TX Calvary Chapel Pastor Sentenced to 2 Years for Possessing Child Sex Abuse Material

Bruce Hollen, a former pastor of Calvary Chapel of The Woodlands in Texas, has been sentenced to two years in prison for possessing child sex abuse material. Judge Phil Grant of the 9th District Court of Texas imposed the sentence on Tuesday, crediting Hollen with 24 days of time served. Hollen, 63, was arrested in May 2023 as part of a statewide sting operation targeting internet crimes against children.

Hollen had served as lead pastor of Calvary Chapel of The Woodlands since its founding in 2002. Court records describe the material he possessed as images of girls aged 9 to 12, naked from the waist down, with some depicting sexual activity. In November 2023, Hollen pleaded guilty to possession with intent to promote child pornography, a second-degree felony. Judge Grant convicted him of the charges on Tuesday.

The church, which had been listed on the Calvary Chapel Global Network website, was closed following news of Hollen’s arrest. A former member confirmed the closure, stating that services ceased after the allegations surfaced. The church’s phone number has been disconnected, and its listing on Yelp notes that the location has closed.

Calvary Chapel of The Woodlands was founded in 2002 with Hollen as the sole organizational officer. The church’s listing on the Calvary Chapel Global Network website was removed after TRR sought comment. CGN Director of Operations Michelle Wright stated the organization does not maintain records of individual churches, as each operates independently.

The case highlights the consequences of possessing child sex abuse material and the impact on religious communities. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the protection of the vulnerable.

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