Is Calvary Chapel Theologically Sound?
Posted on 16. Dec, 2009 by Roger Servin in Theology
I started attending Calvary Chapel back in December of 1999 as the result of a good friend inviting me to go and check it out. I had just gotten out of the Marine Corps two months prior to this and so I was sort of looking for a good church to attend anyway. So we went one Sunday and I was pleasantly surprised. It was nothing like what I was used to coming from a Catholic background first and an Assembly of God church more recently. I liked the time spent in worship, I enjoyed the atmosphere, and more importantly I liked that the pastor what actually teaching through the scriptures. You see, in Catholicism this was non-existent, and in the AoG church I had attended prior to entering the military was a very small congregation with a pastor who thought it was sufficient to just speak forth many different verses from memory each week while everyone clapped and yelled out loud. So to say the least, I thought Calvary Chapel was it and I was there to stay.
I was a baby Christian at that time, all I knew was that I had broken God’s commandments every day and that I needed to repent and believe in Jesus Christ to be saved. I had a great love and appreciation for the Savior because of what He had done for me. I had a desire to serve Him in any way that I could and tell others about Him. I was hungry for His Word!
Week after week the pastor would teach the Word and have altar calls at the end of the service. Back then, I would say that he would more often than not preach on sin, hell, righteousness, judgement, etc… Every once in a while I would hear something a little different coming from the pulpit… “if you’ve come to the end of yourself… your marriage is on the rocks, you’re on the brink of divorce, you take drugs, you’re an alcoholic and you need to break out of the addiction, you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired… then just come to Jesus, and He’ll make it all better.” At that time I didn’t think too much of it, I even believed it to be biblical… and so I went with the flow of things.
Over the next couple of years I actually began to hear more and more of the message I just described and less and less of the biblical Gospel. I now know that God was definitely speaking to me and opening my eyes to see what was going on during that time. As this was happening week after week, (I heard gradually less about sin, hell judgment, Law) and as I was studying the scriptures on my own God began to show me that there was something wrong with what I was hearing. I couldn’t really pinpoint what it was right away, but I just knew that something was off. It just sounded a little too squishy to me… as Todd Friel would say. I continued to press on as a worship leader in various ministries even though I knew that something was wrong with what was coming from the pulpit.
It wasn’t until about 3 1/2 years ago, probably about March of 2006 when I started listening to then Way of the Master Radio hosted by Todd Friel. (Now Wretched Radio) One day, he was talking about the Reformers and Reformed Theology. This was something that I had never heard before… I mean, I had heard of Calvinism but I didn’t know that it was also called Reformed Theology. It struck interest in me so I endeavored to find out what it was. And I endeavored… and researched… and studied the scriptures… and endeavored some more. After wrestling with it for about 6 months, I was a Calvinist!
This led to more and more studying… going deeper into the scriptures, going to the greek and hebrew and studying the Word exegetically, using proper hermeneutics. I have studied ecclesiology, eschatology, dispensationalism, covenant theology, missiology… and I’m still going praise God! Prior to learning about reformed theology I didn’t even know these words existed in the dictionary! I didn’t know church history, I didn’t know anything about Martin Luther, or any of the reformers. (except C.H. Spurgeon, cause every good Calvaryite throws in a little Spurgeon every now and then!)
Since then, my eyes were fully opened to the pragmatic ways of Calvary Chapel. (”If we get them to get up and walk down the aisle during an altar call and repeat the sinners prayer after us, then they are saved. Look at how many raised their hands tonight! How many decisions were there? Praise God they made a decision to follow Christ!” – paraphrased) I want to say one thing: This does not pertain to every Calvary Chapel, I know full well that there are a few out there that are swimming against the flow! They’re not all like this. But let me say this: Just because someone raises their hand, or stands up, or walks the aisle and repeats a prayer after you doesn’t mean they are saved at all! Especially if they heard the “weighed and found wanting”, “squishy” interpretation of the Gospel that we hear so prevalent in the American church today. You know what I’m talking about too… “God has a wonderful plan for you life…” or “Just give Jesus a chance and He’ll make everything better…” or “Accept Him into your heart…” or “There’s a God-shaped hole in your heart that can only be filled by Jesus…” or “you’ve tried everything else and you find that there is nothing that can fulfill you so give Jesus a go, He will fulfill you…”
None of these are biblical. Go ahead, try and give me one text (in context, no proof-texting allowed) that resembles any of the examples I just gave… You’re not going to find one if you’re being honest, rational and exegetical in your approach to scripture.
Check this out. Dr. James White, founder of Alpha and Omega Ministries, just posted a blog featuring a youtube video with Chuck Smith and other Calvary Chapel leadership taking a call during the radio program “Pastors Perspective” the other day and I wanted to include it here to show you just how shallow their approach to interpreting the text can be. So I’m going to embed the video and then include the audio of James White discussing what he heard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKXYeUqH8QE
Now, here’s James White’s podcast “Dividing Line” where he also plays the video and then shares his thoughts on what he heard. (What you want to hear is about 12 minutes into the podcast)
James White’s original post can be found here.
