Brian Brodersen

Co-Senior Pastor

Pastor Brian Brodersen grew up in Southern California. He became a Christian at age 22 and began attending Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, pastored by Chuck Smith. He met his wife, Cheryl, the youngest daughter of Pastor Chuck and Kay Smith, at a Bible study in Huntington Harbor. They were married on May 23, 1980, and have four grown children, five grandsons, and one granddaughter.

Brian served in youth ministry and taught Bible studies. Then in 1983, he and Cheryl moved to Vista, California, where he assumed the pastorate of Calvary Chapel Vista. During those years, he began traveling overseas, initially to Yugoslavia and Hungary, and this led to Calvary Chapel’s outreach to Eastern Europe. Many young men and women were sent out from California in those early days of ministry as pastors and missionaries, and currently there are numerous churches, Bible colleges, and retreat centers all over Western and Eastern Europe.

In 1996, the Brodersen family moved to London, England, to plant Calvary Chapel Westminster. The church began small, but God blessed the ministry, and thankfully, there are now dozens of affiliated Calvary Chapel churches throughout Great Britain.

In the year 2000, at the request of Pastor Chuck, the family returned to California to transition into the pastorate of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Brian began ministering alongside Pastor Chuck, as well as traveling and teaching at many conferences both nationally and internationally. Pastor Brian was elected to serve as senior pastor in October 2013.

Brian is known for his clear and challenging exposition of the Scriptures and can be heard daily on his Bible-teaching program, Back to Basics.

Born: 1956

On staff since: 2000

Favorite verse: “And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Recent Studies

26 Mar 2023
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Jesus and the Truth
Jesus said, “The reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

“What is truth?” retorted...
19 Mar 2023
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Christ in Control
Pastor Brian reminds us from John 18 that Jesus, despite all appearances during his betrayal, arrest, trial, and ultimate death, remains firmly in control.

We can have total confidence in the midst...
26 Feb 2023
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Take Heart!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus,...
19 Feb 2023
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The Holy Spirit's Work in the World
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” 

In...
29 Jan 2023
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The Holy Spirit and the Life of the Church
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because...
15 Jan 2023
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The Story of the Church
Pastors Brian + Char Brodersen share the pulpit as they convey their hearts regarding generational obedience + God's faithfulness. In this message, you'll hear about the history of Calvary Chapel...
14 Jan 2023
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CCCM Leadership Update
Pastors Brian + Char Brodersen shared the pulpit as they conveyed their hearts regarding generational obedience + God's faithfulness. In the message, you'll hear about the history of Calvary Chapel...
9 Jan 2023
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Session One: Brian Brodersen