inside of this organization for years is wrong and exposes willful blindness. Those that speak of it in glowing terms, while fully knowing of Chuck’s immorality only expose their idolatry. Good doctrine does not trump unrepentance and disobedience by a pastor. There needs to be repentance by those that knew of it (including discernment ministries), those that remained in the association after seeing the abuses from the Moses Model and those that want to use the name as a platform to suck others into a new paradigm. This whole thing is an exercise in the ridiculous and gives the enemies of God an opportunity to mock. Discernment ministers and people in general need to step away from this completely and build their own relationship with God through Christ. That is the only way they can hear His voice and not be subject to being taken in by a Charismatic individual again. God is not stupid, poor or blind. He can give us something better if we quit “morning over Saul”. It’s up to us to finally stand on our faith and quit delegating it to someone else. We all need to mature and do better.
Oh, so true, JM!
Pastor Chuck?
What immorality, with whom, when, what proof?
It is a sin, to malign a man of God openly, with only inference and not two more witnesses establishing a matter? You do not have the privilege or right to do so, especially openly off the cuff without substantiating it.
I know many more denominations, with as much if not more neglect of the unrepentant of sin within their ranks. And even failure to hold to the basic tenets of the faith, revolving around the full counsel of God, what foolishness.
Though what another does, never validates ones own, as it is unwise to compare one with another, rather than the standard of the Word of God and Jesus Christ.
Most have little grasp of the general accountability CC pastors have.
Some of the most godly and faithful men I know are CC pastors.
Every denomination has a few wayward prodigals who should step down or should have stepped down. Also many of the CC bylaws and church constitutions have a clear expectation of when a pastor is to be removed, how and by whom. And this too, is case by case how it is set up.
Just as with all the fellowships in the body of Christ, not just CC.
Any ministry is never greater than its servant leadership giving humble submission to Jesus Christ in all things.
Every fellowship, within every denom or independent Church is one set of choices away from ruining their witness.
I know and have known many CC pastors. Most are loving down to earth, accountable men. Which desire nothing less than to build, equip, and call the body of Christ to walk worthy, through the simple teaching of the Word of God and discipleship.
Jesus in the 7 letters to the seven Churches, pointed out the many flaws still present even today in many Churches, led by men most feeble, who is able for such things. And He declares the answers and a call to repent and overcome and follow Him. Only those daily reliant upon the Lord, no matter the affiliation, denom, or fellowship.
As with any Church or Churches, we can strip them, their model, the weaknesses, the failures and sin of each.
But speak to specific issues, with each, with accountability to state the sin and what and who were involved. But throwing diatribe irresponsibly on everyone is foolish, untrue, and most importantly unbiblical.
You use quite a bit of disparaging diatribe. Without naming anything specific, doctrine, sinful acts only implied inferences, etc.
How irresponsible sir and lacking accountability with how you are addressing these supposed issues.
Please as I asked, name the sins, so there can be an account given, or defense made.
Please name the specific people and situations to which you referred, again so an account may be given or innocence can be defended.
In His love, to His glory!
Good words R.A.M. I agree with you completely.
Yes, I agree R.A.M. I find that people who tend to be critical, are usually guilty of the very things they accuse others of doing. “Thou art inexcusable oh man.”
I love, respect, and miss my Pastor Chuck.
How did pastor Chuck Smith commit adultery? If you’re going to make a statement like that, you had better provide some evidence; otherwise, you’re committing the sin of being a false witness.
I really admire the late Pastor Chuck method of bible teaching for Calvary chapel. I love the Apostle Paul, Peter, John. luke and Mark bible teaching, but I do not worship these bible teachers.
With that said, your false claim claiming Pastor Chuck Smith is an immoral person will get back to you on Judgment Day when your book of life is open by God Almighty.
What immorality ?? Hope you can back this up !!!!!
For those who wish verification, you need to write to the men on the list of CCA and others who were “original” or now senior pastors. Ask them to come clean about what they know. Many of them were the ones who privately disseminated this information. Because of certain confidences, my hands are tied beyond this point. I do encourage the investigation, though.
Isn’t that convenient.
Said the devil…
Well excuse me although I do understand your point of view I also would like to ask with all clarity what the initials JM stand for, as the Bible says fear no man step up and admit to your wrong doings. So I’m asking what is your full name Amy?
Brian Brodersen needs to understand who THE Head of the church is, and it’s not him, and not an association of pastors. Not the pope, or any denominational headquarters.
Ephesians 1:22,23 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. That’s just one scripture, there are more like it and I think Calvary Chapels by now knows this. If that’s too simple then we have become too complicated. That’s one reason congregations among Calvary Chapel are autonomous and need to remain that way.
JM,He who is without sin let him throw a stone first.
