I grew up at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and one of the things I always saw Chuck Smith doing was leading by servitude he was always picking up trash, smiling, and spreading love through his relationships. He was a true man of God and a hero in the faith.
@@TheRootedWord Chuck Smith would never and has never prophesied the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ ever! Why would you lie about something so wicked. Stop doing the enemies bidding and get your facts straight you blatant liar.
@Gale Drive but his teaching are very accurate . He’s not perfect and no man is, but he birthed many churches that have became even more theologically sound then the last. He was a man of God. Far from perfect theologically but pretty damn accurate if you ask me. The time he came up in was different . The Jesus movement was very different and things were done to open the door to many who would never walk towards Christ. To this day, he still had some of the most sound teachings in Biblical verse to verse format.
Husband and I attended Calvary in 1973 when they grew so large, they purchased a plot of land on Sunflower st in Santa Ana. They erected a large circus tent on the spot until they could build the modest church that is still there today. We went to countless Bible studies, church services and “afterglows”. Got married in the church once it was built. Pastor Chuck officiated at our wedding in 1974. Had 2 sons that he dedicated. His method of teaching through the Bible is the basis of my knowledge of the Bible today. He was always kind, with a huge smile on his face. I loved that church and feel it was a base that our lives were built upon.
I attend a non-denominational church here in Oregon which is based out of Calvary Chapel. It’s the very same “through-the-Bible” format. For two decades, I was Assemblies of God and Foursquare, and became so dissatisfied with the lack of substance that I made the hop to this church. It began as a Bible Study, then grew to a congregation of about 200 when I first attended, and now about 15 years later our congregation is bursting at the seams at right around 10,000 with “watch parties” taking place all over the United States and in different parts of the world. People are absolutely *flocking* to this church from the traditionally Pentecostal churches because we’re hungry for the Word. Chuck Smith was a big influence in how my Pastor teaches. He is ordained Calvary Chapel, even though our church is not affiliated with that denomination. I’ve never grown so fast in my entire Christian walk. We joke all the time how our church is a mega church, and yet it’s that way *because* the pastoralship is rightly handling the word of truth. Most mega churches are huge because they are *not* rightly handling the word of truth.
I attended Chuck's first church in Costa Mesa. I traveled from San Clemente at least once a week to attend a bible study taught by him. We sat cross-legged on shag carpeting. I remember my legs, even at 14, cramped from sitting in one position so long. I still study the Bible as Chuck taught it, verse by verse. I'm so very grateful for the love of God's Word I gained from attending Calvary.
Good question! The sanctuary was absolutely crammed with kids sitting in the aisles. Probably a good thing the fire marshal didn’t happen by. It wasn’t long after I started attending that they erected the circus tent nearby. Never an empty seat there either.
@@merlinidlehands3302 I WAS there in the tent days! Sweetest touches of Spirit there. I was healed at 18 of a dislocated jaw during afterglow. Feel so blessed to have been there.
When I was in prison, I read some of his books. The thing I found was how he BALANCES many doctrines. I really like his look at Scriptures. I have and use his study Bible. ✝️🙏🙂
My middle daughter still attends. She long ago urged me to listen from Oregon. It opened my heart spirit to return to and serve my Lord and Savior I grew up with. Now at age 80, my heart still grows with the Holy Spirit! God Bless you all! ❤️🙏😎🇺🇸
Wow, Calvary Chapel seems to be far more Biblical than I had previously thought. Thank you for the information, brother. Also, I really appreciate Chuck Smith’s love and devotion to the simple preaching and teaching of God’s word in its proper context
They practice what they call the Moses model of leadership - not biblical for a New Testament church and they are dogmatic on their pre-trib eschatology. They do expository teaching which is superb.
@@w4tkn What persuades you to say the Calvary Chapel is dogmatic in it's belief of Pre-Trib Rapture doctrine? Dogmatic seems to imply an unreasonable and unfounded belief in a poorly supported doctrine. While many people have different beliefs regarding all manner of biblical teachings, especially prophecy, it seems strange to say that the church is dogmatic in that belief. Pre-Trib has very good arguments and biblical support for it's idea. While I am Pre-Trib myself, I in no way feel this doctrine is central at all to Christianity and could easily drop it in favor of a different perspective if good evidence or argument were provided
Calvary Chapels are very very hardcore and have 3 hour long Bible studies midweek. i remember in high school they had a 5 hour friday night bible study for high schoolers. I went back to my home church after, it was a tad too hardcore
This presentation was so good!! I was in a Foursquare church for 32 years, now a Calvary Chapel for the past 5 years. The Lord sure had His perfect plan for me when He moved me out of a longtime comfort zone. I’m sitting under solid biblical teaching-book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. We don’t even pass an offering plate. There are boxes in the foyer if you so choose to contribute-and even during Covid, funds came in like crazy and we retired our church mortgage loan!! God has been blessing obedience to His Word!!! 👍🏼🙏🏼📖
Foursquare church has women pastors, right? 🚩 ❗️ founded by a woman, too, if I’m not mistaken. If you got out of there after 32 years, I would agree that the Lord delivered you from evil.
