Calvary Chapel Cooperative
Working together to see Calvary Chapel flourish
Who We Are
The Calvary Chapel Cooperative is a relational community that exists to equip and encourage Calvary Chapel churches.
We are a fellowship of pastors, church leaders, and churches who share a common theological heritage and philosophy of ministry.
We are a cooperative rather than a denomination, association, or governing body. Our purpose is not to exercise authority over churches, but to serve and strengthen them through meaningful relationships, shared resources, collaborative ministry, and practical support.
Our Approach
The Cooperative provides resources and training through Cultivate, Expositors Collective, Pastors Connection, and When She Serves. Additionally, we facilitate opportunities for relational community by creating environments where pastors and leaders can encourage one another, learn from one another, and work together for the advancement of the gospel.
Participation in and contribution to the cooperative is voluntary, rooted in mutual trust and shared mission rather than institutional authority.
Our Relationship to Churches
The Cooperative does not determine who is or is not a Calvary Chapel. We do not function as a gatekeeper, nor do we exercise authority over local churches.
We gladly serve churches that share our core convictions and ministry values. We recognize the autonomy of each local church and seek to support, encourage, and equip church leaders as they fulfill God's calling in their unique contexts.
Participation
Like-minded individuals, ministries, and churches are welcome to participate in Cooperative events, ministries, and resources without any requirement to join.
Churches that desire a deeper relationship may join the Cooperative as cooperating churches, making meaningful commitments to one another and actively participating in our shared life and mission.
Our Core Values
We are unapologetically Calvary Chapel.
We gladly carry forward the convictions and way of ministry that have shaped Calvary Chapel, without dilution and without apology.
We believe the local church comes first.
We exist to serve and strengthen the ministry already happening in local churches, recognizing them as the primary context of God’s work.
We are stronger together than we are alone.
We choose cooperation, shared labor, and mutual support because the work of ministry is more faithful and fruitful when we walk together.
We walk together with love, trust, and grace.
We believe healthy relationships are the foundation of an enduring future.
Working Together for Calvary Chapel
Gatherings
Regional and online conversations that strengthen relationships, encourage pastors, and cultivate meaningful fellowship.
Cooperative Ministries
Collaborative initiatives where churches voluntarily work together to accomplish more than they could individually.
Resource Development
Creating articles, teaching materials, research, and practical tools that strengthen churches across the Calvary Chapel movement.
Meet the Team
Nick Cady
Nick Cady is the lead pastor of White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado. He holds an M.A. in Integrative Theology from London School of Theology. Prior to moving to Colorado, Nick spent 10 years in Hungary as a missionary, pastor and church planter with Calvary Chapel.
Nick has a heart for the mission of God through the Church, and prior to leading the Cultivate team, was involved in equipping and training church planters in the US and Europe.
Brian Kelly
For the past 20 years, Brian has served in church planting and missions in East Africa, New Zealand, and the United States. He has been involved in five church plants and supported dozens more as a sending pastor. A graduate of Calvary Chapel Bible College, he also founded the CCBC campus in East Africa. Brian is the lead pastor of WestChurch in Florida, where he lives with his wife Lynne and their three children.
Ted Leavenworth
Ted Leavenworth is the Senior Pastor of Reliance Church in Temecula, California, with over 30 years of ministry experience and a Master’s degree in Applied Biblical Leadership from Western Theological Seminary. He has led two church plants and helped facilitate many others nationally and internationally. He also co-hosts The Leadership Collective Podcast. Ted and his wife Brenda, married since 1985, have three children and ten grandchildren.
Brenda Leavenworth
An author and speaker based in California, Brenda holds a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies and is passionate about helping women grow in godliness and serve Christ faithfully through Scripture. She serves at Reliance Church as Department Head of Women’s Ministry and Strategic Leadership, and leads the When She Serves conferences and podcast.
Mike Neglia
Mike is the lead pastor at Calvary Cork, having moved to Ireland from California in 2003. In addition to discipling others and teaching weekly as the lead pastor, Mike is pursuing a master's degree at Western Seminary and hosts the Expositors Collective podcast with weekly episodes designed to equip and edify Bible teachers of all walks of life. Mike is married to Rachel, and along with their children, enjoy exploring the City of Cork.
Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas is president of Calvary Chapel Bible College (CCBC) in Bradenton, Florida, where he is also an alumnus. Before serving at CCBC, he was the founding pastor of Calvary: The Hill in Seattle, Washington. He holds an M.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Western Seminary and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Intercultural Education there. Justin is married to Brittany, and they have five children.
Bruce Zachary
Raised in a Jewish home, Bruce came to faith in Christ over 30 years ago. He has been married to Karen since 1991 and they have two sons. An ordained pastor for nearly 30 years, Bruce planted Calvary Nexus in Camarillo, CA in 1996, where he still serves as teaching pastor. He is also a graduate of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa’s School of Ministry, a former attorney, author of 17 books, and director of the Calvary Church Planting Network.