JAR, are you also a pastor who has committed adultery, lied to your congregation about it and stayed in that position in defiance of Scripture that disqualifies you? If not, would you want one of these pastors to counsel your wife or your daughter? More importantly, does this behavior please God? The correct reaction to the information I shared should be one of sadness and astonishment that there was so much unchecked corruption. Instead yours was one of defensiveness. You should worry about yourself. Perfection is not required to call sin what it is, nor is it required to rebuke disobedience. It’s true, on their own, an individual does not have the power to judge who is disqualified, nor should he act based upon his own arbitrary righteousness. However a person who has the faith to stand on what the Word of God says and applies it under the righteousness that Christ gives us on the Cross, can definitely identify and rebuke sin. There aren’t enough courageous and godly men to do this so the church has become sick and blind and full of pabulum. It has become a den of robbers and a source of abuse. It is impotent. Your quarrel is with the Word of God. Try boxing with God and let us know how that turns out.
JM, how do you know about pastor Chuck cheating? I was unaware of this. …I think maybe you are throwing the baby out with the bath water (and I doubt you have found a perfect church), although I agree that the Calvarys suffer from a lack of accountability. There are many good people doing good things in Calvary as a community, but this may be a real chance to clean up some of the messes caused by the unchecked and overly ambitious pastors who are hurting others without accountability. …I’m pretty far removed from all of this, but my two cents worth is agreement with the men and women of this council who have decided to stand up for what’s right. I’ll be praying for justice and restoration in the church.
Although I had attended CCCM since the early days of the Sunflower Church, I have not step foot inside the door since the week after Pastor Chuck passed. Pastor Chuck knew that he himself answered to God and accordingly conducted himself with humility and deference. Contrast that I would often see Brian in the halls of CCCM and (IMO) he clearly could not hide his arrogance.
If Brian’s vision for the church was so compelling and better than CCA why didn’t he leave and build something on his own, instead of waiting in the wings for years to take over CCCM? Clearly he desired to take over Pastor Chuck’s flock without having any heart for us. Could it be for the money? John 10:12 comes to mind.
Along with others I was surprised to see Rick Warren at the memorial service, knowing Pastor Chucks position on “purpose driven.” But also the absence of CCCM’s long time worship team was jarringly obvious. It is very sad that the core church has been ripped from the Calvary Chapel movement. Thank you to CCA and those pastors willing to stand firm for the values that brought us to Jesus so many years ago.
JD said –
“If Brian’s vision for the church was so compelling and better than CCA why didn’t he leave and build something on his own, instead of waiting in the wings for years to take over CCCM?”
Good point.
I wondered why he didn’t just leave and go start his own thing instead of undermining Chuck’s teaching for 10 years. Must have wanted the keys to the kingdom pretty badly. Is that Godly?
Amen….Brodersen wad a bit arrogant for me….
If you left Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa where Brian Broderson is the heir apparent of Chuck Smith, find yourself a church that teaches the whole counsel of God. From Genesis to Revelation, book by book ,verse verse. This is the method of the late Pastor Chuck Smith.
Unfortunately Brian brodersen has made some changes that has caused the split of Calvary chapel churches. Broderson feels that you do not have to read the Old Testament because salvation comes from the New Testament. He wants to make other changes for the youth of this generation….
Well now. God is the same yesterday, same today and the same forever. He says teach the whole counsel of God the way Pastor Chuck Smith started Calvary chapel churches. .
Pastor Chuck referred to Rick as his friend. Good enough for me. Rick loved Chuck and paid respect…with all others there.
In watching CC and reading the recent letters and developments (the two divisions so far that have developed is CCA and CCGN) have not really told us or the 1700 CC pastors what the division is really about.
Brian (CCGN) says it’s not doctrinal, theological or over the Calvary Distinctives but “methodological and practical” but doesn’t explain what he means so there are more questions than answers.
The CCA board says it’s about maintaining Calvary Chapel identity and to continue following the values Chuck Smith instilled into them and about accountability. Accountability has never been big with these guys, so take that for what it is worth. It also appears Chuck wanted CC to be overseen by a group of men and they feel that is their duty to maintain his wishes.
From someone who has had a long on and off relationship with CC what I see is Brian wanting to be much more ecumenical.
Chuck Smith taught that CC was unique and had distinctives that made CC different, not in all areas but in some he thought were important. He said if CC was not unique or didn’t have these distinctives they might as well close down and join or merge with the church across the street. The Calvary Chapel Distinctives book can be found free online with a simple google search.
The things that made Calvary Chapel distinct are not just in the Distinctives book but also were verbal sayings and traditions.
To me Brian’s ecumenism goes against those distinctives and traditions and the CCA board wants to keep them in place. Brian retweets calvinists and it does not seem to be big deal to him allowing calvinism into CC, Chuck was against allowing calvinism into CC. Brian also retweets Eugene Peterson, Mark Driscoll (post Mars Hill) et al., has endorsed Nicky Gumbel and the Alpha Course, has talked about not teaching verse by verse, etc.,
Methodological, to me, would be more about multi campus or using big screens, etc., which CCA is not against, which in my experience does change doctrine over time, but Brian has embraced ecumenism which allows in every doctrine, including false doctrine.
So I believe the division is over Brian’s (CCGN) Ecumenical bent, which will lead away from being distinct in any way.
CCA Itself doesn’t have accountability and is not transparent on how it operates. It has other major problems as well, the seeds were in the ground from the beginning and the have grown up.
I think there may end up being one more split and it will hopefully be pastors going back to the bible, reforming their church government away from the one man show, being transparent and leading by example would be a good start.
