Copyright 2023 The Downey Patriot Newspaper. Similarly, Larry Taylor, who worked for Chuck Smith as an assisting pastor, wrote in his book The Ministry of Assisting Pastor, that assisting pastors should stop anything negative being said about the pastor. Calvary Chapel was founded by Chuck Smith in 1968 on a simple principle: teach the whole Word to young people disaffected by the turbulence of the 1960s - and be led by the Spirit. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all Biblical gifts of the Spirit. . The majority of Calvary churches are pastored by good men with integrity and a board of elders that DO hold them accountable for bad behavior etc. Because Lighthouse Trails is a research ministry, it does at times post news . Edwards also said Finchs wife, Elvira, was very, very controlling, and wouldnt allow female leaders or pastors wives to attend Bible studies anywhere but Calvary. Album: A Call To Worship [Calvary Chapel] Genre: Worship. Welcome to the official Calvary Chapel Downey church app. Give a gift of $30 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you will receive a copy of Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse by Dr. Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys. Yet others stay because their spouse refuses to leave or their kids like the childrens church Bible - Calvary Chapel beliefs are in "the inerrancy of Scripture, that the Bible, Old and . I had been to church before but not this church as I had driven past it all the time, having grew up in Downey as a teen. Whether it is Pastor Jeff or any guest speaker at the podium delivering the message for the day, Calvary Chapel Downey is the place to be to worship, give thanks and Praise our GOD for all of HIS GLORY!!! Pastor Joe Mendez has been a member of Calvary Chapel Downey for over 30 years and has served the Lord in various ministries in the church. Every time one of these stories breaks, it is a heartache, whether it is our tribe or another. PASTOR ART REYES. Gossip is a terrible sin, Taylor writes, and includes both true and untrue things said about the church or pastor. Bret Allen Welty was arraigned this week on a charge of sexual abuse of a minor and a charge of lewd conduct with a minor. Those moments were special nevertheless as we spent time together in GODs word. Then again, Calvary Chapels can be quite different from one another, especially the ones off the radio. Please be careful, Jaclyn. (Courtesy . Vimeo Enterprise . DOWNEY Calvary Chapel of Downey has been issued nearly a dozen citations for failure to adhere to health officer orders, according to data provided by Los Angeles County. Where Nondenominational means Calvary Chapel Clone. Pastor Jeff did not die , but was handing over the reins of senior pastor to Art Reyes who I feel is a good fit for pastor, looking around my age maybe younger. I do have bibles for children and books relating to the bible Ive read to her at night, but I must do better, I must her soul depends on it. In addition, his teachings are now being heard daily with the radio program "Sound Doctrine." Read More ART REYES Teaching Pastor SCOTT LASCH Administrative Pastor Grizzly Academy (562 . Since giving my life to Christ I have followed many ministries and have gone to different churches in the Calvary family such as Chino Hills with Jack Hibbs and Greg Laurie of Harvest and others. That being said while a world-class evangelist in every sense of the word, CC has some significant flaws and those started with Chuck Smith himself. The church has been cited at least 10 times for violating L.A. County health protocols. Also, any comments with profanity, name-calling, and/or a nasty tone will be deleted. I did not give my life to Christ on that day, but would come back every Sunday and Wednesday and even come on Thursday for a Mens bible study. Fontaine added that Finch gets monthly counseling and has accountability from other Calvary Chapel pastors but would not name the pastors providing this help. 12808 Woodruff Ave, Downey, CA 90242, USA. See more in our Cookie Policy. JULY 29-30 | 7A-1P. A call was placed to Calvary Chapel for comment, however, they did not respond in time for publication. Writer (s): Dan Marks. Jews for Jesus had a similar issue vis-a-vis its founder Moishe Rosen (to an even worse degree). SENIOR PASTOR. Several years ago, I wrote a commentary titled "Ichabod.". Pray for them & let them be. And thats not even getting into the endemic polity issues the article references. It will not condone or recognize such same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships, even though state law provides for recognition of such unions. Team members are growing in their own faith as they have conversations about the Lord with people and share their personal testimonies with strangers. Calvary chapel does not at all believe you have to attened a calvary to be saved. (Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16 and 20:11-15). If they cant stand a bit of scrutiny, let em fall. Currently there are 59 books on . We also believe that sexual activities such as, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, pre-marital sex, incest, polygamy, homosexuality, bisexuality, transgenderism, cross-dressing, pedophilia and bestiality are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Guest teachers will be Pastor Josh Thompson from Legacy City Church, Pastor Art Reyes from Calvary Chapel . At this time in my life I was working of course, living in the house of hell in Downey with the devil incarnate my grandfather Raul and mother. Jaclyn, if that is your honest take, with all concern for your well-being and that of your family, please consider that you may have very well been taught those things by manner of manipulation and control by the very wolf who has now long taken advantage of and abused his power of position. Having responded to the gospel in 1991 at Calvary Chapel Downey, he spent eight years learning, growing, and serving there. Get new articles and breaking news delivered to your inbox. Parents register. while I was being sexually