A native of Southern California, Heitzig has three siblings (his brother, Bob, died in a motorcycle accident in 1975).
Although he was raised in a religious home, Heitzig rebelled after getting caught up in the lifestyle of the 1960’s and early 1970’s. After experiments with astral projection and New Age thought, Heitzig was moved to become a Christian while watching a TV message by Billy Graham. Shortly after this experience, Heitzig began to study under Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa.
His early training in radiology was through UCLA which included an internship program at San Bernardino County Medical Center in San Bernardino, California. In 1981, Heitzig married his wife, Lenya, and together, they moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico to continue his work in the medical field. Together, they have one son, Nathan.
In 1982, Heitzig began a home Bible study that eventually grew into Calvary of Albuquerque. In 1988 and 1989, Calvary of Albuquerque was listed as one of the fastest growing churches in America. In 2009, Calvary of Albuquerque was listed as one of the 15 largest churches in America with an average weekend attendance of 13,000.
After a brief pastorate in San Juan Capistrano (Ocean Hills, 2004-2006), Heitzig returned to Calvary of Albuquerque as senior pastor in 2006, following the resignation of the previous pastor, Pete Nelson.
Presently, Heitzig serves on several Board of Directors, including Samaritan's Purse.
Each year, Heitzig hosts a week long seminar of teachings at The Cove, the Billy Graham Training Center in North Carolina. He is also a frequent guest speaker at Franklin Graham Festivals and Harvest Crusades with Greg Laurie.
Heitzig attended Victor Valley Community College in California and UCLA to gain his degree in radiology.
Heitzig earned his B.A. and M.A from Trinity Seminary, Newberg, Indiana. In 2009, he was given an honorary doctorate of Divinity by the Gospel for Asia Biblical Seminary in Cochin, India.
Heitzig is the author of several books and booklets. Of his noted works:
How To Study the Bible and Enjoy It (Tyndale House, 1996)
Jesus Up Close (Tyndale House, 2001)
When God Prays (Tyndale House, 2003).
Encounter: Face 2 Face with Jesus (Bridge-Logos, 2009).
GodPrint (Bridge-Logos, 2009).
The Daily God Book (Tyndale House, 2010).
Homeland Security (Bridge-Logos, 2010).
Heitzig can be heard throughout the United States and worldwide on his radio broadcast, The Connection, as well as various cable and internet-based television channels (His Channel, KNET)
Heitzig hosted the best selling video documentary Epicenter (Tyndale 2007), with best-selling author, Joel C. Rosenberg, as well as the documentary, The Jesus Boat (2009). In 2010, Heitzig released two additional documentaries, Shattered and Riptide. Additionally, Heitzig has been a featured guest on several documentaries and video teachings, most notable among them, A Venture in Faith with Chuck Smith (1990).