Pastor Brian pastored 2 Churches, One I’ve Vista, that is thriving today. When Brian felt the Lord leading him to start a church in London. When he announced he was going to London, he told the congregation that He felt called to start a church there and that when His father was older and asked him for help, he and Cheryl would come back and that is what he did. Someone who accuses Pastor Brian of a God complex must have A complex and needs to quit judging.
This is meaningless. If Brian Broderson is the head pastor of CCCM he can vary well do what he wants. That’s how the bylaws flour Calvary Chapels are written… That the pastor is essentially the CEO and accountable only to his elders and deacons which the potatoes can eliminates and replace as he sees fit. There is no accountability truly in this system. Threat is why do meant of the CC pastors can get away with unrepentant sin for shop long. The CCA is either only fooling themselves over only fooling you if you believe they will actually enforce any amount of moral accountability from any of the 1700 potatoes within the CC movement. Its sad. I love the ideals of Calvary chapel but due to the by laws and administrative structure that leaves members with no recourse in a body with a pastor in unrepentant, blatant sin we can not recommend CC to new believers and will not shot under this authority. This movement requires a complete restructuring and nothing less.
Potatoes? Wow, check your auto-correct much?
Pastors now = Potatoes
Love it. 😉
Kv – WELL SAID! Folks may not like Brodersen, but that doesn’t mean that CCA has a clean house! The whole thing is broken!
Guys Pastor Chuck was a uniquely gifted man who was compassionate and humble and yet able to lead a church and a movement as few others. God blessed millions through his ministry. But Calvary Chapel was never going to be the same without him, no matter how it was to be organized. When he went to be with the Lord, Calvary Chapel as we knew it was destined to change. Perhaps it is more important now to part lovingly as brothers and let the Spirit move in the new ways He is capable of, than to hold on desperately to a work of the past. Maybe the answer is Pastors and brethren, seek the Lord, be ready to move in a new way if He should lead and move on. Just something to think about.
I love what you wrote John. It was loving and said everything you were feeling or thinking on the subject without attacking. Thank you for representing our Lord. God Bless you!
Yes yes yes John. I attend Athey Creek Christian Fellowship in Oregon. It’s a third generation Calvary (unofficially). Our pastor is Jon Courson’s brother-in-law. The first time I attended in 2009 it reminded me so much of the ‘tent’ days that I had a hard time not pointing to the Lord every time Pastor Brett made an awesome point.
So men like Brian come and go, but the Lord continues His work in us and through the pastors after His own heart whom He has called. God’s awesome work in and through Pastor Chuck continues full strength up here . . . I am so blessed. I am sad that ‘Big Calvary’ is not what it was, but I am so encouraged because God is still working and blessing His people. My heart is sad for the sheep that will for sure be harmed by all the division and attention seeking that now seems to define Big Calvary. I am praying that Brian will focus on feeding the sheep.
Time for a prayerful reading of James.
Amen! Jesus Christ is still Lord never stepped down, never will, and He will never die. Jesus is our Pastor and the Lord’s anointed.
When He ascended the Apostles went out and began new fellowships and someone no one considered, Paul, became the instrument for God to use.
Jesus hasn’t changed a bit and this doesn’t change a thing.
As for sin in the pulpit or the congregation what has changed here? Where sin abounds grace much more abounds. So, should we continue to sin? No! God forbid!
The Moses model was chosen to give the Pastor room to follow the Lord. The church better be praying because that can be great or it can be disasterous but do we toss out our freedom because it “could” be used bad, nope! If your Pastor is bad leave.
God Bless all His people, rest because He is still and always will be in control.
How sad that in this the last days, as we are warned in scripture brother will turn against brother, we are witnessing precisely such a thing. We should all be on our knees seeking God’s forgiveness, grace and guidance in such matters. I only meet pastor Chuck once but I was able to thank him for his obedience to God’s calling which in term brought so many of us to The Lord. I myself an immigrant from Chile came to know Christ, because of Pastor’s Chuck’s great love for him and his word. It brings me great sadness to see such division within the body of Christ, as an outsider looking All I can envision is the enemy smiling because once again he has managed to destroyed something else that brought glory to God. We certainly live in unprecedented times, we all need to pull together and pray because now more then ever we need to be a light to those in darkness. Please this is no time to point fingers but to repent and come together to glorify God. We are not capable of doing anything with out God’s guidance. Pastor Chuck, humbled himself and seek God in everything and we must do the same. Thank you
Maria Roberts,
It’s wonderful you came to know Christ through Chuck, he was greatly “used” (CC’s favorite word) by God.
Please understand, some of us did more than meet Chuck once.
Remember ,
“That which the devil meant for evil God will work for our good” for all in involved. Gen.50:20
What we need to do is pray for everyone, for the Church which is the Body of Christ, for CCCM, Pray that the Lord, the Head of the Church will accomplish his work in this and for the sake of the body cut the time short.
I’m not surprised at all.
