Christian News & Investigative Reports (CNIR) | Church Accountability & Investigations
COSTA MESA, California — Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, the influential Southern California church associated with the historic Jesus Movement, has agreed to a $12 million settlement in a lawsuit involving allegations of repeated sexual assault by a former pastor and wrestling coach.
Former Church Employee Alleged Repeated Abuse
The civil lawsuit, filed in June 2024, alleged that Jacob Harman, a former ordained minister, missionary, and wrestling coach, sexually and physically assaulted a woman who worked for the church.
The plaintiff, a single mother of four, alleged that the assaults occurred between 2016 and 2017.
Her attorneys also claimed church officials received warnings about Harman’s behavior before the alleged assaults but failed to take adequate protective action.
Questions Surround Church Leadership
The lawsuit named former senior pastor Brian Brodersen among the defendants and alleged that church leadership disregarded complaints concerning Harman’s conduct.
Attorneys representing the plaintiff argued that the church’s handling of earlier warnings exposed others to potential harm.
Harman has denied the sexual assault allegations. He has not been criminally convicted of the alleged offenses.
Church Agrees to $12 Million Settlement
The agreement ended the civil litigation before a scheduled jury trial.
According to reporting by The Roys Report, the church did not admit legal fault as part of the settlement.
In a public statement, Calvary Chapel described the resolution as part of its commitment to caring for people affected by harmful conduct.
The church said it intends to move forward while remaining focused on its Christian mission.
A Larger Question for Christian Churches
Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa holds a significant place in evangelical history. Under the late Pastor Chuck Smith, the congregation helped popularize the Jesus Movement during the 1960s and 1970s.
The settlement now raises renewed questions about how churches investigate misconduct allegations, supervise ministry leaders, and protect vulnerable members.
For Christian institutions, the issue extends beyond financial liability to the responsibility of ensuring that allegations of abuse receive serious, independent examination.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to conduct thorough research before making any decisions. Source: Christian News & Investigative Reports (CNIR) — cnirbc.com Reporting the headline. Investigating the facts