Interestingly, I believed in every one of the "distinctives" before I met Chuck Smith or ever even heard of Calvary Chapel. I had never been comfortable with some of the teachings I was raised with or the denomination I joined when I became an adult. When I discovered CC, I said, "This is incredible! They hit Biblical doctrine right on the head." I shortly began attending a local CC. That was 21 years ago. Today, I am pastor of a small mission congregation associated with CC.
What is your response to the people who are on their hit lists ? A fake LARP of the book of Job is still shunning and persecution aka spiritual terrorism
My response is that I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, and I'm not sure you do either. I don't know what an LARP is, much less a fake LARP. I could respond further but It makes it difficult to respond when something like what you said makes absolutely no sense. Are you sure you are on the right thread? Joshua, do you know what this person is talking about?
No pomp and circumstance, no game show atmosohere, no pastors on stage who think it's the comedy hour, no name it & claim it garbage, etc. Calvary Chapel is learning and understanding God's Holy Word, plain and simple. I'm always amazed at how many Christians never read or learn the Bible. Come find a home at Calvary Chapel!
But it's like saying calvary chapel is perfectly doctrinal in it's interpretation of scripture and worship practices, therefore every other church is flawed in one way or another, I'm just saying.
If the apostles walked into your church they would have no idea what was going on. There’s others where they would know exactly what was going on. I’d rather attend a church that wasn’t founded within the last hundred years
@@johndoherty9992In John 5:39-40, Jesus chides the Pharisees for studying scripture so diligently but failing to see and believe how it all points to him. Calvary Chapels focus on teaching how all of scripture points to Jesus. If anything, John 5:39-40 supports Calvary's expositional teaching.
@@betolinorodriguez8493Quite the opposite, at least from my experience. Even in expositional teaching, Calvary pastors will often explain differences in scriptural interpretation by stating Calvary's official position and also explaining other denominations' positions, followed by why Calvary takes the position they do and explaining how differences in secondary, in-house issues should not affect how we fellowship.
I was brought up in a very strick denomination church. At 19 yrs old my boss took me to Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa a 2-1/2 hour drive. The moment I stepped into CC u could feel the love no one was talking to me u could just feel the love people smiling. Then Pastor Chuck came out sitting on the bench chair he didn't even have to say anything he was smiling n he had such a glow about him. That's when I learned about the bible n the Holy Spirit. His smile was so genuine. I have never since a child felt that kind of love going to the church my parents made me go. We had prayer books not bibles. All I know when we get to heaven Jesus is going to have that smile, n will hear welcome home. I will never forget my 1st experience going to CC in Costa Mesa n hear Pastor Chuck speak n teach. To have a pastor where the Holy Spirit is present an experience I will never forget. My local CC I was baptisted in the ocean. I hope n pray that people who listen n read these posts turn their life over to Jesus Christ as their Lord n Savior
I was Saved in 1978 and immediately began attending Calvary Chapel, Brea CA. We held Services in an abandoned XXX theater. The small group was a bunch of committed younger Christians, on fire for the Lord. Through God's Power, we loved one another, accepted everyone and grew in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord. God Blessed the small gathering greatly, and we grew as a Fellowship. We all received our Baptism in the Pacific Ocean on a warm Saturday afternoon. It was always a great time to drive down to Costa Mesa for Pastor Chuck's Sunday night Service. I moved up to Santa Cruz and was married to my wife on Christmas Eve, 1979, by Pastor Johnie Johnston of Calvary Chapel Santa Cruz. My wife passed in 1997, while holding on to Jesus' nail scarred hand. 43 years later, Jesus is STILL, Lord of all. What wonderful memories. Thanks for the video!
@@barchwars8560 We have a big CC in south Florida. If you're doing research into Cavalry, check out Bob Coy and Anthony Iglesias. Best of luck on your journey!
I was saved in an Apostolic Pentecostal Church. I have visited some of the other Pentecostal Churches, Charismatic and completely idependent Pentecostal/Charismatic churches. The one that I attended the most frequent was The Rock Church in Virginia Beach.
I studied at Through the Bible radio with J. Vernon Magee for a long time. I enjoyed his book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse method of teaching. When I found Calvary Chapel I knew I was in the right place! ❤🥰🙏😍❤️
When I was 19 years old, i've always thought that churches are about money until I attended Calvary Chapel. The emphasis on studying the word of God is more important than anything. After 15 years I'm still attending CC. Praise God for this video.
I think that was a pretty good assessment of Calvary Chapel. I've belonged to 3 different ones only because of moving. It's real simple, study God's Word, verse by verse.
Study God's word, and twist it to fit the nonsense taught by Calvary Chapel and then smile that Calvary Chapel's doctrines are biblical. Which verses support the pretrib rapture? NONE! You'll ignore a hundred verses that strongly contradict the pretrib rapture and then you'll engage in mental BS to imagine the pretrib rapture in the Bible.
@@bongoboy11 There's no pretrib rapture. What's there to expound on? Did you find a verse that says there will be a rapture before the tribulation? No, so why are you talking?
So thankful for Calvary Chapels and their dedication to teaching God’s word and being led by the Spirit! My father is a Calvary Chapel pastor in Virginia, and my husband is now a pastor of a Calvary Chapel here in Greenville, NC after the Lord called us to move here last year and plant the church. What a journey of faith it has been, and so rewarding to see the hunger for God’s word in this community!