Knew this was coming in spite of what people thought of Brian and Chuck choosing Brian, I guess that was chuck’s mistake. I’m not in CC anymore due to a great deal of micromanagement from them along with various clicks in each church, not to mention the variant degrees to which how doctrine was handled and the misrepresentation of spiritual gifts. Brian does not agree with Calvinism, he openly said on the radio that they taught another Jesus, obsurd to say the least considering they use Calvinism textbooks in their schools which I’ve attended one within SoCal. Brian has steered away from core values of CC operations and I only have respect for a few in their uprightness and honest bible studies. I’m a Calvinist by the way and always been even before my CC days. Good luck CCA and Gidspeed.
Very true, John F. CC folks are very confused about their theology. Chuck’s idea that he (CC) is “Cal-minian” is false. His five points are all Arminian. Most CC guys are anti-Calvinist, but they don’t seem to be able to articulate why. When defending CC theology, they often attack Calvinist doctrine, but only with trite and uninformed arguments.
But then they like to quote Spurgeon, a Calvinist (although he didn’t use that label himself) and other Calvinists. Go figure.
Precisely. Well put.
What makes you say Pastor Chuck chose Brian? My understanding is that Pastor Chuck specifically said that he did not want Brian to take over.
I’m not entirely surprised by this move, but I shake my head at the lack of self awareness displayed in their reasoning. They are criticizing Brian for doing what Chuck did for decades; one man controlling 1700 “churches”. The CCA itself is made up of pastors who are THE authority head of their respective congregations, while feigning accountability to others, and the authority of Scripture. I know one who handed off his congregation to his son (nepotism), and I know of another who runs roughshod over his staff, has committed immorality, yet is still behind the pulpit. I don’t judge them for said actions (God is their judge), but I think this statement letter is more window dressing, smoke and mirrors, or whatever else you see fit to name it. In other words, I think it’s hypocritical.
Brothers, let’s not point fingers and criticize. Let’s pray for our pastors and leaders, for God not men anoints them. While we may see these things as “deserved” or confusing, etc., none of this surprises the Lord. He is faithful to use these men in ways that none of us can know. Let’s ask the Lord to give them wisdom, patience and love, not just for Brian and the CCA leaders, but for all the Calvary pastors, so that the work of the gospel can go forth in new and exciting ways! Christianity is at a low ebb, it’s time to immediately shirk this off, get focused and get back to work!
John, there are those who are anointed by God to be used as pastors, etc., but it is naïve of you to think that all pastors are anointed by God. To the contrary, so many pastors, including CC pastors, are self-anointed. Any man who passes the CC exam can be a CC pastor. I’ve read the CC exam. The questions are all basic CC doctrine. Anyone who reads the CC distinctives and Chuck’s paper on “Cal-minianism” can pass the test. You get to be a CC pastor, another Moses, ruling over your own congregation.
I’ve suffered under the abuse of a few CC pastors, in different states across America, and I’ve heard the countless cries from those all over this country who have suffered. Rather than rally around the self-anointed leaders, let’s rally around our brothers and sisters who have suffered abuse. We suffer, we survive by God’s grace, we move on and count it all joy. But we don’t continue to prop up, and even glory in, the Moses Model.
Some folks here have fond memories of the good old days with Chuck and Jon, etc., and I’m not saying those memories are not real, but what is important is what Chuck taught, his doctrine, his philosophy of leadership. So much of the foundation of CC is just not Biblical. Those who want to gloss over the glaringly false doctrines of Chuck Smith need to remember that feelings count for nothing. And works built on the wrong foundation count for nothing.
what abuse? i am curious
All Christians are anointed, chosen for a specific purpose in furthering God’s Kingdom (1 John 2:20). In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, reads “Now He who establishes us (born again Christian saints) with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and give us the Spirit in our hearts as a gurantee.”
A person was anointed for a special purpose – to be a king, to be a prophet, to be a builder, etc.
anon, just google calvary chapel sexual abuse to get started, but there are other abuses, as well — spiritual and emotional abuse. Over the decades, this has been an ongoing problem that CCCM was aware of but claimed that there was nothing they could do about it. Chuck turned a blind eye to it, in general, but there were times that he exacerbated the problem by “promoting” an abuser.
Here is a link to one of many articles about the problems and corruption inside of Calvary Chapel:http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/01/26/calvary-chapel-s-tangled-web.html
The course set by the late Pastor Chuck Smith for all Calvary chapel was to teach the “whole counsel of God”. Meaning, from Genesis to Revelation, book by book, chapter by chapter and verse by verse. God Almighty has not changed. He is the same yesterday, the same today, and the same forever.
So why does Pastor Brian Broderson, the heir apparent for Pastor Chuck want to change course? I believe he want to conform to the youth in this modern era. Brian believes that if we start teaching the Old Testament, the youths of today will get all confused. He want to join hands with other denominations that is not the same course as Pastor Chuck for the sake of unity. What about for the sake of teaching the whole counsel of God set by Pastor Chuck????
As for Greg Laurie, one of my favorite bible teacher. Although he does hang around with so-called Christian Pastors that some say are false teachers, Greg messages has not change and will not change. Yes, he was a guest speaker at Rick Warren’s church. Rick to some Christians is a false teacher. But Greg messages to Rick’s church has neve been to tickle their ears to conform with Rick Warren’s sometime false teaching. Greg teaches the truth of the bible, period!.