My friend Michael Brewer who blogs over at Diary of a Broken Vessel wrote a post about his experiences at Calvary Chapel a couple of weeks ago that I thought pretty much hit the nail on the head as to some of the problems we find within the Calvary Chapel movement or brand as he calls it. I wanted to add his thoughts here within this post since I agree with most if not all that he had to say…
Original post here. Or just read below…
I have a tendency to be very critical and sharp when it comes to discussing Chuck Smith, the Calvary Chapel “brand“, the church of my youth, and those leading (or involved with) them.
Chuck Smith’s system,beliefs, theology, or whatever you want to call it is questionable at best. The Word is mishandled and conformed into his image and heavily backed by verses that support only the Calvary Chapel position.Controversial subjects that can be quite uncomfortable are handled in a way to find themiddle road so that everyone is kept happy and peaceful -though ignorant- so as not to lose numbers (Calvary Chapel Distinctives, pp.56-57).
Some people object because they feel that I gloss over certain passages of Scripture, and they’re correct. But glossing over controversial issues is often deliberate because there are usually two sides. And I have found that it’s important not to be divisive and not to allow people to become polarized on issues, because the moment they are polarized, there’s division.
~Calvary Chapel Distinctives, Chuck Smith, pp. 55
Chuck Smith also holds to an authoritarian form of church government known as the Moses Model.
Let’s look at an example of theocracy in which God was ruling. Under God there was a man called Moses. Moses went to God for guidance and direction. Moses was the earthly leader who was recognized as receiving from God the guidance, direction, laws, and rules for the nation. It was recognized by the people that he was their link to God…
…In the church today we see this structure in a modified form. We see that Jesus Christ is the Head over the body of the church. It’s His church. He’s the One in charge. As pastors, we need to be like Moses, in touch with Jesus and receiving His direction and guidance. As pastors we need to be leading the church in such a way that the people know that the Lord is in control…Also like Moses, within the church we have a Board of Elders who are there to pray with us and support us in seeking the Lord’s leading for the church.
Let me warn you. First of all, you want to get elders who are men of prayer, and who recognize that God has anointed you and ordained you as the pastor of the church…
…It’s necessary to have godly men who recognize that God has called and ordained you as the pastor of the church. Men who will work with you and support those things that God is directing you, as the pastor, to implement within the church…
~Calvary Chapel Distinctives, Chuck Smith, pp. 21-23
In short, the pastor is a type of Moses, he has the greatest access to God, hears God the clearest, and surrounds himself with those who approve of him and support his moves (cult of personality). This has lead to all sorts of abuse within many Calvary Chapel churches (not limited to the senior pastor alone!).
Critics say this “Moses model” produces pastors who refuse to let their authority be challenged. Such pastors often resist accountability measures such as financial audits and providing detailed financial statements. Some curious Calvary Chapel attendees, who have sought financial information from their churches, say they were ostracized.
Other churchgoers say Calvary Chapel pastors also don’t like to be questioned. During the investigation for this article, Smith cautioned CT’s reporter: “The Lord warns, ‘Don’t touch my anointed. Do my prophet no harm.’ I think that you are trying to do harm to the work of God. I surely wouldn’t want to be in your shoes.”
Chuck Smith’s “Distinctives” are to be accepted by all affiliate churches via their “fellowshipping” process according to the Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship website.
Can I become a Calvary Chapel if I don’t necessarily agree with the Calvary Distinctives and have Biblical proof for my position?
No, because we want the use of the name Calvary Chapel (copyrighted) to imply the doctrinal positions expressed in the “Distinctives”. This is not to say other positions are wrong, they are simply other positions than those held by Calvary Chapel. It is no different in the secular world and referred to as “branding”. When a name comes into widespread recognition that describes what one can expect, it needs to be maintained as such.
So it really comes as no surprise that there are so many people who have experienced similar abuses (and treatment when that abuse is challenged or brought to light) across the board. I have talked to many current and former Calvary Chapel goers who have shared similar stories of abuse of authority, ostracism when they questioned prominent members/leaders within their Calvary Chapel, and how they are called out as being unfaithful to forgive when they have sought to have their problems addressed (the victim being told that they are at fault).
Personal Stories
The church of my youth also followed closely in the way of Chuck Smith, which as discussed above, makes perfect sense. I experienced certain abuses, and when I brought them to light I was turned away to deal with it myself, or was told to just forgive. And I completely agree that we should forgive those who have wronged us, but when the wrongs are being committed habitually and blatantly, you have done as Scripture demands, and you are still brushed off, there then comes a point when the church needs to step up.
We didn’t do that. In not just my case alone, in several instances I witnessed practiced sin ignored for the sake of maintaining peace among the saints. This turned those of us who made claims of wrong doing into dividers and enemies of peace. Without accountability or real church membership, the matter was simple: if you don’t like it, there’s the door.