Thank you for this video and historical / foundational look at Calvery Chapel. I rededicated my life to Jesus at a local Calvary that I've been attending for the past month. I didn't realize how starved I was for the Word and simple (but no less beautiful) worship. I thank God for all the seeds that had been planted in me over the years. When I made the decision to leave my church and find a new home, only one came to mind: Calvary! So grateful. 🙏
Well done. :) I'm a young Calvary Chapel pastor and this is the most comprehensive, objective, helpful overview CC I've ever seen. Thank you. I think I will be using this for onboarding staff and leaders.
@@Herrera777 You obviously haven’t been listening to the same sermons I have been then. The sermons I listen to are Jesus and more Jesus. The Bible is really delved into, broken down, searched, researched, and prayer is an absolute given. My heart is so full and my spirit is so thankful to God for the sermons I get to hear! Calvary Chapel is a gift! Thank You Jesus!
@@Herrera777 your hate might be misplaced, have you considered getting your testosterone levels checked ? You may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance. Excess estrogen might be the real culprit.
The best and most spiritual growth I've ever experienced was at a Calvary Chapel. Starting with Joe Focht in Philly who introduced the congregation to Chuck Missler. The two greatest men I have ever known.
Best balanced church that I've been too and I've been to many churches this church is a great teaching church following word by word teaching of chuck Smith I am blessed by this church wouldn't go except to visit any other church
I will always be grateful for Chuck Smith and his faithfulness to the scripture. Through his teaching, I was delivered out of the Word of Faith and Deliverance heresy. Throughout my walk in Christ, after 47 years, I remain faithful to Christ for His continued guidance. Although I do not hold to any denomination, I can see and hold to the truth that the Holy Spirit reveals to each. I will be forever grateful for God leading me to Chuck Smith’s sound teaching. I realize that with regard to end times, he was questionable, I do believe he was sound In doctrinal issues. No one knows or understands all truth. We will know all - someday!
I do not attend Calvary Chapel as my home church but largely attend a Calvary Chapel when I am on the road. I also listen to many commentaries by Chuck Smith and other Calvary pastors for personal guidance. I believe that Calvary closely follows a biblical model and I am proud to call them my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. I believe that this video describing Calvary Chapel was accurate and unbiased and would recommend it to others. I plan on viewing videos on other churches and their core believes. Good job!
I was saved at a Calvary Chapel Easter service, gave my life to Christ, gave up alcohol and marijuana and have been serving Him ever since at Calvary chapels, a Baptist Church, and even a Seventh Day Adventist church, even though I don't agree with some of their theology! My wife and I have faithfully served at our current church since 2010, which is a Calvary Chapel fellowship.
@@Herrera777 Chuck Smith said if your a faith healer, go to the hospitals and heal people. If you have that gift of healing, Why would you bury your talent? Chuck Smith didn’t deny the gifts of the spirit but denied those without credibility any credit.
I went to visit a Calvary chapel in New Jersey they are a bunch of crazed hyper Calvinist I am Lutheran I do not find their kind of contemporary worship the church I would want to join
YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB! This has helped me complete my research on the Left (charismatic) side of Christianity as well as the Right (Reformed) side. Legalism Vs Hedonism/Spiritualism/Self to its worst extent. You've helped me seal the deal! Glad to compelte my research!
It’s a shame things in Big Calvary now (2024) have gotten so very far away from Pastor Chuck’s direction. He would be turning over in his grave if he knew what was going on. But God is on the throne and will bring good of it all 🙌🏻
My dad got saved and baptized during the Jesus Movement, and attended Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa as a teenager. I grew up in Riverside County in a small Baptist Church (in the 80s' and 90's), but we still used a lot of the Calvary Chapel music in the church (those early Maranatha songs that were based on Bible verses). I think a lot of churches in Southern California used those songs. Calvary Chapel definitely had an impact on Christian culture. My husband went to Calvary Chapel Bible College, and was impacted in his study of the Bible through his time there. I have a high regard for Chuck Smith, and what God used him to accomplish. Personally, I have never really been a regular attender of a Calvary Chapel. I have a high opinion of Calvary Chapel's expository preaching. I also agree with Calvary Chapel on what is important theologically (scripture, salvation, baptism, etc.). I also agree with the pre-millennial and pre-trib theology Calvary espouses, as well as where Calvary stands on social issues of our day. However, I also feel uncomfortable with a couple of things. I think the pastor-led leadership model is dangerous, because it's too much power for one man (possibly a small board) and no accountability toward the congregation. I have met some Calvary pastors who really let that power affect them. I'm not saying all or even most do this, but I've seen it enough (you can't be a Christian in Southern California without having some influence from Calvary). I also disagree with the spiritualization of being "non-denominational" when they actually seem exactly like a denomination. It isn't wrong for them to not think of themselves as a demonination, but it isn't spiritual for them not to be. I feel like there's this superior attitude toward denominations. Denominations are part of church history. They're not good, they're not bad. They just are. I have visited Calvary Chapels where people questioned my salvation as soon as they found out I was a member of a Baptist Church. I've known Calvary people who act as if the Jesus movement was the reformation or something, as if no one really knew the Lord before Chuck Smith's day. That's a little extreme. I feel Calvary Chapels do what they accuse denominations of doing. I disagree with them in some minor things. I strongly believe in eternal security, and I feel Calvary Chapels are too iffy on it (the comments quoted from Chuck Smith in this video), and I don't believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from salvation. I think it happens the moment you are saved. I will add, though, that I do appreciate how Calvary Chapel tried to really be balanced in charismatic things. He was a godly, biblical man whom God really used. My own dad was impacted, as was my Southern Californian evangelical upbringing. Those are my observations, but I have a very great respect for Calvary. I am so thankful for how my father and husband were both impacted deeply by it in their teens and young adult years.