As born again Christian saints, we should continue to pray that the whole counsel of God will be taught and never, never compromise to conform with any modern era.
The course set by the late Pastor Chuck Smith (and all Pastors) was/is to teach the “whole counsel of God”…..according to their personal fallible interpretation of scripture.
Was Chuck Smith’s interpretation of scripture infallible? In other words were his interpretations of scripture perfect and free from any/all error?
Who in this forum has an infallible Pastor who understands scripture perfectly?
The question really comes down to authority. By what authority does any imperfect Pastor interpret the perfect word of God?
Some of will say scripture is perfect and needs no interpretation and therefore anyone can interpret scripture perfectly. Well then WHY is there disagreement about what the Bible teaches and what is necessary for salvation?
Here is a question for everyone. If 2 Christians gather in Jesus name and agree that abortion is acceptable to God but 2 other Christians gather in Jesus name but agree that abortion is NOT acceptable to God which 2 Christians are correct and WHO decides?
Some will focus on abortion in this example but that is not the issue. The issue is when 2 Christians gather in Jesus name and disagree with 2 other Christians who gather in Jesus name which pair of Christians is right?
Some will completely avoid dealing with this question and simply say that it doesn’t matter to THEM because they know THEY are saved. Again, that is just avoiding the issue.
Which pair of Christians is right and WHO decides?
If you sincerely endeavor to find the truth to this question it will lead you to the Church that Jesus Christ established.
Many are called but few are chosen.
Not everyone who calls Jesus Lord will enter into life but ONLY the one who DOES the will of the Father.
God Bless
does anyone know where one can see who is aligning with CCGN & those with CCA?
Could possibly keep an eye on their church locators…especially if interested in a particular church.
I have a feeling most pastors will take a wait and see approach.
Has Dwight re-aligned with CCA in light of Broderson’s resignation from CCA?
This has zero affect on me now, thank Space! But it’s very entertaining for us atheists to watch these gorilla pastors pounce and throw banana peels around to show dominance.
This Calvary Chapel cult has always been about establishing an earthly empire while cloaking itself as “a servant” ? No, it’s testosterone gone a muck. Papa Chuck is watching in the sky eating popcorn while the drama unfolds.
Reading all this makes me more thankful than ever to have freed myself from the cult that is christianity. Calvary being one of the worst branch. I attended calvary in california for several years.
It is likely that none of you reading or writing replies still on the inside can see what a sad delusional mess it all is. I feel genuinely sad for all of you. Its fake people and its just men .
Step back, stop being deluded and free your minds.
The Definition of a Cult?
The two most common teachings of Christian cults are that Jesus was not God and that salvation is not by faith alone. A denial of the diety of Christ results in the view that Jesus’ death was insufficient to pay for our sins. A denial of salvation by faith alone results in the teaching that salvation is achieved by our own works . A cult is a group that teaches doctrines that, if believed will cause a person to remain unsaved A cult claims to be part of a religion, yet it denies essential truth (s) of that religion. Therefore, a Christian cult will deny one or more of the fundamental truths of Christianity while still claiming to be Christian.
The two most well-known examples of cults today are the Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons.
Calvary chapel is not a cult church. You claim to have attended Calvary chapel. That means you are not saved if you believed that Calvary chapel teaches those cults beliefs mention in my paragraph one above.
The words “Faith alone” are only found ONE place in the Bible
James 2:24
You see that a man is justified by what he does and NOT by faith alone
Luther invented the doctrine of sola fire. Not for 1500 years did anyone even hear of this doctrine until Luther. Luther wanted the Epistle of James removed from the Bible. He also hate Hebrews and Revelation. Why? Because those scriptures contradict “salvation by faith alone”
Free your mind
CCA’s complaint about Brian is the same complaint that MANY have had against Calvary Chapel Churches for decades. And sadly the issue has never been addressed. That is the unbiblical and never encouraged in scripture non-doctrine “Moses” model leadership. This form of ecclesiology is never found in or encouraged in the scriptures. It is plainly and simply a dictatorship within local churches. This form of non-church government has never been respected by the church community at large and should be cause for concern and correction. It has only produced arrogance, licentiousness and unaccountability on the part of these “Senior” Pastors who are able and allowed to make themselves accountable to no one if they so choose. There are no checks and balances. This is the form of church “leadership” that Chuck Smith created and encouraged and defended throughout the history of Calvary Chapel. It is a shame that though the Bible teaches us that we are equals before Christ and in the church, and equally accountable to one another and God, yet the “leaders” in Calvary Chapel have never led in this way through example – only in theory from the pulpit. It is not ironic that this issue is finally becoming the divider in CC, it is inevitable. The same unchecked, unbiblical and unaddressed sin that causes division locally within Calvary Chapels will now be the undoing of this movement corporately. These men within CCA are calling Brian out publicly for committing, possibly the same errors that have been encouraged and practiced throughout Calvary Chapel throughout its brief history. The CCA needs to be reformed from within and re taught a biblical form of church Governance. Simply put, this problem is not new, it is simply the fruit of arrogance in Pastoral Worship, which is the fruit of idolatry. Like the Tower of Babel, God can only look on for so long before he must intervene and scatter the people. It would benefit those who might read this, to do some homework and research on biblical leadership in the church and above all, read your bibles on the subject without the influence of your Calvary Chapel pastor. Not all division is “evil” and sometimes the separation must come in order to throw off the yoke and break the bonds of failure. This division within Calvary Chapel may be for the best and to the Glory of God. I would not allow CCA to paint Brian as the bad guy here, as they (CCA) has been for decades, perpetuating a nonbiblical form of dictatorship-pastoring style of church governance. Brian’s desire to separate himself from them may be, finally, just what the CC churches need. But of course, only time will tell.
