That sure doesn't sound like the Calvary Chapel that I went to as a frequent visitor (Costa Mesa in the 70's). If what you are saying is accurate, I wonder if this is a rogue pastor trying to set up his own little theocracy and needs to be removed by the congregation.
Having been on staff at more than one church in my time, what is disturbing to me (among other things) is his hiding of the finances from congregation members. When you say "We needed $65,000 to fix the A/C and somehow the mortgage went over $90,000" do you mean a mortgage was taken out specifically to fix the air conditioner and you question why it was so much more than the esitimated cost of repairs? This is certainly a question that should be answered to any congregation member that asks it. In fact, there should have been a clear explanation given to the congregation before they even had to ask. I can see valid and proper reasons for this to happen, but it should be clear and out in the open! (For example, it could be a mortgage in the form of a line of credit in which interest is only paid on the amount used, and the higher limit of $90,000 allows a large margin for unanticipated cost overruns, etc.) I take it you are an official member, have actually asked to see the financial records, and have been denied. Or at least you know for a fact that another member has done this... No church I've been involved with has ever hidden their financial records!
When you say he has fired people from the ministry I assume you are talking about paid ministry staff, not non-ministerial staff such as a church secretary, janitor, etc? And firing (as opposed to laying off) implies it was done because of some serious problem with the minister, not just a budget cut or something similar. This is ALWAYS something that the congregation should have a say in, probably through an official vote at an official congregational meeting if it has come to that point. As with anyone else, Matt 18:15-17 should have been followed and presenting the situation to the entire congregation for determination of what action should be taken would have been the last of the three steps if the 1st two failed. Sometimes this can cause splits in a congregation, which is sad. And to avoid this, sometimes church officials will fire someone without congregation approval, or they will force them to resign so they can claim that it was the minister's choice, not theirs. But this goes against Matt18, and using a congregations perceived inappropriate reaction is no excuse for circumventing God's word. Matt 18 applies to all Christians, whether brand new convert or long time pastor.
As far as his changes to the services, well, these things are a pastors prerogative in my opinion. They don't sound like good changes to me, but I'm not a member of that church. The pastor needs to make changes that are beneficial to his congregation, not for his own good or his own advancement of power. If the congregation doesn't like these changes, this is another area that the congregation needs to come together and confront him, and demand changes.
All in all, the easiest way (other than to simply leave) is probably going to be for the congregation to fire the pastor and find a new one that fits their ideas better. A harder way will be to teach the pastor to change his ways and attitudes. Not sure ho you do that with someone who is how you describe this man. It won't be easy. But keep in mind, most churches that fire a pastor also loose at least half of their congregation in the process. And this DOES have real world consequences when it come time to pay the bills out of the reduced income that will result. That may not be right, but it is reality and is something worth considering when choosing whether to fire him or to try to change him.
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