Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, the church Chuck Smith founded and the old flagship of the Jesus Movement, now ordains women as pastors. Char Brodersen, Smith’s grandson, announced it during the Nov. 1 service, The Christian Post reports.
The pushback
The Calvary Chapel Association’s Heartland Regional Team says it sees no sound biblical basis for women serving as elders and pastors, and calls the move “a significant departure” from what Pastor Chuck taught. They tie it to the earlier split, when Brian Brodersen left CCA leadership and formed Calvary Global Network.
My take
I come from the Spirit-filled side of the family, where women have preached and led for a long time, so I’m not shocked by this. On Pentecost Peter quoted Joel: “Your sons and daughters will prophesy” (Acts 2:17), and Philip had four daughters who prophesied (Acts 21:9). Godly people land in different places on the elder question, and I respect that. What I’d hate to see is another movement that God used mightily split over it. Pray for unity and for the Holy Spirit to keep leading these churches.
God Bless, and May the Source Be with You!