Blessings Jane, one does receive Holy Spirit when one accepts Christ, but the baptism of Holy Spirit is a large step beyond that. It gives access to gift(s) of Holy Spirit - the most common is speaking in tongues, but not everybody gets that gift. A gentleman that used to live down the street from me operated in all the gifts of Holy Spirit (he wasn't CC). Shalom!
I attend a nondenominational church that is heavily influenced by the Calvary Chapel model in almost every way. Our Pastor is ordained Calvary Chapel, but the church remains nondenominational. It began in 1996 with no building, and barely 20 people in weekly attendance. We finally got our own building in 2015, and as of today, there are over 10,000 people in weekly attendance. Get people in the Word and in fellowship, and they will show up. I was raised in a *wonderful* little conservative Baptist church as a boy, and after high school found my way into Assemblies of God and Foursquare where I was mentored. I can attest to the mindset within those Pentecostal churches that lends itself to extra-biblical doctrines and an experience-based relationship with God that ultimately deteriorates over time. The Lord was so incredibly good to me, and led me out of Foursquare and into this Calvary Chapel-influenced congregation. I just love the solid, yet balanced approach to scripture, and the verse-by-verse method of teaching has been a total game changer in my Christian walk.
WOW! Great video presentation! Thank you! And I have a new respect for Chuck Smith after hearing some of the things that always concerned me with the charismatic movements.
@@aeolian7556 I've trended reformed in my theology. I've moved from a low church view to a high church view. I am unequivocal with regards to election. I embrace infant baptism. I am less dogmatic with regards to eschatology. I am a cessationist now. So there are pretty substantive distinctions. I love Calvary's emphasis on verse-by-verse teaching of God's word. I love their unapologetic holding to the inerrancy of Scripture. I also appreciate that Calvary's theology is largely unmoving in the currents of culture.
I lived in So Cal for years on the 80’s. I listened to Chuck on the radio nearly every day. I learned so much. He was a deeply appreciated part of my life who daily helped my spiritual life.
I had the honor of being under Pastor Joe Focht's teaching for ten years. What I have realized since we relocated to a new area is many wolves have entered Calvary Chapel and you must beware, they are not all equal.
I was saddened to have recently hear similar. :( I have been to different churches over the years & always felt Calvary was the best teaching, stick to its line by line through God’s Word & plainly explaining it. The music is always respectful worship to our Father & Savior. Not rock & roll like a couple others I attended. Obviously many youthful attendees go & stay, for just that reason. Unfortunately, the wrong reason to be there. To have Revelation taught, is also a huge plus, as many ‘Christian’ churches don’t go there. And tread very lightly in Daniel & Matthew. I left a church I attended for some years, b/c I never heard it there & when I asked if the newer pastor at the time would teach it, he said ‘no’! He didn’t want to frighten the ppl. Hello? I told him then & there that I heard Calvary was into it & I bid him adieu. Since the founder of the Calvary where I attend, ‘graduated’ from this now putrid planet, the younger pastor, although he teaches well overall, just doesn’t bring the same maturity, or ‘ring’ to the sermons. I know we are all works in progress. There’s no way I woul teach any congregation. So I give him props just for that! I do love his mentor, who he is held in account to, when he comes to visit. I can only hope he develops deeper w/time. Nothing like getting through God’s Word as it should be done. Rather than jumping from book to book each week, so you can ‘showcase’ yourself in the manner you desire, while spinning what you can, so you can just keep talking, over referring to God’s actual word. Sad how many ministers do just that! I guess I should be glad that our little Calvary here, hasn’t gone rogue, as I’ve heard about some others. I’m now hesitant to tell people to seek one out in their area, as I’ve done so many times. :/ I drove to be w/others for 2 hrs of prayer & worship yesterday. It was anointed & wonderful! I do believe Jesus is going to be calling for His Bride, in the not too distant future. *Amen!*
@@locaporti7441 Well, that should go w/o saying. Several Calvary Chapel have strayed from the way it used to be. These are the days.... You need to be well grounded in His Word, or you could be in trouble.
I’m a member of a Calvary church here in Australia. The best way to learn God’s word and understand how and what He wants from us if we take up the cross and follow Jesus. I’ll truely blessed to be taught the right way. Thank you God for directing me to this way of teachings.
I have been blessed to grow in God’s word at Calvary Chapel ... And no dought in my mind God is using other pastors to reach the lost as well .... keep your eyes on the Lord church family 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I attend Calvary chapel Downey here in California. I love my home church, Pastor Jeff is an amazing pastor. I’ve been blessed in so many way and so have my kids.
I used to go there many years ago when Bob Bennett was the worship leader. Also went to Costa Mesa and Calvary Community of Victorville pastored by Chuck's brother.
