| In
the late 1960s, the first Calvary Chapel was started in Costa
Mesa, California, as a small nondenominational church of 25
members, pastored by Chuck Smith. The Lord blessed that small
group, and now Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa is home to some 30,000
believers.
From the beginning, Calvary Chapel has been
focused on leading people to Christ and discipling them so
that they can go out into the world and lead others. The Lord
has blessed this commitment, and Calvary Chapel has grown
to 850 churches in North America and almost 200 churches in
South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. We truly
take to heart our Lord's command in Matthew 28:19-20,
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that
I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to
the end of the age."
Part of Calvary Chapel's discipling ministry
is "The Word for Today," which publishes
Bible study books and tapes all over the world; KWVE,
which broadcasts God's Word to all of Southern California;
and Calvary Chapel's Bible College, which provides Bible education
to thousands at its home in Twin Peaks, California, and more
than 20 extension campuses worldwide.
Because of its size and influence, many
Christians have asked exactly what Calvary Chapel believes
and what makes us distinct. At Calvary Chapel, we have always
been hesitant to answer those questions, not because we are
unsure of our beliefs, but because we are cautious to avoid
division within the body of Christ. After all, what really
matters is what we have in common as Christians, the essential
doctrines of: the infallibility of God's Word; the virgin
birth of Christ; Christ's sinless life, death for our sins,
and bodily resurrection; Christ's ascension to glory; and
His personal return to rule over the earth. This is the essence
of Christianity and agreed upon by all born-again believers.
When Christians move away from these foundational
doctrines to those that are less essential, there is always
a risk of setting barriers up in the church, something we
at Calvary Chapel have no desire to do.
It is not our purpose to cause division
or discord in the body of Christ; rather, we long for unity
among all of God's people, and we allow for a great deal of
flexibility even within our own church. Addtional
Information:
>What we believe
>What Calvary Chapel Teaches (an
article by Dr. Larry Taylor)
>Church
Staff
>top of the page
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