I find it interesting that the guy that couldn’t seem to let go before is now back.  Hmmmmm

Unfortunately, Kent, Calvary of Albuquerque did not “bring rigid constraints”, as you put it. They only claimed they did in their press release (prepared by the public relations firm they retained).<br><br>

For example, the press release says the board “commisioned” a “pastoral audit” from Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship (CCOF). CCOF did ask for an independent report from Pastor Tom Stipe, a well-respected Calvary Chapel pastor in Denver. However, Pastor Stipe’s report, which was quite objective and analytical, was anything but positive about the CA situation. This report made some very insightful observations and recommendations, which would be very helpful if heeded.<br><br>

But the official statement issued by CCOF did not reference or incorporate Pastor Stipe’s report. CCOF, which is headed by Pastor Paul Smith, Chuck Smith’s brother, issued a two paragraph letter from Paul stating that the audit had found no “sin or wrongdoing” which would preclude Calvary of Albuquerque from “continuing their pastoral search”.<br><br>

The only snag was that the Tom Stipe report was published on the Calvary Chapel accountability blogs about five days before the contradicting Paul Smith statement was released. Paul Smith flew to Albuquerque and made statements disavowing the Stipe report, which they commisioned.

<br><br>More information, as well as the Stipe Report and the CCOF statement, can be found at the Phoenix Preacher blog or the web site I edit, Calvary Chapel Members Group.<br><br>

We are grateful to those in the Christian community outside Calvary Chapel, such as MMI, who have been supportive and have injected an outside, uninvolved voice of reason into this maddening situation.<br><br>

JRS<br><br>

My hearts desire in all of this has always been, and will continue to be, for healing, reconciliation and restoration; not only for the congregation but especially for Skip and Pete.  Both pastors have been blessed with the gift of teaching. They each have their own unique style and an incredible way of reaching out to hearts in need. 

When Pete first announced his resignation, I like so many thousands were in complete shock, confusion and disbelief.  Over time, as facts trickled out, and as I continued to ask God to make things clear to me, I began to see the “behind the scenes” events that eventually led to the disintegration of our church leadership. It was a sad time for many of us at Calvary. The evidence of how carnal weaknesses can overtake even the seemingly strongest of Christians was being realized right before our very eyes. The board failed to respond to the crys of the thousands that only wanted transparency and answers to questions of moral ethics.  It never happened. Even to this day, humility has not struck the core of the heart of our brother Skip. He simply apologized for his “style” of leadership, not the actual ACTS that caused and will continue to cause so much destruction. It comes across like ‘I’m not really sorry for what I did, only sorry that you don’t agree in my style of leadership”.  As long as greed and power continues to feed his ego, he will remain blind, unaccountable and in complete denial.  Nevertheless, he is my brother in Christ, and although I do forgive him for even that which he has yet to confess, I have to listen to the leading of the Spirit of God. In good conscience, based on all the facts and evidence as the Spirit has discerned, my family will no longer attend Calvary. We will remain prayerful not only for those that remain, but also for the board and all the ministry leaders. I pray that God will continue to reveal himself. In His perfect timing He will expose and flush out the necessary thorns that hurt the body of Christ. 

And as for Pete and Angie Nelson, the Ackerman group and the person who launched the “Bringbackpete” website, I lift them up as well and thank God for their faithfulness, courage and desire to speak the truth in love. I know how difficult it is sometimes not to allow our carnality to get the better of us. I for one have had to question my motives in my response to this matter. From time to time God has had to squelch my anger. I truly want to be an instrument to help and not to hinder. It will only be in God’s strength that I and those that seek the truth will persevere. And we must all be mindful that although God raises strong leaders to tend to his flock, they are human like the rest of us. No one is perfect. We must be ready and willing to forgive and restore. For the Christian, that is the core of Christ’s message to us. It is God who is at the helm...and it is He whom we serve.

I stand corrected....that Barna stat is 1,400 pastors PER MONTH leave the ministry, not per year.

Great post! Keep on with your good work. I’ll give it a try when I have some suitable photos.