@Mike Rutkowski ...You're taking out the context of the verse and applying a false narrative. 1John 3:9 refers to a person who is “practicing” sin, not just committing a sin. Your observation is refuted in chapter 2:1, “My little children these things I write to you, so that you may not sin, And if anyone sins [ they were still capable of sinning], we have an Advocate [lawyer in a sense] with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Chapter 1:8-10 enforces the fact that believers have times of weakness and do sin, but not to worry, we have Jesus Christ as our lawyer, who stands before the father in our defense. You believe true believers are “perfect” and “righteous,” right, but Paul refutes that in Romans 7:14-24 which teaches at times all believers struggle with committing sin. Paul also states in Romans 3:10-12 that “none” are righteous, no, not one. Doesn’t matter where you go Mike, I’m going to shadow you with the word of God until you see the errors of your way and repent for causing weaker members of the faith to stumble by your online teaching videos....
@Mike Rutkowski I believe "the remnant" is referring to the Jewish people who will, during the tribulation, come to saving faith in Jesus. The church (Holy Bride of Christ) is not Israel. God has a plan for Christians and He also has a plan for the Jews. The Jews were to be the original recipients of Jesus' salvation but the Jews rejected Jesus' free gift of salvation. In the last days, after the age of the gentiles ends with the rapture, a remnant of Jews will accept Jesus.
Great video. I'm on the east coast, in one of Satan's strongholds, NY State. There isn't a meaningful Calvary Chapel here, but years ago, we used to get the Calvary Satellite Network. Listening to Chuck, Jon Courson, and so many other CC teachers was such an important part of my Christian growth. I really miss the CSN.
I got saved in the Jesus movement. I started my walk in the first Vinyard church in Reseda, CA then in 1980- 81 attended Pastor Chucks church in Costa Mesa. Special times for sure.
True faith exercised in Love is how I would describe Chuck Smith’s ministry. Simple and true to the Lord while bathing in God’s Word. I can’t wait to meet him in glory!
A very BALANCED, FAIR and OBJECTIVE video describing Calvary Chapel churches. I attend a CC in TN. The ONE MAIN THING that attracted me to CC was their strong stand on teaching God's Word book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. The WHOLE BIBLE. Not just the Pastor's favorite books in the Bible. Calvary Chapel's believe in equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. Thanks again for your video.
Great! This sounds like the most balanced, Biblically accurate denomination I've ever heard of. I might have missed their position of baptism and on communion.
@@Herrera777 In any church there are people at different levels of understanding and in different places in their walk with God and their understanding of God's Word. Teaching verse by verse is the best way to grow Christians. Everytime I experience this type of teaching I grow exponentially even if it is passages I am already familiar with. Simultaneously, the Holy Spirit that endwells believers also works to help us interpret the scriptures. This is why each time we reread or restudy a passage our understanding expands. Many scriptures have layers of meaning. God's word is precious. Far better for a pastor to focus on verses instead of pastor's own experience or personal beliefs.
@@netobonillas8219 Thank you brother. I think the person who posted their comment isn't a troll but was expressing their honest opinion. As a teacher, I spent my life thinking about how to optimize learning so believe verse by verse is best. May our God continue to bless you and your family.
I came to faith in a Calvary chapel in south jersey a small church with a large heart and pastor Harry is a wonderful man of God and a very wise teacher.
This is an excellent video! But I would add one very important point: one significant way to see which way most Calvary Chapel pastors are going is to look at the attendance at Calvary Chapel Pastor Conferences. Both the CCA and CGN have held these conferences. The majority if not the vast majority are attending CCA conferences, only a few pastors attend CGN conferences. Also the CCA holds more conferences. At the time of this comment the CCA has 14 conferences planned for the rest of 2021; CGN has 1 (one) conference planned. Also to present CCA and CGN as having parity is also a mistake as witnessed by where Calvary pastors go for conferences. If an updated video is made you may want to add these points.
I read CC distinctives. If only for comparative thought, one should examine the unbiblical Moses model of leadership. Also there used to be a website/blog/ commentary called Calvary chapel abuse that dealt with people’s bad experiences with lack of leadership accountability. Example: Don Stewart left his wife some years ago for a younger woman for no biblical reason. He didn’t skip a beat and Calvary still lets him teach his prophecy stuff even though he biblically disqualified himself. All that aside, Smith’s assessment of calvanism and reformed theology is brilliant IMHO.
Wow!! Excellent presentation and spot on! I grew up in Orange County, Ca right at the time CCCM was birthed. As a teenager at the time, I now (62yr) look back and wish so much that the spirt of the Lord would once again move on the young people. My heart goes out to them!!
