Dear Church Family and Friends,
In light of the recent public clarification from Pastor Char Brodersen, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa regarding the ordination of women to the offices of pastor and elder, we believe it is important to clearly and lovingly communicate where Calvary Chapel Payson stands.
We remain aligned with the Calvary Chapel Association (CCA) and with the plain teaching of Scripture as historically understood and practiced in the Calvary Chapel movement under the influence of Pastor Chuck Smith. We hold to the Calvary Chapel Distinctives that have shaped our fellowship for decades.
Scripture teaches that both men and women are created in the image of God, equal in dignity, value, and spiritual worth, and that the Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes gifts to every believer for the building up of the body of Christ (Genesis 1:27; Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12; Ephesians 4). We gladly affirm the indispensable, vital, and highly valued ministry of women throughout the life of the church, serving, teaching, discipling, leading in many areas, praying, and advancing the gospel in countless ways. Women have always been essential to the work of God among us, and we are grateful for their faithful service.
At the same time, we believe the New Testament reserves the office of pastor/elder/overseer, those who exercise governing authority and primary doctrinal teaching over the gathered congregation for biblically qualified men. This conviction rests on the plain reading of passages such as 1 Timothy 2:11–14, 1 Timothy 3:1–7, and Titus 1:5–9. These texts ground the qualification in creation order and the character requirements for those who shepherd the flock, not in cultural preference or personal gifting alone. Our practice flows from a desire to remain faithful to the authority of God’s Word rather than from any devaluing of women or their Spirit given gifts.
We view this as a consequential matter of biblical interpretation, church order, and pastoral faithfulness, even while recognizing that disagreement on this point does not determine a person’s salvation. Our allegiance is ultimately to Jesus Christ and to the authority of Scripture, not to any particular organization, name, or family legacy.
Calvary Chapel Payson remains committed to the simple, verse by verse teaching of God’s Word, dependence upon the Holy Spirit, and the hope of Christ’s return, the heart of what has historically marked Calvary Chapel fellowships. We will continue to love, serve, and equip both men and women to use their gifts fully under the headship of Christ and in accordance with the pattern given in Scripture.
We encourage our church family to walk in humility, grace, and charity toward all believers, including those with whom we differ on this matter. We pray for the leaders and congregation of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, for unity in the essentials of the faith across the broader body of Christ, and for our own hearts to remain soft, watchful, and obedient to the Word.
If you have questions regarding these things, we welcome conversation. Our desire is simply to walk in the light of Scripture with clarity and love.
In the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pastor, Isaac Bradford,
and the Calvary Chapel Payson Leadership
In light of the recent public clarification from Pastor Char Brodersen, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa regarding the ordination of women to the offices of pastor and elder, we believe it is important to clearly and lovingly communicate where Calvary Chapel Payson stands.
We remain aligned with the Calvary Chapel Association (CCA) and with the plain teaching of Scripture as historically understood and practiced in the Calvary Chapel movement under the influence of Pastor Chuck Smith. We hold to the Calvary Chapel Distinctives that have shaped our fellowship for decades.
Scripture teaches that both men and women are created in the image of God, equal in dignity, value, and spiritual worth, and that the Holy Spirit sovereignly distributes gifts to every believer for the building up of the body of Christ (Genesis 1:27; Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12; Romans 12; Ephesians 4). We gladly affirm the indispensable, vital, and highly valued ministry of women throughout the life of the church, serving, teaching, discipling, leading in many areas, praying, and advancing the gospel in countless ways. Women have always been essential to the work of God among us, and we are grateful for their faithful service.
At the same time, we believe the New Testament reserves the office of pastor/elder/overseer, those who exercise governing authority and primary doctrinal teaching over the gathered congregation for biblically qualified men. This conviction rests on the plain reading of passages such as 1 Timothy 2:11–14, 1 Timothy 3:1–7, and Titus 1:5–9. These texts ground the qualification in creation order and the character requirements for those who shepherd the flock, not in cultural preference or personal gifting alone. Our practice flows from a desire to remain faithful to the authority of God’s Word rather than from any devaluing of women or their Spirit given gifts.
We view this as a consequential matter of biblical interpretation, church order, and pastoral faithfulness, even while recognizing that disagreement on this point does not determine a person’s salvation. Our allegiance is ultimately to Jesus Christ and to the authority of Scripture, not to any particular organization, name, or family legacy.
Calvary Chapel Payson remains committed to the simple, verse by verse teaching of God’s Word, dependence upon the Holy Spirit, and the hope of Christ’s return, the heart of what has historically marked Calvary Chapel fellowships. We will continue to love, serve, and equip both men and women to use their gifts fully under the headship of Christ and in accordance with the pattern given in Scripture.
We encourage our church family to walk in humility, grace, and charity toward all believers, including those with whom we differ on this matter. We pray for the leaders and congregation of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, for unity in the essentials of the faith across the broader body of Christ, and for our own hearts to remain soft, watchful, and obedient to the Word.
If you have questions regarding these things, we welcome conversation. Our desire is simply to walk in the light of Scripture with clarity and love.
In the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pastor, Isaac Bradford,
and the Calvary Chapel Payson Leadership