Historic Interview with Pastor Chuck Smith

This is something I wrote and posted on CalvaryFTL.org

Pastor Chuck Smith's emphasis on Bible exposition not only changed a church, it changed a generation.

"Chuck Smith is known globally as the Father of the Jesus Movement," said Pastor Greg Laurie as he introduced Pastor Chuck Thursday night at a live, simulcast event where he interviewed the legendary preacher.

Pastor Chuck Smith, 84, recently announced to the congregation at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa that he had lung cancer and was in need of surgery.

The event was kicked off with music from the Harvest Worship Band and Dennis Agajanian. Agajanian, a living link back to the Jesus Movement according to Pastor Greg, covered Larry Norman's Wish We'd All Been Ready. His rendition of the classic provoked both reflection and worship. The Harvest Worship Band played a nostalgic medley of Jesus Movement songs including Little Country Church.

"This isn't a look at the theology of Chuck Smith. It's a look at Chuck Smith the man," said Pastor Greg before he played a video that focused on the influence Pastor Chuck has had on Greg Laurie's life. The clip was a very appropriate introduction to the interview of Pastor Chuck.

Chuck Smith shed tears as he recounted painful memories of his older sister. He had the entire venue exploded into raucous laughter as he told the story of meeting and dating his wife, Kay. Pastor Chuck also shared his testimony of salvation and call to ministry. Greg Laurie was obviously engaged and surprised by the things Pastor Chuck talked about.

Pastor Greg and Pastor Chuck discussed the early days of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and it's impact and influence on shaping the Jesus Movement and the Calvary Chapel Movement that followed with 1,400 US churches. Pastor Chuck was not able to put a number on the amount of daughter Calvary Chapel churches planted around the world through international outreach.

You don't want to miss this incredible event where Pastor Chuck Smith shares things about his life and ministry that haven't been shared all in one place before. This video will endear you to a man used by God to change the course of a generation.
» watch video here