Calvary chapel !!!I love my church. Real bible teaching church!❤ no flex no cap💯 you will definitely grow in grace and knowledge of the lord at Calvary chapel
Great video. As one who grew up in the Calvary Chapel Movement. Studied under Pastor Chuck Smith. And have attended Costa Mesa for a time while my home church is Calvary Chapel of Downey with Pastor Jeff Johnson. And now attending Calvary Old Path in Cypress with the new Pastor Bob Boington. And learning under great teaching to read the Bible for yourself. To be able to take that step of faith. And if their is a need that isn’t met and you don’t see a ministry for it. You take a step of faith and start it yourself . ( what If learned from Pastor Jeff ) Pastor Chuck Smith, was truly a man of God. He gave 3 services on Sunday mornings till he went home to be with the Lord . And I’m his last days he have the message with and oxygen tank tube connected. Even towards the end of his message he would sing the Benediction “ The Lord Bless Thee, and Keep Thee” it stills brings me tears. Thank you for this video
This was a very good and fair overview of what Calvary Chapel holds to. I came to faith in a local CC out of atheism and grateful for them . I’ve since left and become reformed and have my differences but still appreciate what they do .
I am a third generation classical Pentecostal whose family's roots in Pentecostalism date back to the 1920's. The more I study and understand scripture the more I see my theology aligning moreso with Calvary Chapel's, especially as it pertains to the Baptism/ Filling with the Holy Ghost and the place of spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues and prophecy.
Thank you for putting this together in a professional way. I was able to listen and read, and am now informed about What Pastor Chuck Smith believed. I believe he was rightly dividing the word of truth.
Timothy Maffei; Chuck Smith did in fact make the unequivocal assertion that Roman Catholics are Christians! "We should realize that we're all part of the Body of Christ and that there aren't any real divisions in the Body. We're all one. What a glorious day when we discover that God loves the Baptists! -- And the Presbyterians, and the Methodists, and the Catholics. We're all His and we all belong to Him. We see the whole Body of Christ, and we begin to strive together rather than striving against one another" (p157).
@@paulryan5984 The Bible says we have to confess Jesus as our lord and savior. You must be born again. JESUS said to the scribes and Pharisees they were of their father satan. We are all God's creation, but not all are God's children.
Very good presentation. I grew up very similar to Chuck Smith and I think I agree with Calvary Chapel's theology about 95% (which is way higher than anybody else's). Kudos to him for leading his flock with grace and truth. That's one thing to have good theology, but it's another thing to have a Godly leader.
Great video, thanks. I am happy to attend Calvary Chapel Cancun. Personally I like studying the Bible verse by verse. Also, I've learned that we are all part of the body of Christ and I wish to respect other congregations that study the Word, trying not to be judgemental of their ways to worship or behave.
Attending Calvary Chapel in Rosarito, Mexico, is such a huge part of my journey in faith. I moved Mexico back to Santa Barbara over a ten years ago, but still treasure my experience there. An amazing woman of God discipled me- I call her my Mexican grandma in the faith & we still visit one another. Question: are services in Cancun conducted in Spanish & English? The bilingual services created beautiful fellowship among different ethnicities, nations, and classes… a taste of heaven!
Pastors Jack Hibbs & Greg Laurie are both excellent teachers & preachers of God’s Holy & True Word. Both are within the Calvary Chapel Church. Take a listen to these men. God protect them please!
@@susanpillion3114 I don’t see how you would say these pastors are heretics. You must explain; otherwise, your comment is thin hot air. I do not understand where you are coming from. Please provide some Biblical references for your opinion.
@@barrett5540 They teach man is a born sinner. The Bible says different. The Word of God says you were created in the image of God; perfect. God created you UPRIGHT/PERFECT. Ecclesiastes 7:29 KJV Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man UPRIGHT; but they have sought out many inventions.
@@barrett5540 They teach for divorce and remarriage. God does not allow divorce, not for any reason. Luke 16:18 KJV Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery. Jesus said this about marriage: "Let no man put asunder" Mark 10:9 KJV What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
@@susanpillion3114 in this I do agree with you sincerely. I have not heard one message preached from Pastor Hibbs nor Pastor Laurie anything to contradict this word.
@@sandraoliver3929. People disagree about everything no matter what. This includes church and everything about denomination etc. Everyone even likes different toppings on pizza
I started attending a Calvary Chapel in 2021 and I found my home. Expository Bible teaching, a high view of Bible authority, and a relaxed atmosphere with good music? Phenomenal!
I grew up in a similar church in Santa Cruz, California, in the 70s. My parents were both saved from their drug addiction when they met Jesus. What Chuck did right was ground his church in the word of God. He never wavered from his support for Israel because he knew the whole of God's word.
Solid biblical teachings and doctrine, Mike Winger also came from one of these, which says a lot about what they teach, proper exegesis, leading by example and just loving the word of God with everything. Solid, solid churches when i move i'll probably attend one
The ministry God started and carried by His grace. Chuck made it clear that others should name their Churches something other than Calvary. Founded on Ephesians 4 using the God given gifts of pastoring and teaching for the purpose of edifying and equpping the body of Christ for the purpose of ministry. As Chuck often taught that healthy sheep beget healthy sheep.
Great video! I grew up in Calvary Chapel, my father was a worship leader, youth pastor, associate and senior pastor. Even though I don't agree with the "Moses Model" of leadership or their general views on Predestination and Calvinism (I'm currently part of the RCA), their passion for verse by verse teaching and evangelism will always give them a special place in my heart.
I grew up in CCCM and some of the other local CCs. I met Pastor Chuck a few times. He was always full of joy. He was a true man of God and one of the modern heroes of the faith. We miss him a lot but I am excited about the future of CC
Thank you. I attend a Calvary Chapel, which I found when I was looking for Bible teaching. But I found a lot of information that I was aware of, but not really knowing the background for in your presentation.
