Brian Brodersen, the heir to the Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa throne, was recently accused publicly by Michael A. Smith (Chuck Smith’s grandson) of hitting his daughter in the head causing her ear to bleed in a violent outburst.
CalvaryChapelAbuse.com has a screen shot of the public allegation (see this article).
I was personally contacted by other Smith family members who confirm the story and allege that Brodersen had a problem with being abusive to his kids.
Another source close to the Brodersen kids confirmed this specific incident, stating it happened in England while the Brodersen family lived there.
I reached out to Brian Brodersen by phone and email several times to get his side of the story, with no response…though I was threatened through back-channels (though I cannot confirm it was originated by Brodersen or that he had anything to do with the threats) that I’d be sued or worse (a hint of violence)…a pattern seen in other Calvary Chapel situations over the years when there is someone willing to go forward with news unfavorable to Calvary Chapel leadership. I also reached out to Char, the now adult son, with no response and was unable to get contact info for the daughter, Kristyn…though one of the sources is a friend of hers.
Smith family members say Brodersen had an ongoing problem of abusing his kids, one close friend of the kids confirmed the incident but claims there were only sporadic instances of violent outbursts by Brodersen, and not an ongoing regular problem that required intervention.