Now I have written about some of the wrongs I’ve seen and experienced before. I used to own a blog titled The Mess You Left Behind where I -in a rather sinful manner (and for which I later repented)- spewed forth vile rhetoric in response to the wrongs committed against me. And I have since forgiven those who have wronged me, but still I am critical.
Calvary Critical
I am critical of Chuck Smith because he does what is right in his own eyes. He holds his own views superior even though their may be Biblical support against them. The Moses Model (really?). Heencourages scoffing at ideas contrary to his own (and also demonstrates a lack of knowledge of what happened at the cross, and proper exegesis of Scripture -see link-).
I am critical of the Calvary Chapel Brand because of the abuse I have experienced, witnessed, heard, and read about. I am critical because of the treatment of God’s Word. How God’s Word is made into a play thing that we manipulate to fit our own reasoning and conscience. How peace and love are to be sought after in all things, at all cost.
And I am critical of the church of my youth for a number of reason similar to the things discussed above. But chiefest of all things I have regarding them is this: a family was utterly destroyed before them. They were warned before, they were talked to during, and they were asked begged to help after, but in silence they stood for the sake of peace, ignoring sin, and that family is utterly undone. And I have not spoken to my father since then.
Because of all of this, I will always be critical of Chuck Smith, the Calvary Chapel Brand, and the church of my youth. But…
All Things Are Not Equal
But please understand that NOT ALL CALVARY CHAPELS ARE THE SAME! There are some that break what seems to be the general mold. There are those Calvary Chapels that submit first to the Word of God, understand what the Church is supposed to look like, practice what they preach, practice church discipline, and seek the Will of God first and foremost.
So…
So if it ever seems that I am being critical of Chuck ‘n’ Pals or of the Calvary Chapel Brand or even the church of my youth this is my official reason as to why you can expect these things from me. I pray that they are not the overarching theme of my life or my writings. And I write this for anyone who has ever been hurt like I have, or for those who have ever wondered why I am so critical of the things I have spoken of here today.
– Michael Brewer
And here’s a brother who is a Bible College director within the movement who has questions…
Me again. Now, like I said before there are Calvary Chapels out there that are in opposition to what Pastor Chuck has laid out in the distinctives. As he continues to grow older there is no doubt in my mind that there will be many more that will “come out” so to speak. Here is an good example of a church that has different views. (albeit biblical)
My earnest prayer to God is that He will bring about change within the CC movement. That He will raise up pastors and elders that will be biblically honest, properly exegeting the scriptures and not suppressing the truth of His Word in order to keep people in the pews. God’s Word is divisive by nature… and if you’re interpreting it and preaching it rightly that’s exactly what it will do. But at the end of the day, you will know that you have true Christians there who care about being true to the text of scripture whether it is palatable or not.
As for me and my family, we will be moving on.
– Feel free to leave comments, they are welcome. Even if you’re feeling a bit snarky…
Yvonne
Jan 20th, 2010
I have a similar story. In the last few years I have felt a great deal of frustration with Calvary Chapel over the doctrinal issues that just don’t make sense. Lately, the things I’ve learned about the early church, the reformation, and monergism vs synergism, to name a few have caused me to begin seeking a more reformed fellowship. It saddens me since I feel as though I’m leaving a huge extended family that may cause a great strain on my own family…two of my children are involved in the youth group. But I can no longer ignore the blatant errors I see and hear.
CL
Feb 23rd, 2010
I spent 15 years in the Calvary Chapel “system”. The pastors have little to no accountability as thier “elders” (if there are any) are closley chosen buddies from within the fellowship who would not ever stand against the pastor. “Board” members are part of the pastors inner circle and are often out of towners. It is my personal experince that many of these young pastors are raised up too soon and become prideful and arrogant. Moses. Yes they think they are Moses. I also feel the whole CC Movement was based on man’s pride. That being Chuck Smith’s pride. He was tired of having to answer or be held accountable to a board and church authority so he broke off and started his own movement, where he answered to no one. He will tell you he answers to the Lord and of the course the now famous ” the pastor is not a hireling” that every CC pastors quotes when defending his unaccountable status. I have come to belive that CC is cultish, not quite a cult but most assuredly cultish. And if anyone leaves a CC (even for another CC) they will treat you like you are dead. You will never know abut the money on CC books as you are told the Lord directs the pastor in how to use the money. If you really want to see the books make an appointment to go over them personally with the pastor, right. Then you are deemed “divisive”. What a setup for a young pastor to become prideful and power driven all the while talking about “serving” the flock. My experinces with CC have made me not want any part of “church” structure, this is not the way God intended His church, man has corrupted it and I will simply read my bible, pray and try to hepl folks the best I can as a person who loves them as Jesus loves me. Perhaps one day I will seek out another “church” home but I fear the same man driven “club” where the Holy Spirit is stiffled by the arrogance of man.