@@lesamccluskey9997 Calvary Chapel churches have one Pastor, we hold to the view that Churches should have Elders that serve as both the Pastors and the Church Board. That's really about it.
Very detailed and objective video. Thank you. I grew up under Pastor Chuck’s teaching and later attended several CC over the years from mega churches to tiny ones as I moved around the world, Every church body is made up of imperfect humans, and thus, ego and politics will always get in the way as the congregations grow. I’m certainly sad to see the division once Chuck went home, but alas, each person attending any church must be like the Bereans and verify if what is being taught is correct according to the Word.
I was brought to salvation by watching Calvary Chapel pastor Raul Ries on TV in 1991. I has never heard of CC. Then about a month later a guy at work out of the blue gave me a tract by Greg Laurie, another CC pastor. Obviously I felt led to find a CC church and did. I stayed in the CC churches for 25 years but have moved on. I am forever grateful for the sound deep Bible study I received there.
I believe that Calvary Chapel.. The Church I attend, takes GOD S HOLY WORD.AND CLEARLY TEACHES IT.I personally belive moving to Calvary Chapel Strengthened my walk with CHRIST JESUS!!!
I grew up at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and one of the things I always saw Chuck Smith doing was leading by servitude he was always picking up trash, smiling, and spreading love through his relationships. He was a true man of God and a hero in the faith.
@@TheRootedWord Chuck Smith would never and has never prophesied the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ ever! Why would you lie about something so wicked. Stop doing the enemies bidding and get your facts straight you blatant liar.
@Gale Drive but his teaching are very accurate . He’s not perfect and no man is, but he birthed many churches that have became even more theologically sound then the last.
He was a man of God. Far from perfect theologically but pretty damn accurate if you ask me.
The time he came up in was different . The Jesus movement was very different and things were done to open the door to many who would never walk towards Christ.
To this day, he still had some of the most sound teachings in Biblical verse to verse format.
Red I agree I went to Calvary Costa Mesa from 1980 to 83 . Best teaching I ever got .
@Gale Drive do you say that because you disagree with his teaching or just out of ignorance or what you have been told .
@Gale Drive so out of ignorance then 🤦♂️
Husband and I attended Calvary in 1973 when they grew so large, they purchased a plot of land on Sunflower st in Santa Ana. They erected a large circus tent on the spot until they could build the modest church that is still there today. We went to countless Bible studies, church services and “afterglows”. Got married in the church once it was built. Pastor Chuck officiated at our wedding in 1974. Had 2 sons that he dedicated. His method of teaching through the Bible is the basis of my knowledge of the Bible today. He was always kind, with a huge smile on his face. I loved that church and feel it was a base that our lives were built upon.
I attend a non-denominational church here in Oregon which is based out of Calvary Chapel. It’s the very same “through-the-Bible” format. For two decades, I was Assemblies of God and Foursquare, and became so dissatisfied with the lack of substance that I made the hop to this church. It began as a Bible Study, then grew to a congregation of about 200 when I first attended, and now about 15 years later our congregation is bursting at the seams at right around 10,000 with “watch parties” taking place all over the United States and in different parts of the world. People are absolutely *flocking* to this church from the traditionally Pentecostal churches because we’re hungry for the Word. Chuck Smith was a big influence in how my Pastor teaches. He is ordained Calvary Chapel, even though our church is not affiliated with that denomination. I’ve never grown so fast in my entire Christian walk. We joke all the time how our church is a mega church, and yet it’s that way *because* the pastoralship is rightly handling the word of truth. Most mega churches are huge because they are *not* rightly handling the word of truth.
@@TVHouseHistorian Are you speaking about Applegate?
@@AdvEug No. Not Applegate. Further north. Athey Creek is the name.
I attended Chuck's first church in Costa Mesa. I traveled from San Clemente at least once a week to attend a bible study taught by him. We sat cross-legged on shag carpeting. I remember my legs, even at 14, cramped from sitting in one position so long. I still study the Bible as Chuck taught it, verse by verse. I'm so very grateful for the love of God's Word I gained from attending Calvary.
Wow Patti thanks for sharing! Neat that you came across my video! How many people were at the church when you attended?
Good question! The sanctuary was absolutely crammed with kids sitting in the aisles. Probably a good thing the fire marshal didn’t happen by. It wasn’t long after I started attending that they erected the circus tent nearby. Never an empty seat there either.
@@pattihill7982 From what you're describing, that was actually the third location for the church. The explosive growth back then was unimaginable.
wow you should have been there in the TENT days they were a little better for cozyness it was great when it rained
@@merlinidlehands3302 I WAS there in the tent days! Sweetest touches of Spirit there. I was healed at 18 of a dislocated jaw during afterglow. Feel so blessed to have been there.
When I was in prison, I read some of his books.
The thing I found was how he BALANCES many doctrines.
I really like his look at Scriptures.
I have and use his study Bible.
✝️🙏🙂
My middle daughter still attends. She long ago urged me to listen from Oregon. It opened my heart spirit to return to and serve my Lord and Savior I grew up with. Now at age 80, my heart still grows with the Holy Spirit! God Bless you all! ❤️🙏😎🇺🇸
Jack Hibbs, Mike Winger really helped me in the pandemic.