Jeremiah Wheelersburg. I do not care for Brodersen and I am especially distraught over the division that has been caused by Arminianism vs Calvinism. It is likely the sin and hypocrisy within the CC camp that has caused many to join the “Reformed camp” and CC has yet to “own” that. Perhaps you are one who, not only observed what I have alluded to, but you also experienced more directly the wrong end of this hypocrisy first hand. If so, while I do not see a need to join either camp, I give you full credit for why you are where you are now. Those disclaimers in place–most everything else that you have covered in your commentary is right on the mark. A book could be written on all the abuses the “Moses Model” fostered. While I am more conservative doctrinally and have always applauded that part of CC, I see the uncared for sin and the leaven of immorality in the camp and the unwillingness for others to see it and call it what it is. If you were to simply make a list of the actions taken by many of the CC pastors/leaders and lay them out without the distinction of their names, many would be appalled, call for an accounting and probably remove many. However, when you reattach the names, people back off and treat them differently. Any protest against idolatry then goes out the window. There is a pervasive blindness in this association/denomination and it cannot be fixed without confession and repentance. I have been waiting years for that. I no longer believe it will ever come. It is likely the Spirit departed years ago–maybe when the Hocking debacle happened. This incident cemented the idea that a pastor’s sin of adultery was different than that of a pew warmer and did not disqualify him from the pulpit. The fruit of that continues to this day. I believe both camps are sorely wanting and that no one should keep the name. Brodersen may not be the “bad guy”, but his theology is more liberal. He really should move on and change the name. However, since Chuck left him in charge, legally, he has the right to do what he wants and people have to deal with that. The CCA camp needs to get over themselves, repent of their own attitudes and unconfessed sins and quit fighting over this corpse. They do not own the name and neither should they seek to. It is tarnished. Removing it will be a way to find out if it was the “name” that was drawing people or the Holy Spirit as it should have always been.
I believe as you do, Jeremiah, this is from God. You and I may not be approaching it fully aligned–but I do believe you are right. It’s sad that someone outside of the camp has to deliver these hard truths to people. It should have come from inside the camp many years ago.
Very well put. Self will run riot
Dear Berean Research,
Why is it that you feel compelled to plaster news like this and have a “discernment” ministry in the first place? Who are YOU accountable to? It’s a fair question. I’m not saying that there isn’t flesh involved here, but why assist with loosening up the stitching and using your graphic of the dove splitting in half to try and manipulate the situation even further? Does this bring God glory? Does this promote the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace? You are helping people to slander, back-bite and gossip, and facilitating such a platform, all while doing it in the name of “discernment”. Some of your articles all helpful, while others are just plain gossip. Let God deal with this, and pray sincerely before you post.
To the rest, God doesn’t inhabit buildings, names or banners, so to say the Spirit has departed from “Calvary Chapel” is like saying the Spirit has left some of the bride of Christ. There are God-filled men and women in this fellowship, so stop looking at it like a leper who needs to be put away. If what you are saying is true then no church, denomination or people who gather in Jesus’ name are safe. Jesus will separate the sheep and the goats when it’s time, and it won’t be broad sweeping judgments and denominations, but individuals, right next to one another.
Please keep your eyes on Jesus, and promote peace and unity by refusing the fleshly temptation to take sides, draw lines in the sand, make sweeping judgments, and fuel the fires of gossip and talebearing.
Well, this is the end result of nepotism, power, money, egos, et al.
As much as people like to act otherwise, Chuck was seen as a pope-like figure. He was not a living apostle. He didn’t control his own house. For someone who weaponized hippy culture, he ran hard and fast with conservatism as soon as the opportunity arose.
CC was insular and blocked off from other denominations until it ate itself in an incestuous manner. Now, the people that feel connected to it are dying out, and the money won’t be there when the next generation has to carry the load.
RIP.
Among all of the foregoing comments, two have caught my eye.
One is from a self-proclaimed aetheist and the other is from the one who calls Christianity a cult.
Both use the present Calvar Chapel division in support of their unfortunate positions.
These comments tell me another great disservice is being worked upon the Body of Christ.
Son of God, Your atonement for our sins is so far reaching that it also covers the wrongs we inflict upon each other and among fellow members of of Your body.
In Your great mercy and understanding of our weaknesses, forgive us for again providing a foothold for those who are hostile to the means of restoration with our Father You provided by your birth, death, and rsurrection.
I am so sorry.
