Remembering Pastor Chuck Smith

October 3, 2023 marks 10 years since the passing and heavenly homecoming of Pastor Chuck Smith. Pastor Chuck was the man God used to start the Calvary Chapel Movement of churches. 

For this anniversary, I wrote an article for CalvaryChapel.com about how Pastor Chuck impacted my life, and the lives of many other young people – including my pastor, Tom Stipe.

Additionally, I recorded a bonus episode of the Mission & Methods Podcast, in which I spoke with Pastor Brian Brodersen about Chuck’s approach to ministry, including some questions about how Chuck pastored personally, and what were the major influences that shaped Chuck’s theology, and his preaching.

Pastor Brian is uniquely qualified to speak to these questions, as he not only served alongside Pastor Chuck and eventually succeeded him as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa — but he also shares close family ties to Pastor Chuck, as his son in law.

Here is the article, and the podcast episode can be listened to here or in the embedded player below.

How God Used Chuck Smith To Empower A New Generation Of Pastors

When I was 18 years old, I boarded a plane bound for Hungary. Despite the fact that I had only been following Jesus for two years, my pastor, the late Tom Stipe, sent me out as a missionary. Three years later, when I was 21, Tom ordained me as I was going out to plant a church.

At the time, these actions didn’t strike me as abnormal or unusual, yet now, years later, I look back on them with a sense of surprise. Why was Tom willing to take a chance on me, as young as I was? Why did he trust that I could serve the Lord in those ways without any formal training?

Later on, I came to realize that the reason was because that is what Chuck Smith had done for him when Tom was a young man: In 1976, Pastor Chuck sent Tom to Colorado to start a Calvary Chapel church here. In the movie, “Jesus Revolution,” millions of people saw the portrayal of how Chuck Smith empowered the young Greg Laurie to plant a church in Riverside, California. Still, the even more incredible reality is that Pastor Chuck did similar things with many young people over the years. Tom was doing for me what Chuck had modeled for him.

I remember sitting with Tom and listening to him tell stories of the early days of Calvary Chapel. One thing that Tom told me was that, in his opinion, the true genius of Chuck Smith was not his verse-by-verse teaching, as many people assume, and as masterful as that was. The true genius of Chuck Smith, Tom said, was that Chuck was willing, and even eager, to empower young people to serve the Lord in meaningful ways because he genuinely believed in the work of the Holy Spirit in and through people who were willing to make themselves available to God.

I finally got to meet Pastor Chuck in Austria, at the conference center that he had acquired for Calvary Chapel as a launching point for ministry in Eastern Europe. He asked about our ministry in Hungary and gave encouragement and affirmation. As I look back on that, I’m full of appreciation for him as a person who was more than just a good Bible teacher but an example of foresight and faith. Not only did Pastor Chuck want the Gospel to go forth into the whole world, but he understood that God wanted to use many other people to do that work. He was willing to support missionaries and church planters, including some of us who maybe wouldn’t have been empowered to do those things by anyone else who didn’t have the measure of faith he did!

Now, ten years after Pastor Chuck’s heavenly homecoming, I’m more inspired than ever to carry on his legacy of Bible teaching, evangelism, missions, and empowering people, especially young people, to serve the Lord.

Q&A On Chuck Smith’s Approach To Ministry – With Nick Cady And Brian Brodersen

A Biblical Approach to Church Planting – with Nathan Knight

Nathan Knight is the Lead Pastor of Restoration Church in Washington DC — a church that he planted 14 years ago.

He now leads a church planting network in the DC area called Treasuring Christ Together, and he recently wrote a book (published by Crossway and 9Marks) about church planting called: Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church. 

In our discussion, Nathan and I talk about the premise of his book, which seeks to encourage the planting of new churches, while getting back to the biblical definitions of what a church is, what a church does, and how to define “success” in a local church.

Click here to listen to the episode or listen in the embedded player below.

A Biblical Approach to Church Planting – with Nathan Knight – Theology for the People

Nathan Knight is the Lead Pastor of Restoration Church in Washington DC — which is a church that he planted 14 years ago. He now leads a church planting network in the DC area called Treasuring Christ Together, and he recently wrote a book (published by Crossway and 9Marks) about church planting called: Planting by Pastoring: A Vision for Starting a Healthy Church.  In our discussion, Nathan and I talk about the premise of his book — which seeks to encourage the planting of new churches, while getting back to the biblical definitions of what a church is, what a church does, and how to define “success” in a local church. Make sure to visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org

Learning from the Life of Elisabeth Elliot – with Lucy S R Austen

In this episode of the Theology for the People podcast, I speak with Lucy S R Austen. Lucy recently wrote a book, published by Crossway, titled Elisabeth Elliot: A Life

Elisabeth Elliot was one of the most well-known and influential figures of the late 20th century, and early 21st century, both in evangelical circles, but also in the culture at large.

On this episode Lucy and I speak about who Elisabeth Elliot was and the influence she had.

As Lucy points out, Elisabeth Elliot was a sometimes controversial figure, who changed her views on things throughout her life, and her life reflects much of the history of evangelicalism in the 20th century.

Click here to listen to the episode or listen in the embedded player below.