Will
Jun 16th, 2010
The problem is that the church has been wrongly structured for 1700 years. Since Constantine I. The early church practiced mutual edifyication, they taught each other as they were taught by the Holy Spirit, the modern “pastor” is not something from the Bible. There was a multiplicity of elders/presbyters/bishops that did supervise, but not conrol the believers who met in each others homes. The modern church is totally opposite of what Jesus, the apostles and other believers practiced. There was NO professional clergy, other than all believers collectively. The Word is best imparted without words of human wisdom…but a billion dollar seminary industry system is pretty hard to fight. Study church history. Virtually nothing done in all evangelical churches was practiced by the early church. Then pray and ask the Lord to build you together with other believers in a true grass roots New Testament way…
Amelia
Sep 13th, 2010
In the Calvary Chapel Distinctives book it teaches against the Calvinist doctrine of Limited Atonement and Irresistible Grace , the letters “L” and “I” in the acronym TULIP:
T=Total Depravity
U= Unconditional Election
L= (see above)
I= (see above)
P= Preservation of the Saints
Here is my assessment of Calvary Chapel doctrine based on the acronym STUPID:
S= Submission to authority of Chuck Smith
T= (see above)
U= (see above)
P= (see above)
I= Idolatry – quasi-worship of Chuck’s words
D= Disfellowshipping of those who don’t submit
Cheligre
Oct 15th, 2010
During my 20 years in CC, I found it to be a negative if anyone had a Bible degree and could teach. It became clear that those with training were not welcome by the leaders of the church for long. I can only speculate that the insecurities of inexperienced, and untrained leaders are at the root of this.
My personal observation is that pride tends to get a hold of them quickly, as scripture warns us it will when a novice is put in a position, and then it’s untenable to the leaders to have others know something they don’t.
In my last and final CC situation, the pastor was so threatened by anyone’s abilities, giftings, or knowledge making him look bad, that he continued to appoint the most unqualified leaders to positions. And when I say unqualified, I start with the list of the fruit of the Spirit, then check the biblical qualification of elders before even considering if they have any ability/gifting in the needed area or not.
I think good men become corrupt by giving them a church structure that requires no accountability.
I also think any church culture that subtly, or overtly, diminishes the need for serious study and training, is just asking for a limited understanding of the whole of scripture and the whole of church history. I found this attitude pervasive in the CC culture.
Anonymous
Feb 27th, 2011
Recently had a break up with someone going to the Calvary Chapel Bible College. How I handled the end of the relationship was ungracious and humiliating to her and disrespectful of her friends. However, as I thought back through our relationship I remembered how she responded to certain things that I said when things were good between us.
Accountability is a huge issue I see within that church. Very few actually seek out help believing that they are just fine accountable to Christ. We are accountable to Christ, but He gave us a gift, a beautiful gift of fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ to reflect the fellowship the Trinity has mentioned in John 17 in Jesus’ prayer. Part of how we grow is being accountable to our brothers and sisters, rebuking, confessing, forgiving and properly disciplining (the discipline structure laid out through the New Testament writings) each other.
Which leads me to say that the Moses model is wrong for the church. God was wise and right about this structure for the Israelites, but Christ has come and several New Testament books argue against such a Moses model. 1st and 2nd Timothy, Titus just to name a few that talk about plurality and accountability. These also talk about church discipline. If a member is thought to be in sin a church should NEVER go immediately to excommunication. My ex and her irate friends are right to be angry with me for my actions, but cutting off friendship is a gross perversion of the Gospel among the saints when such saints are willing to and are repenting. Trust may take time to build up, but a Christian brother or sister should never be cut off (if only for a time to bring them back- this step being done only if after having gone through the other disciplines first). Calvary Chapel says that they do not want division and avoid accountability and cut all who disagree with them and end up causing division within the whole body of Christ. Calvary Chapel is not the only member of Christ’s body and I think they tend to forget that.
Also, from my interactions and studies on Calvary and its members and their school I see a very large emphasis on personal calling to the point that anything challenging like a relationship that could have a complete different calling is seen to prohibit them from doing “God’s work.” I’m not upset that my relationship didn’t continue anymore. If I didn’t screw up so bad near the end and had researched about CC and CCBC more clearly I would have ended the relationship myself as I can’t tie myself to someone who is so fixated on their individual calling. (An example of this could be God calling you to pursue an engineering career, but later as you pursue this He guides you into a relationship and the calling of you both demands you take a different direction from your engineering career).
Also, CC and CCBC over spiritualize everything. It becomes legalistic subtly very quickly. Certain cities members won’t go as they might be too distracting from their relationship with Christ. We are called to be in the world and not of it, not run and reject it. Certain things like entertainment become wicked and worthless unless it is a Christian film. And other things, etc.
Lastly, there is too much of an end times focus. Spending so much time in this type of study is in a sense futile. I know because I’ve been there and tried. We should know and be aware of what the Word says in regards to the end, but since we cannot discern the day it will come, but will know when it has arrived why keep making endless effort trying to discern news and events? People have been doing this since Christ has died and risen and have been found wrong every time. These are the end days and each day is one day closer, but we cannot and will not know the hour until it is here. CC and CCBC need to commit more time to the Gospel and grace and living it out through proper discipline and accountability through love and not pride. This church is in my prayers that they will turn from their ways and truly live by the Word and not just recite it to demand their will and ways.
