Jack Hibbs | From Rejected to Accepted | Rebecca Weiss Podcast

In today’s episode of the Rebecca Weiss Podcast, I have the honor of sitting down with Jack Hibbs, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. Pastor Jack shares his powerful testimony of surviving a failed abortion, growing up feeling rejected by his father, and how God intervened, transforming his life in incredible ways. His story is a testament to how God’s plan prevails, no matter what obstacles or challenges arise.

Welcome back to the Rebecca Weiss Podcast, everyone! I’m excited today because I’m joined by Pastor Jack Hibbs—a theologian, author, and fellow podcaster. Jack, you’re used to podcasting, right?

Jack Hibbs: Absolutely, I love it! Aside from preaching, podcasting is where I get to be the most real, and I enjoy every moment of it.

Rebecca Weiss: You’re the pastor of a thriving church in California. Tell us a little about that.

Jack Hibbs: Sure! I pastor Calvary Chapel Chino Hills. We started back in 1990 as a small Bible study group with just six people in our home, connected to Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Over the weeks, God kept adding to our numbers, and before we knew it, we had grown into a large church. But the beauty of it is, many of the people who started with us are still part of the church family today. We’ve developed strong bonds over the years, and despite being a large church now, we still have that tight-knit community feel.

Rebecca Weiss: That’s amazing! One of the main reasons I wanted to have you on today is because your testimony is so impactful. I heard it a while back, and it stuck with me. Despite all the hardships you faced, God used your life to accomplish great things. I believe your story will inspire so many listeners. Let’s start at the beginning—your parents and how it all unfolded.

Jack Hibbs: My mom was born and raised in Hawaii. Her parents, originally from São Paulo, Brazil, had moved there. Meanwhile, my dad grew up in South Dakota and later joined the Marine Corps. During World War II, he was stationed in Hawaii, where he met my mom. They eventually married and moved to the mainland, where I was born in San Diego.

Here’s where my story takes a dramatic turn. I found out when I was a junior in high school that my mom had once tried to abort me. My dad, who was deployed to Alaska at the time, didn’t want a third child. When my mom became pregnant with me, she felt frightened and isolated. On Christmas Eve 1957, she attempted an abortion, but thank God, it failed. A neighbor discovered her in distress and got her help, which ultimately saved both her and me.

Rebecca Weiss: That’s such a heavy story. Abortion wasn’t even legal back then, so what your mom went through must have been terrifying. It’s incredible to see how God protected you and had such a bigger plan for your life!

Pastor Jack’s life is proof that no matter the circumstances, God’s purpose will always come through, turning pain into something beautiful. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into his journey and the miracles that unfolded along the way!