Calvary Chapel Magazine Editor Issues Official Response Statement

Recent accusations against Calvary Chapel pastors have been strongly refuted by a long-time insider with extensive knowledge of the ministry’s global operations. Tom Price, founder and editor of Calvary Chapel Magazine, has categorically dismissed claims of hidden motives, political manipulation, and alleged covert operations as “not only false—they are absurd.”

Price, who has documented the work of Calvary Chapel pastors for 27 years, emphasized that while not speaking officially for the organization, his firsthand observations in some of the world’s most challenging environments contradict the circulating rumors.

“I have watched their lives up close—in jungles, war zones, refugee camps, slums, and disaster areas,” Price stated. “What I have consistently witnessed is humility, sacrifice, exhaustion, joy, and a relentless desire to make Jesus known.”

The accusations appear to target several aspects of the ministry, including its theological position supporting Israel. Price clarified that this stance stems from biblical teachings rather than political motivations, citing scriptural passages from Genesis, Romans, and Psalms that guide their approach.

“This is why Calvary Chapel pastors stand with Israel—not because of any outside pressure, but because Scripture instructs us to,” he explained, while noting that the ministry’s compassion extends to all people, including documented work among Palestinian communities.

Some of the more extreme allegations suggest that pastors with military backgrounds are involved in covert operations or foreign influence campaigns. Price dismissed these claims, stating that many pastors “are barely keeping up with the demands of shepherding their flocks, much less leading covert operations.”

To illustrate the genuine nature of their ministry, Price detailed personal experiences accompanying Calvary Chapel pastors on humanitarian and evangelical missions across multiple continents. These included trips to Colombia during violent conflict, post-war Kosovo, famine-stricken South Sudan, impoverished areas in India, conflict zones in Ukraine, and underdeveloped regions of Brazil.

He specifically defended Pastor Jack Hibbs, who has apparently been a target of some accusations, describing missions they undertook together in Russia and Germany, and noting Hibbs’ commitment to his congregation even during the COVID pandemic.

Calvary Chapel represents one of America’s most significant non-denominational Christian movements. Founded in the 1960s by Chuck Smith in Costa Mesa, California, it grew from a single congregation to a worldwide network of churches characterized by their emphasis on Bible teaching and evangelical outreach.

The magazine that Price edits was authorized by Smith in 1999 and has since documented the movement’s growth and ministry efforts globally. According to Price, its mission remains unchanged: “To testify of God’s works, encourage His people, and point every heart to Jesus Christ.”

Religious organizations often face scrutiny from both within and outside faith communities, but accusations of geopolitical manipulation represent a more serious level of controversy. Price addressed believers troubled by the rumors with scriptural guidance, encouraging them to “test all things; hold fast what is good” and to let “the peace of God rule in your hearts.”

For those familiar with Calvary Chapel’s extensive evangelical work, which spans decades and continents, the accusations appear disconnected from the day-to-day reality of pastors who, as Price described, often juggle multiple weekend services and counseling responsibilities while pursuing global ministry opportunities.

“We refuse to give place to fear, division, or speculation,” Price concluded. “These things do not come from the Lord.”