Learning from the Life of Elisabeth Elliot – with Lucy S R Austen – Theology for the People

Elisabeth Elliott was one of the most well-known and influential figures of the late 20th century, and early 21st century, both in evangelical circles, but also in the culture at large. Recently a biography of her life was written by Lucy S R Austen, and published by Crossway Publishing, titled Elisabeth Elliot: A Life. On this episode of Theology for the People, I speak with Lucy S R Austen about who Elisabeth Elloitt was and the influence that she had. As Lucy points out, Elisabeth Elliot was a sometimes controversial figure, who changed her views on things throughout her life, and her life reflects much of the history of evangelicalism in the 20th century. Visit the Theology for the People website at nickcady.org

Podcast Mini-series: Interviews with Testimonies from Christians in Ukraine

Earlier this year I traveled to Ukraine to help lead a conference for Christians who had been providing aid for people in their country since the full-scale Russian invasion began in February 2022.

While I was there, I heard stories from many people of tragedy and loss, but I also heard stories of heroism, faith, and spiritual revival.

I also had the opportunity to record a few interviews with members of different churches, in which they got to share their experiences in the early days of the war, how things look now, and how God has been working and using them to share his love to hurting people.

These interviews are being released on the CGN Voices Podcast. There will be four episodes in this mini-series, and they will be released every Friday for the next few weeks.

The first episode came out last week, and it is one which was particularly meaningful to me. You can listen to it here, or in the embedded player below.

Ukraine: Resilience, Resolve and Refuge – A Testimony from Tanya Kotelenets – CGN Voices

Welcome to "Voices from Ukraine", a mini-series inside look at the resilience, faith, and service of Calvary Chapel believers in Ukraine during the difficult months since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. In this special edition, we sit down with Tanya Kotelenets from a church in eastern Ukraine. Kotelenets shares her harrowing experiences from the first days of the war – the fear, uncertainty and eventual decision to flee the city with her church community. Despite difficult conditions, God's provision and grace sustained them. Though she returned home months later, the impact of war remains. Kotelenets’s husband ministers at funerals almost daily, including that of a coworker who recently died in combat. Our listeners are reminded that all parts of the body of Christ feel the suffering of others. Kotelenets asks for prayers for the children enduring so much change and loss, and for strength to continue living through this conflict with hope. If you'd like to support relief efforts in Ukraine, donations can be made through calvaryglobalnetwork.com/relief Join us next time for another firsthand account of courage, sacrifice and faith continuing to burn bright within the Calvary Chapel family amidst the darkness of war.

The Raskol of 1666 and What it Shows Us About Russian Orthodox Theology

On this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, we dive into the topic of Russian Orthodox Christianity.

My guest is Shane Angland. Shane is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, and he was also a missionary in Eastern Ukraine.

The Raskol of 1666 was a schism that took place in the Russian Orthodox Church, which highlights some of the distinctive features of Orthodox theology, and Russian Orthodoxy theology uniquely. Furthermore, we talk about how Russian Orthodox theology plays a role in the current war in Ukraine.

Click here to listen to the episode or listen in the embedded player below.

The Raskol of 1666 and What It Shows Us About Russian Orthodox Theology – Theology for the People

On this episode of Theology for the People, we dive into the topic of Russian Orthodox Christianity.  My guest is Shane Angland. Shane is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, and he was also a missionary in Eastern Ukraine.  The Raskol of 1666 was a schism that took place in the Russian Orthodox Church, which highlights some of the distinctive features of Orthodox theology, and Russian Orthodoxy theology uniquely. Furthermore, we talk about how Russian Orthodox theology plays a role in the current war in Ukraine. Visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org

Christ’s Concern for the Local Church: Seen in the 7 Letters to Churches in Revelation

On this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Mike Neglia about the 7 letters to 7 churches in Revelation 2-3, and what these letters show us about Christ’s concern for local churches, and how that should shape the way we feel and act towards the local church ourselves.

Mike Neglia is the Lead Pastor of Calvary Cork, in Cork, Ireland. He is a graduate student at Western Seminary and he leads Expositors Collective, an initiative to train and equip the next generation of Christ-centered expository Bible teachers.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

Click here to listen to the episode or listen in the embedded player below.

Christ's Concern for the Local Church: Seen in the 7 Letters to Churches in Revelation – with Mike Neglia – Theology for the People

Mike Neglia is the Lead Pastor of Calvary Cork, in Cork, Ireland. He is a graduate student at Western Seminary and he leads Expositors Collective, an initiative to train and equip the next generation of Christ-centered expository Bible teachers. In this episode, Mike and I speak about the 7 letters to 7 churches in Revelation 2-3, and what these letters show us about Christ's concern for local churches, and how that should shape the way we feel and act towards the local church ourselves. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Expositors Collective Podcast episode with Jeffrey Weima The Sermons to the Seven Churches of Revelation: A Commentary and Guide, by Jeffrey Weima Calvary Global Network International Conference Calvary Cork YouTube page

The Radical Reformers and Their Impact on Christianity Today

On this episode of the Theology for the People Podcast, I speak with Shane Angland about the Radical Reformers of the 16th Century, and how the ideas of the Radical Reformation, though they were initially met with opposition, have had an incredible impact on Christianity as we know it today, including how the church relates to the government and society as a whole. Furthermore, we discuss some of the lessons we can learn today from the mistakes and missteps of the Radical Reformers.