Cory
May 24th, 2011
Excellent blog my friend! You illuminate many, if not all, the problems extant within the Calvary Chapel Movement, or “brand”–which it essentially has become and is. Keep up the good fight and I will do the same.
Peace
Cory
May 25th, 2011
I want to enumerate some of the problems I have witnessed in the 15 years I have been affiliated with Calvary Chapel. I should point out first that my wife, children, and I adhere to reformed theology, thus we are no longer welcome at the Calvary we attend here in Maryland.
What I will do here is this: first, I will enumerate the things I have witnessed–for the sake of brevity and ease of reading. Second, I will say exactly what Calvary Chapel I am speaking of, for the protection of the readers–that way they don’t make the mistake of attending one spoken of here. These will be in no particular order (chronological or of importance; rather, what comes to mind first to last).
1) At Calvary Chapel Waldord in Maryland during the 2011 Easter Service, the senior pastor opened communion up to every one in attendance. I was blown away! Not one mention of the primary requirement of being a believer, nor was there mention of dealing with any sin prior to taking of the cup and bread. Following this tomfoolery, the senior pastor told those non-believers in attendance that all they needed to do was “believe in Jesus.” Don’t get me wrong, belief is an important element in salvific terminology; however, I believe “belief” has to be tied with repentance–thus, it is repentant faith, not merely believing. The demons believe and shudder.
2) I brought up to this same senior pastor that the church’s men’s fellowship should do the “Biblical Confrontation Course (BCC),” offered by the Biblical Counceling Federation. His reply was this: “I don’t want to scare people away.” Again, I was dumbfounded to say the least. The BCC is an excellent tool in discipleship and teaching one to deal with personal sin before helping others with theirs. I surmise this pastor wanted nothing to do with that.
3) There is a “member” of our fellowship at Calvary Chapel Waldorf who is known for his addiction to pain medication. The senior pastor brought it up to a few men in the church–to include myself–and said we simply needed to “pray for this brother.” I agree; however, this “brother” has been living in this sin for numerous years and not one iota of church discipline has been meted out. We simply let this brother live in sin while fellowshipping with us, and that with a smile on all our faces. I guess Calvary Chapel of Waldorf can get away with this due to having no membership requirements, thus, no accountability.
On a side note, the author of the blog noted that Calvary Chapel Santa Fe is one of the few Calvaries that are decent…I want everyone to know that Calvary of Santa Fe is no longer affiliated with Costa Mesa.
Peace
Jen
May 31st, 2011
“So it really comes as no surprise that there are so many people who have experienced similar abuses (and treatment when that abuse is challenged or brought to light) across the board. I have talked to many current and former Calvary Chapel goers who have shared similar stories of abuse of authority, ostracism when they questioned prominent members/leaders within their Calvary Chapel, and how they are called out as being unfaithful to forgive when they have sought to have their problems addressed (the victim being told that they are at fault).”
This paragraph sums up the abuses of power I encountered at Calvary Chapel; and my attempts to be heard after following Biblical methods of trying to resolve an issue. Only to be accused of mocking, causing division, slander, questioning authority…and most of all, unforgiveness. Obviously if I would just forgive I would allow my fellowship to operate in sin, allow myself to be mistreated, slandered and abused, stripped of fellowship … etc etc. Ironically, though I at times lost my cool, it is the leaders who were doing the exact things they accused me of doing. Like another testimony I read, it was impossible to even tell the pastors my side of the story. The pastors and home fellowship leaders (only a few of them) put themselves above other brothers and sisters when it comes to Biblical means of reconciliation. Ultimately I did submit to these abuses of power, and eventually left Calvary Chapel. I think that is what the pastors wanted, since by my coming to them for help I became branded as a trouble maker. God help anyone who is mistreated by a Calvary Chapel leader, they do not allow even a slight criticism of their leaders, and preach this from the pulpit. I went out of my way to abide by this but when I tried to speak privately to the parties concerned, I was abused as I described above. I’m speaking of Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia. I had an incredibly heart breaking experience at the end of my years there. I loved and deeply respected this church. In the end the flaws of the system were exposed through my trial, and now I am discovering there are unsound interpretations of scripture as well. These incorrect teachings I believe were a major cause of my depression during the years I attended. It’s very sad. I found unexpected affirmation reading this blog. God was so faithful to illuminate scripture and His Heart to me back then and in the years since. May it continue and the Body be made completely whole!
Mike
Jun 5th, 2011
I personally have never experienced any type of abuse what so ever within the CC church. I attend the Calvary Chapel in Brea California under Pastor Dave Berg. Of course I can only compare two, the one in Costa Mesa and the one in Brea. Yes they are very different! Calvary Chapels are non-Denominational which is ok with me as long as they stay right with the word and don’t deviate to the left or right. They have great musicians, plays great melodic christian music, they have two big screens to display the lyrics and scripture when the preaching starts, and it’s super casual too. You see people come in wearing blue jeans and tennis shoes! Every church is different and it’s so important to follow your heart on how the word is presented. It’s the Pastors responsibility to teach the word and if it doesn’t feel right, then by all means move along. I love this church.
