Religion News Blog is a non-profit service providing academics, religion professionals and other researchers with religion & cult news

Religion news articles about religious cults, sects, world religions, and related issues

Navigation:

Search

Calvary Chapel Releases Statement On Pastor’s Departure

KOAT, TheNewMexicoChannel.com, USA
Feb. 21, 2006
www.thenewmexicochannel.com

ReligionNewsBlog.com • Wednesday February 22, 2006

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Officials at the Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque released a statement Monday about the seemingly sudden resignation of its pastor, the Rev. Pete Nelson.

An announcement during Sunday services that Nelson, who replaced founding pastor Skip Heitzig in 2004, shocked the congregation of more than 14,000 members.

“The Board of Directors of Calvary of Albuquerque has accepted the resignation of Senior Pastor Pete Nelson effective immediately,” the church said in a news release. “Nelson made the announcement at the Sunday services at Calvary on Feb. 19. He has served as senior pastor for two years, assuming responsibilities in January of 2004. Nelson said he planned to pursue other ministry opportunities. “

“The Board has formally accepted Pete’s resignation, and will now begin the process of looking at other leadership options,” Assistant Pastor Chip Lusko stated in the news release. “The church has been very stable since the departure of founding Pastor Skip Heitzig, and I’m sure the people at Calvary will respond well to this change and expectantly look forward to the future. Calvary of Albuquerque is not built on any man or group of men; it is based on Jesus Christ and His teachings. This church will be fine.”

The full news release can be found on the church’s Web site.