A pastor’s plea to Christian parents: run. Why Jack Hibbs says AB 495 could strip you of your God-given authority and what believers must do now.



California Pastor Jack Hibbs is warning Christians to flee the state if lawmakers pass a bill that would allow for nearly any adult to take custody of children without their parents ' consent. "If this bill passes, I am going to ask you to leave the state of California," Hibbs, who leads Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, told the congregation. "You're gonna need to pack up and get out; you gotta get out. You gotta run with your kids. You gotta go."

The bill, titled the Family Preparedness Plan Act of 2025, would expand the definition of a "caregiver" to include "nonrelative extended family members," which means "any adult caregiver who has an established familial or mentoring relationship with the child, or who has an established familial relationship with a relative of the child." These types of caregivers would be able to take custody of a child by signing an affidavit.

The bill would also allow a "caregiver" to make critical medical decisions for a child, including authorizing immunizations or physical exams, The Christian Post reported.

Hibbs noted that AB 495 is the result of too many Christians in California not voting.

"Here we are. Evil always fills a void or vacancy. Jesus said that," said Hibbs, alluding to Jesus' words in Matthew 12:43-45.

The pastor also announced the "Stop AB 495 Rally" at the steps of the state capitol in Sacramento on August 19, which is part of his Real Impact Ministries. He hopes to rally at least 5,000 Christians and oppose the legislation.

He also urged his congregation to take the day off from work or even "planning to have a sore throat or something that day," as he stressed the importance of the issue at hand.

"We want to make a statement because AB 495, one hundred percent strips parents of their parental rights," he said. "... We will let it continue, or we will make some noise. I am going to ask you to stand for righteousness and do the right thing."

The California state Senate appropriations committee is expected to gather for a hearing on AB 495 on August 18.

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