Skip Heitzig


Skip Heitzig is the American founder and senior pastor of Calvary of Albuquerque, a Calvary Chapel fellowship located in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Personal

A native of Southern California, Heitzig has three siblings.
He's been described as a former marijuana smoking surfer dude. Heitzig was witnessed to by a friend, Gino Geraci, senior pastor of Calvary South Denver.
Shortly after this experience, Heitzig began to study under Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa.
In 1981, Heitzig married his wife, Lenya, and together, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to continue his work in the medical field. Together, they have one son, Nathan.

Ministry

In 1982, Heitzig began a home Bible study that eventually grew into Calvary of Albuquerque. In 1988 and 1989, Calvary of Albuquerque was listed as one of the fastest growing churches in America. In 2009, Calvary of Albuquerque was listed as one of the 15 largest churches in America with an average weekend attendance of 13,000.
After a brief pastorate in San Juan Capistrano, Heitzig returned to Calvary of Albuquerque as senior pastor in 2006, following the resignation of the previous pastor, Pete Nelson.
Presently, Heitzig serves on several Boards of Directors, including Samaritan's Purse.
Each year, Heitzig hosts a week-long seminar of teachings at The Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center in North Carolina. He is also a frequent guest speaker at Franklin Graham Festivals and Harvest Crusades with Greg Laurie.

Education

Heitzig attended Victor Valley Community College in California and UCLA to attempt a certificate in radiologic technology.
Heitzig earned his B.A. and M.A from Trinity Seminary, Newburgh, Indiana. In 2009, he was given an honorary doctorate of Divinity by the Gospel for Asia Biblical Seminary in Cochin, India.

Publishing and media

Heitzig is the author of several books and booklets. Of his noted works:
Heitzig can be heard throughout the United States and worldwide on his radio broadcast, The Connection, as well as various cable and internet-based television channels

Music

As a musician, songwriter, and producer, Heitzig has been featured on several musical projects. Of note:
Heitzig wrote the lyrics to the modern hymn, Gloria Exaltus which was released on the album, Stars Shine Bright.

TV and documentaries

Heitzig hosted the video documentary Epicenter, with author, Joel C. Rosenberg, as well as the documentary The Jesus Boat. In 2010, Heitzig released two additional documentaries, Shattered and Riptide. Additionally, Heitzig has been a featured guest on several documentaries and video teachings, including A Venture in Faith.