An Auckland pastor says the family of Calvary Chapel’s founder is trusting Jesus after discovering that he has cancer.

American pastor Chuck Smith, of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, has announced that he is battling Stage 3 lung cancer. The 84-year-old shared the news during church on January 1, and church leaders prayed over him following the service.

Pastor Brian Hughes, Calvary Chapel in Auck-land’s senior pastor says the Smith family has strong faith “and this is God’s plan — he’s an amazing guy”.

The cancer was discovered when an oncologist grew concerned about the results from Smith’s recent routine blood work.

Mr Smith has had further tests, and is expected to have surgery this month.

The beloved preacher also told churchgoers that he has perfect peace in the midst of his illness.

“It just comes by commitment to the Lord,” Smith explained. “I mean, it’s just all in his hands, and so you know that he’s watching over you — and whatever he wants, that’s best for me and so that’s what I want.”

Mr Smith has seen the Calvary Chapel movement explode nationwide and globally, and he was a vital part of the Jesus movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

“He says it’s a work of God and he takes no credit for it,” adds Mr Hughes.

Calvary Chapel is an evangelical association of Christian churches with over 1000 congregations worldwide.

In New Zealand they have more than 10 churches and broadcast a radio station on the Sky digital network. Notable members include evangelist Greg Laurie, Bible teacher Dr Chuck Missler, and musicians Jeremy Camp and Phil Wickham.