abused.. The Call of Compassion. He isnt being persecuted, hes being held responsible for his wrongs. This report and the testimonies cover a lot of ground, but its nearly impossible to uncover all the abuse that has taken place. Text updates, photos, video uploads and saved broadcasts will appear here after you've added them. Thank you for saying this. View all posts by Joseph R. Meyer, I used to go to Calvary chapel and Downey California my name is randy hill I was looking for a book that Jeff Johnson wrote about himself I cannot find it can you please send me the name of the book I think its an autobiography Im not sure thank you so much. The Spanish Ministry would like to invite you to join us in the study of God's Word. Michael Newnham, a former Calvary Chapel pastor and blogger, who has researched and exposed abuses within Calvary Chapel churches for 20 years, told TRR that Calvary pastors are beyond accountability. Since 1996, he has also served as a police chaplain. Great! All rights reserved. We must not tolerate wolves for pastors. Calvinists are a vast, diverse array of believers and even if you dont agree with this school of Christianity theres surely better ways to express that than periodic snark from the pulpit. We believe in a literal Heaven and a literal Hell and that all those who place their faith, hope, and trust in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord, while those who reject Jesus free gift of salvation will spend eternity separated from God. Deeply grateful for your work, Julie. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings, His substitutionary atoning death on the cross, His bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people, and His personal and visible return to earth. For years, former members and staff at Calvary Chapel Cary have complained about their pastors alleged drug addiction, bullying, and misuse of funds to the Calvary Chapel Associationan association of 1,800 Calvary churches worldwide. Simply Jesus. Calvary Chapel's Tangled Web Scandals A pastor killed in Albuquerque belonged to an association of evangelical churches that critics allege stands behind its pastors when they're accused of. So many people need to be validated after the crazy making abuse cycle ran its course in their lives. As someone familiar with the workings of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa for over twenty years, it became apparent to me that drastic measures were needed in . But Its important today to thank a man who I do not wish to forget. (LogOut/ Pastor Art stepped out to plant a home bible study in Rosemead, CA in 2014. What I think is going on is people are speaking out against someone who causes harm to others, and that person happens to be a pastor. The cost is $50 per child, including rash guard, medal, snacks, and water. Its just another disastrous way that many marriages and families have been seduced by Rodney and Elvira Finch. The Roys Report seeks to foster thoughtful and respectful dialogue. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Whether you are looking for answers to lifes questions or a place to grow spiritually Welcome Home. Currently Pastor Art is the Senior Pastor at Calvary Chapel Downey. Useful 1. Abusive environments such as these thrive on intimidation & retaliation for anyone who will speak up. ASSISTING PASTORS . I used to want to take part in leadership at a church. Few churches say come as you are and mean it like Calvary Chapels. . This is endemic in the evangelical community seems to simply be a part of their system dominate authoritarianism. Each of them good people who didnt deserve it. Youve probably seen me a few times. Therefore, we abhor the destruction of innocent human life through abortion-on demand, embryo research, cloning, and any other procedure that would harm or destroy innocent human life after conception. As another poster noted, the Moses model often turns into the David model, where abuses are covered up and Nathans who cry foul are sent packing. Finch Jr. also alleged that two of his older sisters were beaten with extension cords.. Church, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining Pastor Art Reyes and Pastor Jeff Johnson on a life-changing tour of the Holy Land of Israel! You are so brave for speaking out., Another posted that hes witnessed abuse by Pastor Finch and that Calvary Chapel Cary has a trail of dead bodies.. I can say now, I witnessed the same. They need help. kids 4yrs-6th grade online or in the CMO after services. He serves the Lord joined by his wife Briana, and two kids, Caleb and Micah. God draws everyone to Him. His daughter has filed suit alleging elder abuse and neglect when Smith. They have removed different churches at times from affiliation, some with less cause than this story represents. What sort of article would it be if all of these he said/she said statements were removed and only complete untwisted truth with actual proof was presented. The Way of Jesus The Sermon on the Mount. We exist to glorify God, grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ, as we love others, and systematically teach the Bible chapter by chapter and verse by verse. No one is perfect and Pastor Rodney is the first to admit that. How is this necessary or Biblical? contact form. Calvary has taken a stubborn stance on the matter, continuing to hold in person services while racking up several health protocol violation citations from the county, the most recent being given to the chapels associated Christian school on Dec. 10. The county was seeking a total of $6,000 in fines, $1,000 for each violation (two Sundays with three services each equals 6 times of holding indoor worship services ), but Judge O'Neill imposed a $500 fine for each of the violations which . Join us for our services. Id describe them as grace poor theologically rather than having cheap grace. Without a humble acknowledgment of our own continuing dependence on Gods grace we dont have a framework from which to show grace to others. He has stated from the pulpit on several occasions that he doesnt have