God Bless
Jen
Jun 12th, 2011
I loved many things about Calvary while I was there, and even now. I think what ruined it was a military style approach to authority. It was a twisted take on respect, and some manipulation and abuse took place in my situation. I wish it had been handled in a way that allowed for reconciliation. I feel certain leaders wanted me to leave rather than hear any negatives about another leader. For some reason that was taboo. If the persons in question kept refusing to discuss, that left me no other respectful choice, but to approach other leaders.
Diana
Jul 8th, 2011
I was saved in 1976 and 6 months later I was living in a house ministry ran by Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. I was a brand new Christian, obviously, and had two children. The environment was pretty authoritative but I didn’t mind at the time. We had set time for Bible study (headphones and cassette tapes), set time for everything…even time with our own children. We were all on welfare and gave our money to the house and got a monthly allowance to spend on whatever we wanted. We had Bible studies several times a week and attended Calvary twice a week (Thursdays and Sundays). I know it seemed a bit cultish but it was there that the Lord did such an amazing work in my heart and I learned what salvation is and that God is absolutely real and in control. Jesus is who He said He is and salvation is only through Him and His death on the cross for our (my) sins. So…there were times that were really difficult during that time. We basically couldn’t do what we wanted to do…discipline of the children was carried out by other mothers and not just the child(rens) mother. It was communal all the way. So, anyway, I married a Christian that I met on one of the retreats. After we were married and the car didn’t start, I said, “let’s pray about it.” He looked at me like I was crazy. I thought all Christians prayed about everything. I think I was so one-sided, believing that “I” had all the answers that it was a turn-off that he didn’t want to pray. We ended up getting a divorce…which I still think was wrong (I was the one initiating it)…we didn’t go to church, didn’t have any Christian friends…it was sad…but I still was the one who initiated it. By this time we had long been gone from Calvary. So…I totally did what I wanted to do, living my own life, justifying and guilt-ridden. I am married to another man and I am so happy…other than the fact he is not a Christian…which is another source of guilt..being yoked together with an unbeliever. Anyway, now I am wondering if all of the foundation I had was authoritarianism. I need someone to tell me what to do like at that house ministry or Calvary. I was lost without someone guiding me. I have to make that transition and realize that I have to listen to the Lord and follow Him and let Him guide me. So sad. I am also reading “letters to a Devastated Christian” and it ministers to me so much. I am thankful Calvary was there for me…but looking back it did seem a bit authoritative. Please pray for me….I know that God is in control and loves me..and I would have given up on me a long long time ago…He never has!
Castle
Jul 29th, 2011
We’ve watched Calvary Chapel Castle Rock’s revolving door of so many people deeply wounded by the pastor’s refusal to deal with sin among his leaders, his refusal to open his financial books to anyone, his refusal to allow any legitimate questions, his subtle practice of shunning, his open rebukes from the pulpit (naming people) without even following Matthew 18 approach first. Many first hand stories of the pastor making accusations, but not allowing the accused to respond.
I was personally told to never speak of what happened to me and told I was in sin for leaving the church. Since then I’ve heard first-hand dozens of stories of others who were told the same. The second hand stories are too numerous to count.
Jason
Jul 31st, 2011
I’ve been in the CC system for over 23 years. The first 16 I say I went along unaware of the underlying problems. I was raised up before early and looking back I can see the only real reasoning for it was unquestionable loyalty to the senior pastor. When my eyes began to be open and I saw the manipulation of people, the nepotism, the handpicking of elders who were basically “yes” man (and I was among them), how every honest question was met with suspicion, responded with attacks to your “walk in the Lord” and followed up with gossiping; I realized I had to leave this ministry. I also saw the financial “tricks” played. In CA we have a “parsonage allowance” law giving ministers the ability to write off a certain sum monthly. An honest man wouldn’t set the amount higher than ethically acceptable and would have it agreed upon by a true board. In the CC I left, this was vetted between the senior pastor and one or two board members whom he had total control over. At the end of every year this man gets a HUGE tax return! All the while his wife working full-time earned over 80k a year and adding to it his full time salary. The man lives like a king among peasants for this CC is located in the depressed area of my city. It took awhile for me to get out because I was in leadership.
I ended up at another CC. I thought this one was more true because the senior is a man of financial and personal integrity and this is the truth. But I still see the authoritarian type of leadership model leaving many wounded, confused and should they have any convictions along the lines of Reformed Theology – hiding. I now realize at the heart of the problem is the CC system of leadership, the personality-cult type culture, and zero means of addressing the problems for the average layperson. Though I’m “okay” where I’m at, I realize to many CC’s are just not right. There seems to be no way to get all of the pastors in the CC system to take honest inventories. It’s very discouraging. Soon I hope to leave but with my wife and kid having such strong ties, I must wait for the proper series of moments to begin the process (again).