CJF
If you are a born again Christian saint and aware that Jesus Christ will soon return in the clouds to call us home to heaven in the Rapture of the Church. What we all should be doing is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and hope that the person that you shared and accepted Jesus as his or her Lord and Savior will be that last person to complete the bride of Christ.
When that moment comes and it could any day moment now, we will all hear the “trumpet of God” and the return of Jesus Christ in the clouds to whisked us home to heaven.
When we (born again Christian saints) get to heaven all our questions will be irrelevant.
You have proven your self to be nothing but a liar and fraud. Your own lying tongue has condemned your unrepentant soul. “Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?”-James 4:11-12. “But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute breasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of cane, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” – Jude 10-11. “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self condemned.”- Titus 3:10-11 “‘For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”- Mark 3:22-23. “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”-Rev. 21:8.
I’m grieved and sorry by what I’m reading…Satan must be laughing and having a field day looking at all the derogatory remarks and division…
May the Spirit lead us and guide is into unity among each other. May we be a witness to all the world by our love for one another that we are truly disciples following Lord Jesus …
Hi to all on here. A AUSSIE bro here. Where CC people are at right now. Me personnaly have been there in 1965 a split in REVIVAL CENTERS into 2 camps not good but it will always happen and will to the end .ALPHA / OMEGA. In the garden 2 were ment to be1. Wheat / Tares . Virgins 2 camps .PENTECOST / JEWISH RELIGEON. I cor lots of division Paul stated YOU are CARNALL NOT SPIRITUAL. MILK / MEAT feeding time from PAUL + We are not IGNORANT or SATANS DEVICES to get ADVANTAGE over us.. Please read last chap of 2cor16 where PAUL says all the sinners who have not REPENTED of there former SINS. When I COME again i WILL NOT SPARE THEM. WHY ?????????cant we see a littel LEAVEN /SIN /ERROR will leaven the whole LUMP . CHRISTS WORDS i think. Also 1 of the 10 com is about bearing FALSE WITTNESS against your BROS /++++++++. I am going to hold to the scriptures WHERE 2 /3 are gathered TOGETHER not apart I AM THERE. House to house fellowship COMING UP for ALL so in the begginning of PENTECOST . Still hope for us to go back to SIMPLICITY that PAUL talked about HHHEEEYYY. SELAH.
Father, in Jesus’ Name,help us, your body on the earth to come together in Spirit and Truth. You are the Way, the Truth, the Life. CREATE IN US A CLEAN HEART AND RENEW YOUR RIGHT SPIRIT IN US AND IN ALL THESE THINGS WORK OUT YOUR PLAN FOR YOUR PURPOSE.
FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US…O GOD, SHOW US WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW. BE GLORIFIED AND YOUR WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
WE LOVE YOU, SWEET JESUS.
Ed Taylor of Calvary chapel Aurora is no different, he has been lording over his assistants, leadership teams as well as his congregation for years and people have just looked the other way for fear of rejection and being for lack of a better term pushed out. He has used the churches $ as his own piggy bank. The Moses style of rule is a failed system because of people like ed taylor. I hope Calvary Chapel is in the throes of a rebirth. I am back in the real world now and have no involvement in ministry, I will attest to the fact that people are really starting to move back from Calvary Chapels. What a shameful thing, I was so involved in the growth of CCA, therefore also responsible for some of the pain and brokenness of people hurt by Calvary chapel Aurora. I have fortunately been able to ask forgiveness of many of those people. I truly believe the Calvary chapel movement should be just as concerned about ed taylor and people in a place of leadership like him. The Calvary chapel survival depends on it.
Sometimes splits are good, sometimes not
so good. Time will tell. It is said that the
Enemy has many tools in his bag. When it
comes of pastors he designed a few very
effective ones: Sex, Money, Power, Title,
Recognition, Rewards, Comforts, Pride and
Envy. Whosoever stands in these grounds
Is doom to failure regardless of religion or
denomination. Those that stand by the
Scriptures will always be rewarded
Sometimes splits are good, sometimes not
so good. Time will tell. It is said that the
Enemy has many tools in his bag. When it
comes of pastors he designed a few very
effective ones: Sex, Money, Power, Title,
Recognition, Rewards, Comforts, Pride and
Envy. Whosoever stands in these grounds
Is doom to failure regardless of religion or
denomination. Those that stand by the
Scriptures will always be rewarded
Last i read Jesus is head of the church.i love both pastors brian and chuck to me their 2 diffrent men, brian is more missions oreinted pastor that were his heart is. You all just need to repent.. love one another and stop with all this foolishness.
I went to the CCGN website and started locating the different Calvary Chapels only to find them still listed in the Church locator at CCGN. Of course Chris Quintana of Cypress wasnt listed. If so many of these 1600 or more Calvary Chapels dont agree with Brian Brodersen how ccme they are still listed with CCGN ?
My opinion is these letters back and forth are just the first volley of a long and ugly war over the truth of Gods Word.The sad thing is the sheep are considered still just the stupid sheep and never told a thing. My first Church spit 40 years ago taught me to love God ,keep my eyes on Him alone. We are all sheep and the Pastors are too and they are supposed to be the greatest servants of the whole flock. I think the Moses model of CC is showing its flaws.I do believe the true Church is alive and well yet I am not convinced organized religion and denominations are completely representative of the born again ecclesia.
