Pastor Jack Hibbs: “Christians May Need to Get Out of California”
In a bold and urgent message, Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills has sounded the alarm for Christians across California. During a recent church service and in subsequent interviews, Hibbs warned believers that the time may soon come when they must “pack up and get out” of the Golden State. His declaration isn’t just a political statement—it’s a spiritual and moral outcry against the increasingly aggressive legislative agenda that threatens parental rights, religious liberty, and biblical values.
The primary concern driving Hibbs’ warning is California Assembly Bill 1955, deceptively titled the “Support Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth Act.” This bill, backed by leftist lawmakers and radical LGBTQ+ lobbyists, would bar schools from notifying parents if their child begins identifying as a different gender at school. In essence, the state would usurp parental authority by allowing children to transition socially without their guardians’ knowledge.
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Hibbs didn’t mince words. He stated, “If AB 1955 passes, then it is the law of California that if your child—your 6th-grade daughter, your 10-year-old son—wants to start the trans journey at school, you are not allowed to be notified.” The pastor called it an “evil” assault on the family, suggesting that continued silence and compliance by Christians would be tantamount to surrendering to darkness.
To many Christian parents, Hibbs’ warning feels long overdue. For years, California has led the charge in pushing radical gender ideology, anti-family mandates, and curriculum policies that directly contradict Scripture. From mandatory LGBT history classes to vaccine mandates and abortion protections, the state has repeatedly put progressive dogma ahead of parental rights and religious convictions.
But AB 1955 represents something even more insidious: the complete erasure of parents from the lives of their own children. Under this law, teachers and school staff would be shielded from repercussions for hiding a child’s gender identity change. The family structure, ordained by God and protected throughout Western civilization, is being redefined and dismantled.
Hibbs reminded his congregation that Christians are not called to be passive participants in society. “We are not called to yield to Caesar when Caesar defies God,” he warned. Quoting the Apostle Paul and referencing the Exodus, Hibbs called on believers to consider fleeing California much like Lot was called out of Sodom—not out of fear, but out of obedience and discernment.
To be clear, Hibbs isn’t advocating for an emotional or hasty decision. He challenged Christians to seek God’s will about where they live, how they raise their families, and whether they can remain faithful in a state that openly mocks biblical truth. “There are those who are called to stay and fight. But there are others who must protect their families from what’s coming,” he said.
Critics have labeled Hibbs’ remarks as “alarmist” or “divisive,” but many Christian families feel vindicated by his stance. His words echo the sentiments of thousands who have already fled California for more conservative states like Texas, Tennessee, and Florida—places where religious freedom is still honored and parents retain authority over their children.
From a theological perspective, Pastor Hibbs is echoing an ancient biblical pattern. Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to leave places of corruption and danger. Abraham left Ur. Joseph was warned to flee with Mary and Jesus. Early Christians often fled Roman persecution. In all cases, the move was not motivated by fear, but by faith and obedience.
Hibbs emphasized that this decision is not about political affiliation, but spiritual integrity. “We are being forced into a choice: follow Caesar or follow Christ,” he said. For many Christians in California, that choice is becoming clearer—and more painful—by the day.
The prominent pastor also pointed to AB 495 as the inevitable result of too many Christian voters in California opting not to get involved in the political process by voting. “Here we are. Evil always fills a void or vacancy. Jesus said that,” said Hibbs, summarizing Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:43-45.
As part of his Real Impact ministries, Hibbs announced the “Stop AB 495 Rally” on Aug. 19 at the steps of the state capitol in Sacramento and said he’s hoping to rally as many as 5,000 Christians to show up to voice their opposition.
He even urged his congregation to consider taking the day off from work or even “planning to have a sore throat or something that day.”
What’s especially disturbing is that AB 1955 is only one of dozens of bills aimed at reshaping family life and education in California. As Hibbs noted, “This is a coordinated effort. They’re not coming for your cars or your taxes. They’re coming for your children.”
For conservative Christians still residing in the state, Hibbs’ warning isn’t just a call to action—it’s a call to revival. Whether that revival happens in California or beyond, he believes the Church must be willing to make hard choices for the sake of truth, righteousness, and the next generation.
It remains to be seen whether Governor Gavin Newsom will sign AB 1955 into law. But even if he doesn’t, the groundwork for government-controlled parenting has already been laid. As Pastor Hibbs concluded, “We have reached a moment where Christians must ask: Can I still be faithful here? Or is God telling me to leave?”
For many, the answer may now be clear.
Jack Hibbs, California, AB 1955, parental rights, religious freedom, Christian exodus, state overreach, progressive agenda, biblical values, woke policies