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UPDATE:  Heitzig Resigns at Calvary Albuquerque

Orginally published on Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 9:30 AM
by Todd Rhoades

Heitzig_1I've been waiting to give an update on the Calvary Albuquerque situation that we discussed a couple weeks ago.  Last week, founding pastor Skip Heitzig resigned as chairman of the board.  According to reports; all the out-of-town board members were also to resign, but the church hasn't confirmed this as of yet, nor have they said whether or not they have officially accepted Pete's resignation.

It was an interesting week last week; and a very public week for CCABQ in the local newspapers.  One day (March 7), it was reported that Heitzig said he had no intention of stepping down and the next day (March 8) called those CCABQ who asked for his resignation, "arrogant".  Then, the headline in the Albuquerque Journal read "Heitzig Says He Will Resign" in an attempt to 'defuse escalating tension within the church'.

So, it was an up and down week last week; and I was waiting to give you an update.  But here's what's weird... there has been no new news (literally none) since the announcement that Heitzig would resign.  So now, everything appears to be in a state of limbo with no communication from the church as to who, exactly is on the board or is in charge.  It has to be uncomfortable for the members of CCABQ.

Here's the latest press release from the CCABQ website, dated March 9:

Calvary Chapel’s pastor of the past two years, Pete Nelson, resigned his position, without notice on Sunday, February 19, 2006. Understandably, this sudden turn of events has led to a variety of questions both about his resignation and about the future pastoral leadership of this church, and we will answer those questions.

Skip Heitzig, founding pastor and chairman of the board, submitted his resignation on March 8, 2006. He expressed an earnest desire that no one in the congregation stumble because of his continued presence on Calvary of Albuquerque’s board of directors.

Our highest priority as a church board, staff and family is to select our next senior pastor. We believe this decision can be made within the coming days or weeks. At that point, we will be able to move forward with clear direction and leadership. We will also be better able to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.

In the meantime, we, as your Calvary Chapel church staff both pledge and ask the following:

  1. To handle this entire matter in a biblical manner, speaking directly to those with whom there may be some offense. Likewise, we pledge not to engage in the spreading of rumors or a spirit of division and ask the same of our church family. As a church staff, we will not participate in a public debate in the media or elsewhere. This is God’s church and we are stewards of it.
  2. An announcement will be forthcoming regarding the future of Calvary Chapel and we ask that you approach this announcement with an open heart and an attitude of prayer for God’s leading and direction.
  3. Calvary Chapel’s financial audit (which is conducted every year) will be available to any member of the Calvary family who requests to see it. We assure you that Calvary is in sound financial condition. As promised, the Annual Report and Management Letters will be released at the end of this fiscal year. Our web site will provide links to the letters from the auditors noting their approval of our financial integrity.
  4. The Calvary Chapel Board of Directors meeting minutes from the past three years are being prepared and will be released in an expedient manner to any member of the Calvary family at their request. We assure you that the Board of Directors has always conducted the business of the church in an ethical manner.
  5. We pledge to pray for Calvary Chapel and ask you to do the same. We pledge to pray for Pete Nelson and ask you to do the same. We pledge to pray for Skip Heitzig and ask you to do the same. Thank you.

Again, this is an explosive situation, and I hope that I'm being extremely objective here.  Again, I think communication is the key... and there doesn't appear to be much coming out of the CCABQ leadership; Heitzig; board members; etc.  This, to me, is somewhat troubling and further complicates the problem.  Many CCABQ members have given their comments on the last post... let's continue to pray for this church and it's leadership.

Todd


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  There are 9 Comments:

  • Posted by
    Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 9:58 AM

    Well it looks like Pete leaving might have shown some light on some unhealthy practices.  Sounds like they are starting to head the right way.  It is a shame Pete was never given a chance.

  • Posted by
    Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 10:17 AM

    Well. That’s a little overdue isn’t it…

  • Posted by
    Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 10:38 AM

    Todd, (Or Tom, or whatever your name is...)

    I think it may be prudent however, for CCABQ to keep mum about the whole matter until it can be explained completely. I’m willing, because of Skip’s relative quickness in resigning after this situation became public, to give them the benefit of the doubt. If I messed things up like this, and tried to make it right, I’d hope people would do that for me.

  • Posted by Todd Rhoades
    Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 10:47 AM

    Peter… I agree.  The problem, however, is that this is not just a church matter anymore; it is a public media day-to-day story.  That makes it tough, and really, a whole different ball game. 

    Much more credibility, (it would appear to me), was lost when Skip said he wouldn’t resign; then called people arrogant for asking him to resign; then resigning.  (Oh, when he resigned; he also said he would keep the option to return at some point in the future).  All that, coupled with the prolonged silence, begs clarification of some type from the church leadership (whoever that might be at this time; no one’s even sure!).  Until then; media (and church members) will speculate and wonder exactly what is going on.

    It really shouldn’t take days to determine who’s on your board and report it to your church and the scandal-hunting media.

    I’m afraid every day that goes by makes them less credible, unfortunately.

    Again, just my thoughts.

    Todd

  • Posted by
    Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 10:53 AM

    Todd,

    You make a great point! (But then, you usually do!)

  • Posted by
    Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 11:31 AM

    “he would keep the option to return at some point in the future.” I am sorry who gave him the option?  I wonder what his other church thinks about all this?

  • Posted by
    Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 11:52 AM

    This struck me: “Our highest priority as a church board, staff and family is to select our next senior pastor. We believe this decision can be made within the coming days or weeks.”

    It is my prayer that they do not rush into filling the position of senior pastor as quickly as stated. Yes. It is imperative for this church to have a senior pastor. This is all so new and fresh for many though. It would be healthier (in my opinion) for them to consider having an interim pastor. This would allow the fellowship there more time to seek God’s direction. No senior pastor who comes in so quickly can heal this church. Only through time and with God’s grace and mercy can that ever happen.

    Again. Just my opinions here. All involved remain in my prayers.

  • Posted by Randy Ehle
    Wednesday, March 15, 2006 at 1:44 PM

    As for the slowness in communication, we need to recognize that the best course of action is probably NOT for the entire board to resign all at once.  That would leave a vacuum of leadership that could (worst-case scenario) implode the church.  The existing board and the pastoral staff need to devise and implement a plan for interim leadership - including both an interim senior pastor and an interim board.  That will take time to do well, wisely, and from all parts of the country.  There may also be constitutional constraints that need to be dealt with; you can’t just ignore your by-laws, even in an “emergency” situation, without considering the consequences.

    Father, be the leader of this church and grant supernatural wisdom to those men whom you have appointed to lead through this time of difficulty.

  • Posted by
    Friday, March 17, 2006 at 1:19 AM

    Some interesting turn of events. Skip posted on CCABQ’s website (http://www.calvaryabq.org) several documents that provide his side of the story. Calvary Albuquerque has hired a public relations expert, who has authored a press release which contains some interesting “spin,” in my opinion. This is a very difficult time in our church. We just got back from a meeting of approximately 650 who wanted to hear what the five men led by a prominent Albuquerque businessman had to say to Skip and the board. These five men met with Skip and the board two weeks ago, and demanded that Skip resign. As reported in this blog, Skip referred to this resignation call as arrogant; yet two days later, he resigned from the Board. The board will meet Tuesday March 21 to discuss this.
    There is lots of divisiveness in this ordeal, and with these latest “volleys” from Skip, it appears that it will certainly get lots worse before it gets better.
    Please continue to keep our congregation in your prayers.

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