This week in Christian history: ‘Jesus Revolution’ leader dies, Pope John Paul II holds Mass at Yankee Stadium

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, October 01, 2023

'Jesus Movement' leader Chuck Smith dies – Oct. 3, 2013

Pastor Chuck Smith closed out the 2012 SoCal Prophecy Conference at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills with a message of 'blessed hope' for Christians during End Times, March 4, 2012. — Pastor Chuck Smith closed out the 2012 SoCal Prophecy Conference at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills with a message of "blessed hope" for Christians during End Times, March 4, 2012. | (Photo: Calvary Chapel Chino Hills/Steve Hurlbert)

This week marks the anniversary of when Chuck Smith, the founder of Calvary Chapel and a leader in the “Jesus Revolution” movement of the 1960s and 1970s, died at age 86.

Smith, who succumbed following a lengthy battle with cancer, had announced his condition to his congregation at the end of 2012 and maintained a regular preaching schedule.

Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Fellowship Church in Riverside, California, who had been inspired by the movement, gave his condolences at the time, commending Smith for his positive influence.

“Rarely does a man come along that impacts a generation, but Chuck Smith was that man,” stated Laurie in 2013.

“I can't help but think of the Apostle Paul's words to Timothy, 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.' (2 Tim 4:7-8)”