time to spend with Elvira, because he needs to be released to do the ministry. ccdowney.com. 562.803.5631. The Bible is clear that we need to confess our sins to one another. An email obtained by TRR shows that when Loretta Campbell confronted the CCA with Finchs unresolved sin in 2019, Pastor Sandy Adams showed little surprise. We believe that all people are sinners by nature and, therefore, are under condemnation; that God saves and regenerates based upon faith by the Holy Spirit, those who repent of their sins and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. (LogOut/ In a situation where something in the church is so completely wrong that the sheep in the body are in spiritual danger, then say nothing to anybody, resign, and move on, Taylor wrote. Pastor Rodney hiding a drug addiction is true. The church staff found out Finch had left drug rehab early because the facility didnt need the second installment of $25,000, Henrys testimony states. The CCA can say they cant do anything about it but they gladly drove the pastor of the flagship CC church out of the Association over minor theological differences.. selective morality. https://www.amazon.com/Seeker-Johnsons-Search-Clear-Light/dp/1931667683 . While coronavirus is never specifically mentioned, the symptoms and progression of the deceased which Johnson describes is similar to what is currently accepted as what occurs in a severe COVID-19 case. We believe that the Bible places a high moral standard on those who would be ministers of the Gospel. 1 Samuel. Michelle Fontaine initially promised shed be transparent with TRR and would provide a copy of the churchs bylaws, financial records, and other documents TRR requested. Pastor's Perspective (start at 21 minute mark): . 46 years later, with Jeff and Karyn Johnson now healthy and grounded in their marriage, the once small group of a few hundred has grown to a main sanctuary that holds thousands and offers many wonderful support ministries such as the House of Ruth Adoption Ministry, Sound Doctrine Radio Ministry, Mission Outreaches, Christian Schools preschool through 12th grade, and a Bible college. Sign up with your email address to receive news . She requested a delayed deadline for TRRs story so she could locate the documents. Jeff taught us that Christ is the glue that holds us together and I believe that. . Calvary Chapels are completely independent when that is to their advantage. While some of Calvarys pre-service ad material suggest that the church is encouraging the use of masks and social distancing, the rhetoric from the pulpit continues to paint a more defiant message. I am a Calvary Pastor with 30+ years of involvement in the Calvary movement and have never heard such a rule implied or enforced . DOWNEY Even as coronavirus continues to surge, one of Downeys largest spiritual organizations is encouraging its parishioners to stand up against COVID-19. He did not offer any additional comments on the record to TRR. He became a Jr. High Math teacher in the year 2000 and has loved serving and ministering in Junior High and High School ever since. 13 months ago. I love calvary chapel because it teaches the full council of God. Hes then easily replaced (often times like Jacob they disappear overnight) but rest assured Rodney is not short on men that hes groomed who would want to be his around the clock servant. We hope that youll find our fellowship to be family-oriented and friendly. Please let the Bible define Gods grace for you and not your feelings or emotions.. C Calvary Chapel of Downey CCCS LIVE. It appears their goal is to provide a collective directive for those in the movement who are accustomed to receiving their instructions from human authority. The Roys Report also reached out to CCA for comment. Rodney and Elvira Finch used church credit cards without providing an account for purchases, Henry alleges in his testimony. https://www.checkmychurch.org/post/church-check-calvary-chapel-cary-in-apex-north-carolina. Finch also raised money for projects that were never completed, including a building project called the Nehemiah project, chair purchases, and a parking lot, said the Edwardses. Welcome to Calvary Chapel Downey - a place to grow in Jesus Christ and with one another. None of us reading her brief comment know what defines grace for this person. Our effort was to communicate and encourage ministry practices that will promote church health moving forward, Adams added. That still leaves the nepotist, drug taker, financial mismanagement, bullying pastor facing his own road to hell. One new friend was also a new co-worker I had met who would be the person who would introduce me to my future wife. 8 EVENTS; 0 FOLLOWING 144 FOLLOWERS All Events (8) All Events (8) Archived (8) RESET FILTERS Past Events. High School, and Bible college meet the needs of this large body. Why use church funds to go to a rehab and not even finish the rehabilitation? The. . BUT, they willingly took that risk out of love for others and the truth! DOWNEY - Even as coronavirus continues to surge, one of Downey's largest spiritual organizations is encouraging its parishioners to "stand up" against COVID-19.. Calvary Chapel Downey has recently found itself in the middle of the debate over religious freedom during a pandemic, notably how - or if - a congregation should meet to worship at a time when government officials are . They are great churches to invite your neighbors to. It really speaks to this religion and does not say very nice things. 3:2-7, which says an overseer must be above reproach . One of the things that these abusive and toxic environments produce is the propensity for sexual immorality and abuse. The Downey Patriot. Posted in: Concerns for Calvary Chapel, Rick Warren, . Mercy is not an option. Baptism - Calvary Chapel practices believer's baptism of people who are old enough to understand the significance of the ordinance. They have perfected their schemes to deceive and seduce the naive and vulnerable. I understand why Mr. Finch remains in the pulpit: he believes hes untouchable, and hes obviously right.