Andrew
Aug 23rd, 2011
I wanted to thank all those who left comments since it has given me encouragement. I was with the CC system in Delaware county Pennsylvania for many years. I was eventually excommunicated. One of the many issues I encoutered with the senior pastor was that he promoted much of the teachings of Dallas Willard who has been quoted saying that “all who deserve to be saved will be saved”. It appears that the spiritual disciplines are stressed over and beyond grace alone through faith alone in this church. Now that I have seen that the gospel isn’t really being preached but rather a works based immitation, I am more glad now that I am removed. I certainly hope they will start to take doctrine more seriously since many in the movement just view doctrine as divisive when in actuality true doctrine should unite. I think time will tell with what happens with this movement. May God bring healing to all of his own who have been hurt.
Christine
Sep 26th, 2011
My 19 year old daughter, earlier this year, become involved in CC. She is so different; i am very concerned. Yet if I say anything, it just causes arguments to the point where she so longer trusts me nor wants my advice. Any suggestions on how to handle this situation? I think it’s wonderful she loves the Lord, but this change and doom/gloom is not, in my beliefe system, being the light of the world. She seems to be driving them away…not bringing them in. Help.
Christine
Sep 26th, 2011
Sorry – just reread my own post. I believe in bringing them in by being the light of the world. She has pretty much shunned all of her friends except those she has met at church. She reads her Bible constantly, taking copious notes all the while listening to several different TV ministers simultantously. She has her 1st boyfriend now, who also attends CC. At times, it seems she is changing to be what he wants. So many changes going on. I no longer know what to do; pray daily about this and wait it out?
Brian
Oct 4th, 2011
I’m a guy who’s listened to literally 16+ 24 hour days of Mark Driscoll’s preaching. I’ve read and read and greatly glean from many Godly Reformed guys. I love the Word, the preaching of the Word, and the right dividing of the Word. My church teaches exegetically through the Word verse-by-verse every Sunday. My pastor reads Driscoll, Piper, Spurgeon, Luther, Bonhoeffer, etc. That being said, I don’t consider myself reformed. After much study and prayer, I reject the doctrine of regeneration preceding faith. I firmly believe in the sovereign election of God.
I am a Calvary Chapel leader and in the Eldership process at a thriving CC church plant. Our planting pastor is ridiculously grounded in the Word. He’s not doctrinally weak, nor are any of the CC pastors I know. We are a church-planting, Bible teaching, sin-repenting church. We practice strong church discipline, raise up other leaders who are gifted, and generally love Jesus by preaching His grace… but also the necessity of repentance. God has blessed our church by bringing it from 6 people in a living room to 200 people in less than 2 years. I have seen sin repented of, lives redeemed, and Christ made much of in my body and many other CC bodies in other areas.
I take issue with the broad generalization of the CC movement. It’s a spirit-led movement that has been greatly used of God. Altar calls are Biblical. The CC movement was largely responsible for revival in the Western church. We plant hundreds of churches every year. There is a new generation of CC guys like my pastor, myself, and many men I know who are passionate for strong doctrine! Instead of snidely criticizing an entire movement that IS being used by God, you should do something. As Mark Driscoll says, don’t be a theological gun-collector. Don’t polish your theological trophy guns hanging on the wall… Go shoot them! Because this CC is.
Jason
Oct 11th, 2011
Ive attended many churches through the years and have not found one to be perfect. I surmise its because the church is made up of imperfect people. I think Calvary Chapel’s model is able to receive so much criticism because God has profoundly blessed them; there are thousands of Calvary Chapels. I love when any church tries to keep the word of God as pure as possible, and I think that is why Calvary has been profoundly blessed.
For any pastor who abuses their power, they will have to answer to God. I do see how the Moses model has advantages. If a pastor is outright disobeying God, I say reveal it to them and if they continue disobeying, then run. If it’s a different understanding of scripture then your just bringing division, please seek out a church that has the same understanding. Lord knows we have lots of different types of churches.
Please remember that all churches are made up of imperfect man. Please seek out a pastor who will lead you, while God leads them, regardless of the “brand”.
Hi Christine… Calvary Chapel is not a cult. If your daughter is cutting off certain friends and pressing into God, then I don’t think you should interfere with that. Now if she has some dramatic wounding that is causing her to seek the Lord at an unhealthy rate, if there is such a thing. Then healing the emotional wound should be your priority. Not pulling her away from God.
God bless you all and love be with you.
Andrew
Oct 30th, 2011
Christine, I would be very careful of Calvary Chapel. They are cultlike in many ways and unfortunately the Moses Model authoritarian system Chuck Smith invented is not Biblical and has no accountability for senior pastors. This is very dangerous and spiritually abusive at times. Check out Alex Greniers blog site and you will be suprised with what is happening at CC.
Rick Gross
Nov 7th, 2011
My family and I attended CC for 10 years and I served as an usher, janitor, and assistant in our monthly communion service. In August, 2011, we ushers were told to call the local police if a certain man showed up at church as he had been kicked out and allegedly threatened the pastor. We ushers found this odd as most of us had become aware of an inappropriate affair between the man’s wife and another congregant. We were told to follow orders and do as we were told.
