California

IRVINE, Calif. – Calvary Chapel movement founder Chuck Smith, who also was a key figure during the nation’s “Jesus people” era that began more than 40 years ago, shared much of his life’s story in a rare interview with evangelist Greg Laurie Thursday evening.

Smith, 84, who told his congregation at church last Sunday that he had lung cancer, was asked by Laurie toward the end of the interview if he was afraid of anything. The two were seated at a desk facing the crowd of nearly 2,000 in attendance at the Irvine church’s main sanctuary and overflow.

As he stared back at Laurie with his well-known grin, pausing briefly, Smith answered, “Not really.” more >>

Calvary Chapel movement founder Chuck Smith, who stunned his congregation with the news of having lung cancer this past Sunday, plans to be interviewed Thursday evening by Harvest Ministries leader Greg Laurie for what is promised as an in-depth look at the "man behind the message."

Smith, 84, is scheduled to appear for the interview at the Harvest Orange County church campus, just a short drive away from Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa which he has led since 1965.

“Papa Chuck,” as he is often lovingly referred to, was a key figure during the nation’s “Jesus movement” in late 60s and early 70s. Members of the movement were called “Jesus people” or “Jesus freaks.” more >>

Christian-based Biola University in Southern California recently received a $3 million grant toward a new initiative aimed at bringing world-renowned scholars together to collaborate and engage others outside academia on important questions facing Christianity in the 21st century.

The La Mirada-based university announced Wednesday that the John Templeton Foundation awarded the research grant, which is the largest amount ever received by the college, to the institution’s Center for Christian Thought late last month. The center program launches during the school’s upcoming spring semester.

The center’s director Gregg Ten Elshof told The Christian Post that the initiative will not only provide a tremendous base for research among Christian scholars, but to the whole Christian community as well. more >>

With California’s law mandating public schools to teach about the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans now in force since New Year’s Day, opponents are urging parents to take their children out while preparing for a repeal referendum.

“Under SB 48, homosexual-bisexual-transsexual role models are now mandatory in every public school, for every child, behind the backs of parents,” Randy Thomasson, president of SaveCalifornia.com, said in a statement Tuesday.

The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful Education Act, also known as Senate Bill 48, took effect Sunday. Gov. Jerry Brown signed it on July 14, making California the first state in the nation to force gay history into the public school curriculum. more >>

Memorial services for Pastor and Calvary Chapel Bible College teacher Bob Hoekstra, who died of poor health two weeks ago, are scheduled to take place at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Friday.

Hoekstra, 71, who had been suffering from poor health for more than two years, sent out a note through his website “letting his friends and family know that he felt like God was calling him home to heaven. And a few days later he was home,” wrote Josh Turansky, a former student of his.

Two ministries that Hoekstra led, Living in Christ Ministries and International Prison Ministry, posted an announcement about his passing on Dec. 20. more >>

The congregation of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, Calif., was left stunned on the first Sunday service of the new year when Senior Pastor Chuck Smith announced that he has been battling lung cancer.

Following Sunday’s service at the church, Smith's son-in-law, Brian Brodersen, and other pastors joined together to anoint Smith with oil and offer prayers for his healing. Pastor Smith is 84 years old and has never smoked, Assist News Service reported. Smith faces a biopsy on Tuesday and surgery the following week.

Calvary Chapel confirmed the news on its Facebook page over the weekend, writing: more >>