Shane is a Teaching Elder at Ennis Evangelical Church in County Clare, Ireland. He spent several years as a missionary in Ukraine, and is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary.

Click here to listen to the episode or listen in the embedded player below.

The Radical Reformers and Their Impact on Christianity Today – Theology for the People

On this episode I speak with Shane Angland about the Radical Reformers of the 16th Century, and how the ideas of the Radical Reformation, though they were initially met with opposition — they have had an incredible impact on Christianity as we know it today, including how the church relates to the government and society as a whole. Furthermore, we discuss some of the lessons we can learn today from the mistakes and missteps of the radical reformers, as well.  Shane Angland is a Teaching Elder at Ennis Evangelical Church in County Clare, Ireland. He spent several years as a missionary in Ukraine, and is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary. 

When were the Gospels & Revelation Written? And Why It Matters – with Shane Angland

How do we know when the books of the New Testament were written? Is it important?

In this episode of the Theology for the People podcast, I speak with Shane Angland about the dating of the Gospels and Revelation, and why the answer to that question might be more important than you think.

We discuss relative and absolute dating methods. We also look at some of the evidences for why we can be confident that the Gospels were written shortly after Jesus’ life and ascension. Additionally we talk about the Book of Revelation, and how the dating of Revelation actually determines how we interpret it.

Shane ss a teaching elder at Ennis Evangelical Church in County Clare, Ireland. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and holds a BA in History and Politics from the University of Limerick. Shane also served for several years as a missionary in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The book Shane recommends at the end of this episode is: Redating the New Testament by John A.T. Robinson. Although Shane doesn’t agree with Robinson’s theology at some points, this work was groundbreaking because it showed that the books of the New Testament were most likely all written within the first century, and therefore were not pseudographs written in the Second Century, or later, as some, like Walter Bauer, had claimed in the 19th Century.

Check out Shane’s blog here: http://anglandicus.blogspot.com/

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

When were the Gospels & Revelation Written? And Why It Matters – with Shane Angland – Theology for the People

How do we know when the books of the New Testament were written? Is it important? In this episode, I speak with Shane Angland about the dating of the Gospels and Revelation, and why the answer to that question might be more important than you think. We look at some of the evidences for why we can be confident that the Gospels were written shortly after Jesus' life and ascension. Additionally we talk about the Book of Revelation, and how the dating of Revelation actually determines how we interpret it. Shane ss a teaching elder at Ennis Evangelical Church in County Clare, Ireland. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and holds a BA in History and Politics from the University of Limerick. Shane also served for several years as a missionary in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The book Shane recommends at the end of this episode is: Redating the New Testament by John A.T. Robinson Check out Shane's blog here: http://anglandicus.blogspot.com/ Visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org, where you can read articles and suggest topics for future episodes.

What Proof is there that Jesus Actually Resurrected?

On this episode of the Theology for the People podcast, Michael Payne and I discuss what is at stake in regard to Jesus’ resurrection, as well as some alternative explanations for Jesus’ missing body that have been proposed. Finally, we share some of the strongest evidences for why Christians believe that Jesus did in fact rise from the grave.

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

What Proof is there that Jesus Actually Resurrected? – Theology for the People

In this episode, Nick Cady and Michael Payne discuss what is at stake in regard to Jesus' resurrection, as well as some alternative explanations for Jesus' missing body that have been proposed. Finally, they share some of the strongest evidences for why Christians believe that Jesus did in fact rise from the grave. For more from Nick and Mike, check out the White Fields Church Podcast, whitefieldschurch.com, or the White Fields YouTube channel. Make sure to visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org for more articles and content.

Bible Study in the Dark Ages: The Irish Monastic Approach and What It Can Teach Us Today

Shane Angland is a teaching elder at Ennis Evangelical Church in County Clare, Ireland. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and holds a B.A. in History and Politics from the University of Limerick. Shane also served for several years as a missionary in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

On this episode of the Theology for the People podcast, Shane shares some of his research about the Irish monastic approach to Bible study in the “Dark Ages” and what made it unique, as well as what we today can learn from their practices.

Check out Shane’s blog here: anglandicus.blogspot.com

Click here to listen to the episode, or listen in the embedded player below.

Bible Study in the Dark Ages: The Irish Monastic Approach and What It Can Teach Us Today – with Shane Angland – Theology for the People

Shane Angland is a teaching elder at Ennis Evangelical Church in County Clare, Ireland. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M.) and holds a BA in History and Politics from the University of Limerick. Shane also served for several years as a missionary in Kharkiv, Ukraine. On this episode, Shane shares some of his research about the Irish monastic approach to Bible study in the "Dark Ages" and what made it unique, as well as what we today can learn from their practices. Check out Shane's blog here: http://anglandicus.blogspot.com/ Visit the Theology for the People blog at nickcady.org, where you can read articles and suggest topics for future episodes.