Calvary Chapel - Simply Teaching the Bible Simply

Overview

Calvary Chapel has been formed as a fellowship of believers in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our supreme desire is to know Christ and to be conformed into His image by the power of the Holy Spirit.

• We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations as such, only their over-emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the Body of Christ.
• We believe that the only true basis of Christian fellowship is His (Agape) love, which is greater than any differences we possess and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians.
• We believe worship of God should be spiritual. Therefore, we remain flexible and yielded to the leading of the Holy Spirit to direct our worship.
• We believe worship of God should be inspirational. Therefore, we give a great place to music in our worship.
• We believe worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, our services are designed with great emphasis upon teaching the Word of God that He might instruct us how He should be worshiped.
• We believe worship of God is fruitful. Therefore, we look for His love in our lives as the supreme manifestation that we have truly been worshiping Him.

Further information can be found within the pages of the book “Calvary Chapel Distinctives” which can be accessed at:
TWFT Book Page

Our History

In 1965 Pastor Chuck Smith started his ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Beginning with a mere 25 people, he saw God bless his simple, yet consistent style of teaching straight through the Bible.

Today Calvary Chapel has grown to over 1,500 churches worldwide. With a genuine heart for the lost, Pastor Chuck made room in his ministry for a generation of hippies, surfers, and drug addicts. This generated a stirring of the Holy Spirit, which spread from the California coast to the Atlantic and beyond. This movement was instrumental in bringing thousands of young people to Jesus Christ during the 60s and 70s in what was known as the Jesus People Movement.

As God expanded his ministry, Pastor Chuck's visionary leadership saw the birth of other ministries such as The Word for Today, a publishing/radio broadcasting ministry which is heard worldwide. A noted speaker and the author of over 25 books, Pastor Chuck can be heard daily on television, radio, and webcasts throughout the world.

You may visit Pastor Chuck Smith's church at http://calvarychapelcostamesa.com/ or review resources authored by him at http://www.twft.com/