It so happened that the man in question had contacted me several weeks earlier because he thought I was an elder in the church. CC pastors often have their board keep a low profile, so it’s not unusual to now know who the folks in charge are. (Just remember that CC’s are set up under Articles of Organization as a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation naming the pastor as the president and owner of the corporation, governed by the president and a board of directors which are appointed by and serve at the sole discretion of the pastor.)
He told me that the board was supporting his wife’s infidelity and would not confront her sin, had told him that she could not be forced to stay in the marriage and that he should just let matters take their course and see if she would return to him. I found this unbelievable, but also told him that unless he has proof there was nothing I could do except pray for him.
However, after being ordered to call the police if this man showed up at church, I got to thinking. In the process of a divorce, court documents are filed and become public documents. In all likelihood, they would provide a complete story. So I got them and they did. They told a very ugly story.
In October 2011, I provided to my pastor (John Pillivant at CC Bartlett, TN) and his board of directors with documentation about CC-Bartlett’s support for unscriptural divorce and “respecter of persons” bias which, in turn, had given rise to two adulterous relationships in the church, a failure to confront this sin, and the bearing of false witness in court which resulted in this man being wrongly separated from his children. Sole custody was granted to the adulterous wife.
I sent the court documents with a cover letter to our pastor and board (and the ushers who had been ordered to call the police). I asked our pastor and board re-examine their decisions in light of the court documents which they had not previously seen and the interrogatory testimony given under oath. These documents clearly show that the husband was accurate in everything he’d told me.
Within 24 hours, I was kicked out of the church via a phone call from one of the pastor’s board members, Andrew Galloway. A long statement was read to me over the phone accusing me of lying, gossip, slander, and division among other things. I was ordered to stay away from the church and to send a public letter of apology which would be read in front of the congregation.
Because of the generic nature of the alleged sins, I asked for a copy of the statement along with a specific itemization (e.g. what lie did I tell and to whom did I tell it to, etc). I also asked if the court documents had been read and was told that the records were “gossip” and full of lies.
Two days later on Sunday, Oct. 9, people tell me that I was publicly accused of these and other sins including rebellion (Titus 3:10) and my excommunication was announced from the pulpit by Pastor John.
I’ve been a Christian for 37 years and have walked consistently with Christ since conversion – and I know my Bible. Calvary Chapel is NOT a cult – but it is cult-like in leadership and practice. And you can blame it all on Calvary Chapel Distinctives and the Moses Model which fosters a belief that church leaders are above “ordinary Christians”, do not sin like the rest of us, and promote a watered down Christianity which is not serious about sin and redemption.
carol
Dec 4th, 2011
Wow all these comments this past year alone!! My experience was awefule as well…they dont teach sound doctrine nor are their leaders qualified to be in leadership positions from my experience anyway. I always thought all protestant reformers were just that and found out the hard way about “arminian theology”…needles to say it didnt go over well:)
Cindy
Jan 9th, 2012
I had left CC of Castle Rock over a year ago due to the amount of time I had to drive to get there. Later on my Mom had some severe health problems and I emailed CCCR to get some advice about end of life care. I have yet to hear form anyone there. My Mom died early Oct of 2011. Not even a “I’m sorry you’re going thru this… please come and scheduled an appointment so we can discuss this.” I finally had to call a Baptist pastor in my area because I had friends who attended there and he called me within a week personally and gave me great advice. I’m thinking CC are not doing well with oversight and follow up. There is a CC down south that these two CC’s don’t associate with.
I found out thru a Facebook posting that former Pastor Brian Abeyta is not longer senior pastor or otherwise there. The posting said that they needed “healing and restoration.” I know that another former pastor named Brian Michaels from Rocky Mountain Calvary in Colorado Springs had left there to go to his fathers church in Las Vegas and while there he “lusted after another woman” and I think stepped down as senior paster there. I find out later that he comes to help another CC pastor in Monument, CO.
I don’t know why Mr. Abeyta is no longer a pastor there but for a senior pastor to “need healing and restoration” it must be something rather serious. If anyone knows why he is not longer listed in ministry there please post it hear. Thanks. CCCR states on their Facebook page that they are seeking a new senior pastor. Which maybe that is a good sign that they don’t want Mr. Abeyta leading the flock there.
This sadden’s me as I thought the CC movement was a very biblical. Now I’m seriously in doubt about that. But like Jason said above no church is perfect. And ultimately we are supposed to know the word well as well. I have named these two pastors by name as I don’t want other pastors blamed by mistake. Yes God can and will restore them if they allow Him to. But not well enough for me to currently want to sit under their teachings in the near or far future.
Cara
Jan 21st, 2012
All I can say is I will probably never darken the door of a CC again or any evangelical church for that matter. It’s not a real church anyway. Any Joe can be a pastor. You just go to CC bible school which just consists of listing to CC Pope (Chuck Smith) tapes. I could go on and on but I won’t.