Pastor David Rosales of Calvary Chapel Chino Valley, a leader within the global Calvary Chapel Association, has spoken out after online commentator Candace Owens suggested that Calvary Chapel was connected to CIA operations and driven by a covert agenda tied to Israel.
Rosales, who was saved during the Jesus Movement, discussed how the Holy Spirit drove the movement as broken young people came to Christ. These people, he insists, were far from being government agents. “…we were hippies,” Rosales said. “If there was anything I was, it was anti-establishment. If there was anything I was, it was anti-military… So to be painted as a covert CIA operative is funny.”
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Owens had recently questioned Calvary Chapel’s history and motives, implying that its founder, Pastor Chuck Smith, was linked to intelligence networks. Rosales vehemently rejected the claim. “Pastor Chuck was my pastor. He most certainly was not some government-sponsored official trying to turn Calvary Chapels into some military organization,” he said.
Rosales also addressed Owens’ allegations of theological manipulation within the movement regarding the nation of Israel. “Pastor Chuck never told us, ‘You must get in line with my beliefs,’” Rosales said. “We entered into the Scriptures and grew to love the nation of Israel and the Jewish people… There’s nothing wrong with believing that. That’s a biblical way to look at things.”
He then gave Calvary Chapel’s position on Israel and Christianity: “No, we don’t believe in the replacement theological stance… God continues to work with Israel. He’s got a plan for Israel.”
While Rosales expressed respect for Owens’ communication abilities, he also invited her to a deeper understanding. “I do know a number of our members in the pastoral relationships we have. I do know that there are many who would be more than willing to have a conversation with Candace to try and explain those things. I’m sorrowful to know that she feels that way and that she has taken upon herself to make those kinds of comments. Perhaps she needs to know we’re not a denomination,” he said.
Ultimately, Rosales said that it was the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ that brought so many people to the Jesus Movement.
“It was the gospel of Jesus Christ that we received. It was the message of salvation and transformation that is for all men,” he stated.
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
