In the Midst of Misinformation: A Response from Calvary Chapel Magazine (Note from our Editor Tom Price)
In recent days, public accusations have circulated about Calvary Chapel pastors—claims of hidden motives, political manipulation, foreign influence, and even bizarre allegations of secret military operations. Many believers have reached out with concern. After twenty-seven years documenting the lives, ministries, and character of Calvary Chapel pastors around the world, I want to speak plainly and with the heart of Christ.
These accusations are not only false—they are absurd.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
I am NOT speaking on behalf of Calvary Chapel or the Calvary Chapel Association, but as the founder and editor of Calvary Chapel Magazine, which Pastor Chuck Smith authorized me to begin in 1999. For decades I have traveled with Calvary Chapel pastors into some of the most difficult places on earth. I have watched their lives up close—in jungles, war zones, refugee camps, slums, and disaster areas. What I have consistently witnessed is humility, sacrifice, exhaustion, joy, and a relentless desire to make Jesus known.
The idea that these men—who often teach several times every weekend and spend countless hours counseling, studying, praying, and serving—are secretly coordinating geopolitical or military agendas are untrue. Many are barely keeping up with the demands of shepherding their flocks, much less leading covert operations. One pastor joked years ago that trying to get the Calvary Chapel Association (CCA) Council to move in one direction was “like herding cats.”
Our Biblical Support for Israel
Some accusations target our support for Israel. But our position is not political—it is biblical.
God told Abraham:
“I will bless those who bless you…” (Genesis 12:3) Paul writes of Israel:
“They are beloved for the sake of the fathers.” (Romans 11:28) The Psalmist commands:
“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” (Psalm 122:6)
This is why Calvary Chapel pastors stand with Israel—not because of any outside pressure, but because Scripture instructs us to.
At the same time, our heart is for all people. We have documented ministry among Palestinians in Bethlehem and the West Bank. Jesus loves both Jew and Gentile, Israeli and Palestinian, and our magazine has shown His work in both communities.
Real Ministry, Real Sacrifice
Over the years, I have personally traveled with Calvary Chapel pastors into:
• The jungles of Colombia during violent conflict
• Post-war Kosovo, sleeping in tents among broken families
• South Sudan, ministering where famine and danger were constant
• India, in areas overwhelmed with poverty and idolatry
• Ukraine, near regions under attack
• Brazil, preaching overtop of gutters where raw sewage flowed under our feet and countless other trips
• Imprisoned in Cuba for sharing the Gospel message of Jesus Christ
On these trips, pastors often tell me how refreshing it is to share the Gospel without the weight of sermon preparation for a weekend of multiple services. Their hearts are pure: reach the lost, love the broken, exalt Jesus.
I have traveled with Pastor Jack Hibbs through snow-covered fields in Russia where water froze in mid-air and across Germany to help plant a church in Stuttgart in bone chilling cold. I photographed him baptizing over a thousand people in the icy Pacific during COVID. Anyone accusing him of anything other than glorifying Christ is spreading a terrible falsehood.
Even claims that pastors with military backgrounds are part of some covert collusion are certainly unfounded. Their military service prepared them to serve Christ—not a foreign government.
A Call to Believers
As followers of Jesus, our response must be shaped by Scripture:
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)
“Bless those who curse you… and pray for those who spitefully use you.” (Matthew 5:44)
To those troubled by circulating rumors, Scripture also instructs:
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
“Let the peace of God rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15)
We refuse to give place to fear, division, or speculation. These things do not come from the Lord.
Our Mission Remains Unchanged
Since 1999, Calvary Chapel Magazine has existed for one purpose:
To testify of God’s works, encourage His people, and point every heart to Jesus Christ. By His grace, we will continue to do so.
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, But to Your name give glory.” (Psalm 115:1)
Thank you for reading! If this story inspired you, we invite you to partner with us in continuing the ministry God started over 26 years ago. We appreciate your prayerful consideration in joining us to reach more souls for Jesus.
SPONSOR MESSAGE: Calvary Chapel Education Association (CCEA) is dedicated to the Calvary Chapel Distinctives and exists to foster Christ-based education by providing support for Calvary Chapel Schools.
© 2025 Calvary Chapel Magazine (CCM). All rights reserved. Articles or photographs may not be reproduced without the written permission of CCM. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.® Used by permission.