Thanksgiving Joy Fest promoter Paul Hammack told Christian Media that he had heard concerns about The Set Free Fellowship, so he researched them before booking the event in their facilities. The trail led him to Calvary Chapel as well as the counter cult group, The Christian Research Institute (CRI). Hammack claims former Set Free members reached through Calvary Chapel told him Set Free was, in his words, "the worst thing since David Koresh." During the same period, a radio figure named Warren Duffy interviewed Set Free's Phil Aguilar on his program. In that broadcast, Duffy enthusiastically supported Aguilar and his church and there was not a hint of animosity or controversy between the two leaders.

Hammack then inquired at CRI about Set Free. He was told there was no information available concerning Set Free. Hammack visited Sunday services at the church and said he fund nothing unusual. Claiming he could not document any problems with Set Free, Hammack booked the event at their facilities.

Two of the key churches schedules to participate at Joy Fest were Calvary Chapels. The pastor of one was scheduled to speak and both had committed to bringing their youth groups. Three days before the event, Hammack was notified the churches had decided to stay away from Thanksgiving Joy Fest due to the connection with Set Free.

In a faxed response to an angry correspondence from Hammack to Calvary chapel Senior Pastor Chuck Smith,¹ Smith responded that "When Phil Aguilar was in to see me a few weeks ago, we came to an understanding and we parted as brothers in Christ." He denied any Calvary Chapel involvement in sabotaging the event. That very same week, Phil Aguilar was interviewed by Paul Crouch on Trinity Broadcasting Network. During the program, Paul Crouch discussed the past controversy between Aguilar and Chuck Smith. Aguilar expressed his frustration, claiming he thought the dispute between the two churches had been settled long also. Crouch then said to Aguilar, "we're not supposed to sue Christian brothers, we're not to harm Christian brothers, but what they're doing to you is not Christian...they are not your brothers and you should sue the b------s."

The unflattering information on Set Free is coming from former members who are exasperated that the group keeps escaping closer scrutiny. Although the Christian Research Institute (CRI) did have critical information on file concerning Set Free, that information is now being suppressed by CRI President Hank Hanegraaff. In our article concerning CRI (OIU, Vol.1) we have provided evidence that strongly implies that Mr. Hanegraaff took a bribe from Phil Aguilar to cease exposing the darker side of his ministry. Since Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapel have now publicly refused to confront Set Free and CRI has lied and stated they have no information about the group, Christian Media is preparing an article that will be made available on request. CM is currently gathering more information on Set Free, as well as their mysterious connection to TBN. [Trinity Broadcasting Network]

February 1995

Footnote by ESN:

¹ Chuck Smith is founder of the Calvary Chapel network of huge worship centers (first in Costa Mesa, CA). In 1978 in his book Future Survival, Smith said: "From my understanding of biblical prophesies, I'm convinced that the Lord is coming for His Church before the end of 1981." Also see article: Chuck Smith taught Jesus would return in 1981 for exact quotes.

The above article was excerpted from a 400+ page report that the Exit & Support Network^™ has compiled from various documents, articles and letters on CRI and Hank Hanegraaff. This report includes the packet from the Group for CRI Accountability. All emphasis above is ours.

UPDATE: In the August 1991 issue of The National Educator an article by Robert E. Chalenor [now deceased] stated that The Orange County Register featured a six page exposé of the Set Free cult and documented almost every allegation that Mr. Chalenor made in his previous columns. The feature article in the Register confirmed that Set Free was operated by Phil Aguilar, a convicted child molester. The Register also identified TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network) as founders of Set Free. Could Hank Hanegraaff have possibly taken a bribe from Worldwide Church of God to clear them from cult status? 

CRI in the News Again

The CRI Story (more information; taken from OIU Newsletter #1)

Letters to Hank Hanegraaff

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