I laugh. This has been coming for a while. It isn’t about Truth or God’s Word – it’s about little men building little kingdoms. The CCA was OK with Calvary being led by one man – when it was Chuck. But now they want their own ‘protestant reformation’ from Pope Broderson. To bad Costa Mesa owns all the property, and holds all the debts receipts.
It is sad that the CCA stooped to character assassination (of Broderson and Cheryl) as a way of starting their new regime…I doubt things will progress from there. But, Calvary has a history of being a ‘Good Ol Boys’ Network, and not really caring who they hurt in the process – so long as the sheeple bow down to authority (well their authority at least).
All of this mess – is the ‘Calvary Distinctive.’
Yes I know this feed is old to most but I just found it while looking for a church to call home. I lived for many years as a prodigal but Jesus never gave up on me. After rededicating my life to Him I started studying the bible online at various Calvary Chapel Association websites, including Costa Mesa. Verse by verse I have watched my life and my heart change. I was once a rebellious alcoholic who didn’t really want to participate in this life anymore. Through His word and the CCA ministry the Lord plucked me from the edge of self-destruction and set my feet on solid ground. The once broken widow, grieving the loss of her only son no longer lives in the bottom of a bottle. I am learning instead to live for Christ. I would call that fruit. My studies will continue as will my prayers for the growth of Calvary Chapel. Reading the hateful accusations made me feel a little like I was reading the book of Job but alas Satan’s accusations before the throne were no more effective than those I have read here today.
I’ve met Pastor Chuck in person on several occasions. I believe firmly that he was a nan after God’s own heart that God used tremendously. It seems that since his passing, the enemy has really gotten in. No, I don’t agree with the changes made in the new organization & understand fully why there’s current need for separation. I also know that as Believers we must stop our wagging tounges & to instead remain deeply routed in prayer & God’s Word. We must pray for true humble repentance from those who need to repent & for complete reconciliation. The world is watching us & listening. We must walk in humble repentant obedience & shine for Him brightly once again!
The one thing I wish wasn’t true about Arminianism is that some suggest you can lose your salvation every few hours and I think in a way that Christians need spiritual security , need to know God will seek to keep them especially when they are walking with Him .
Because the world can hit a Christian hard . I have heard where somebody would deliberately test or entice a Christian to fall in sin by asking them for something they knowing what it is they are asking ( deliberately testing them with possible sin ). And the believer can say no to it , but some are not always prepared to face such a thing it being fast . I saw something like this in 1997 . I did not know that can happen ,but the young adults ( teens really ) came to a believers front door to ask them something as a ”gang” to see if they will carry it out and it is confusing why they did that in a neighborhood that did not have any bad behavior originally , though those years was going down hill fast in a small town . Doing it to a person that is much older .
So the person was set up by those persons . That can not make it easy to stay focused as a Christian . And I emphasize this was not in a situation where a Christian did have spiritual people to cushion them from this , they lived alone . They do have God , but Satan is tricky . I know some of you this never would happen to you I am assuming , but you can see that can be hard .
I am not saying there isn’t responsibility , but people have funny prejudices and will throw stones if someone stumbles .
Romans 14:4 (NLT2)
4 Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval.
As long as any CCCM continues to teach to words of Satan AKA Saul or Paul, I could care less what they do in any of THEIR “churches”. Every letter starting with the book of Actors thru Hebrews contains satanic lies. Start reading, believing AND living your lives according to the words of Jesus, because the lies of Satan via “Paul” won’t save anyone.
– Disciple of Jesus Christ.
Examples of Satan in the New Testament letters of “Paul”;
Romans 9:22
What IF, god wanted to show his power by inflicting wrath on those pitiful souls he created for hell (no free will or ability to choose god for these poor people).
1 Cor 2:8 (another lie to prove “Paul” never met the real Jesus)
“which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”
I Corinthians 2:8 NKJV
If 1 Cor 2:8 were true? Jesus would have to apologize to peter for rebuking him and calling him Satan in Matt 16:22-23…..
“Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.””
Matthew 16:22-23 NKJV
You “Pastors” need to seriously stop reading all the lies of “Paul” and ask yourselves why you all love Paul so much, and barely tolerate Jesus words?
God gave us His Holy Spirit so that we SHOULD & COULD live our lives according to the words of Jesus and NOT the cheap grace of “Paul”.
IF the grace that “Paul” teaches were from God, why would Jesus make such a discouraging statement about only “FEW” that will find eternal life???
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.
Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are FEW who find it.
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
Matthew 7:13-15 NKJV
I’ve been reading Gods words, and the words of “Paul” for over 35 years now. I thank God for opening my eyes to His truth and showing me that NOT ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED by GOD.
Oh yes, Jesus said that too,
“Beware of false prophets (or bible teachers) who come to you in shPeep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
Matthew 7:15 NKJV
but as long as we believe “Paul’s” lies, We will be “The blind leading the blind” (Jesus said this too). Oh well, Paul’s grace will save YOU!?