Btw...A they Creek isn't Calvary Chapel but it's a very good church, very biblical and it's in Portland Ore.
@@KM-zn3lxWinger is so humble and solid
I would also recommend Athey Creek.
Calvary Chapel Oregon City is good.
Wow, Calvary Chapel seems to be far more Biblical than I had previously thought. Thank you for the information, brother. Also, I really appreciate Chuck Smith’s love and devotion to the simple preaching and teaching of God’s word in its proper context
They practice what they call the Moses model of leadership - not biblical for a New Testament church and they are dogmatic on their pre-trib eschatology. They do expository teaching which is superb.
While I disagree with some of their views, I agree with you that they're a lot more Biblical than I was led to believe.
@@w4tkn What persuades you to say the Calvary Chapel is dogmatic in it's belief of Pre-Trib Rapture doctrine? Dogmatic seems to imply an unreasonable and unfounded belief in a poorly supported doctrine. While many people have different beliefs regarding all manner of biblical teachings, especially prophecy, it seems strange to say that the church is dogmatic in that belief. Pre-Trib has very good arguments and biblical support for it's idea. While I am Pre-Trib myself, I in no way feel this doctrine is central at all to Christianity and could easily drop it in favor of a different perspective if good evidence or argument were provided
Calvary Chapels are very very hardcore and have 3 hour long Bible studies midweek. i remember in high school they had a 5 hour friday night bible study for high schoolers. I went back to my home church after, it was a tad too hardcore
@@oasisman 😆 well I'm glad to hear that your church was so intensely devoted to studying the Word.
This presentation was so good!! I was in a Foursquare church for 32 years, now a Calvary Chapel for the past 5 years. The Lord sure had His perfect plan for me when He moved me out of a longtime comfort zone. I’m sitting under solid biblical teaching-book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. We don’t even pass an offering plate. There are boxes in the foyer if you so choose to contribute-and even during Covid, funds came in like crazy and we retired our church mortgage loan!! God has been blessing obedience to His Word!!! 👍🏼🙏🏼📖
Foursquare church has women pastors, right? 🚩 ❗️ founded by a woman, too, if I’m not mistaken. If you got out of there after 32 years, I would agree that the Lord delivered you from evil.
I would be a much, much weaker follower without Maranatha Music. God bless every note they ever composed.
Interestingly, I believed in every one of the "distinctives" before I met Chuck Smith or ever even heard of Calvary Chapel. I had never been comfortable with some of the teachings I was raised with or the denomination I joined when I became an adult. When I discovered CC, I said, "This is incredible! They hit Biblical doctrine right on the head." I shortly began attending a local CC. That was 21 years ago. Today, I am pastor of a small mission congregation associated with CC.
I had the same exact experience! We've been attending Calvary chapel Williamsburg (Virginia) the past 3 years
I'm not in CC but I watch and listen to JD Farag (Hawaii) quite often.
What is your response to the people who are on their hit lists ? A fake LARP of the book of Job is still shunning and persecution aka spiritual terrorism
My response is that I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about, and I'm not sure you do either. I don't know what an LARP is, much less a fake LARP. I could respond further but It makes it difficult to respond when something like what you said makes absolutely no sense. Are you sure you are on the right thread? Joshua, do you know what this person is talking about?
@@davemitchell116 LARP = "Live-Action Role-Play". As to that, I'm not sure what MK UltraBiz's comment means either. I'm scratching my head here, too 😂
No pomp and circumstance, no game show atmosohere, no pastors on stage who think it's the comedy hour, no name it & claim it garbage, etc. Calvary Chapel is learning and understanding God's Holy Word, plain and simple. I'm always amazed at how many Christians never read or learn the Bible. Come find a home at Calvary Chapel!
But it's like saying calvary chapel is perfectly doctrinal in it's interpretation of scripture and worship practices, therefore every other church is flawed in one way or another, I'm just saying.
If the apostles walked into your church they would have no idea what was going on. There’s others where they would know exactly what was going on. I’d rather attend a church that wasn’t founded within the last hundred years
John 5: 39,40 is custom made for this denomination. Their model looks more pharasitical than like the book of acts.
@@johndoherty9992In John 5:39-40, Jesus chides the Pharisees for studying scripture so diligently but failing to see and believe how it all points to him. Calvary Chapels focus on teaching how all of scripture points to Jesus. If anything, John 5:39-40 supports Calvary's expositional teaching.
@@betolinorodriguez8493Quite the opposite, at least from my experience. Even in expositional teaching, Calvary pastors will often explain differences in scriptural interpretation by stating Calvary's official position and also explaining other denominations' positions, followed by why Calvary takes the position they do and explaining how differences in secondary, in-house issues should not affect how we fellowship.
I was brought up in a very strick denomination church. At 19 yrs old my boss took me to Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa a 2-1/2 hour drive. The moment I stepped into CC u could feel the love no one was talking to me u could just feel the love people smiling. Then Pastor Chuck came out sitting on the bench chair he didn't even have to say anything he was smiling n he had such a glow about him. That's when I learned about the bible n the Holy Spirit. His smile was so genuine. I have never since a child felt that kind of love going to the church my parents made me go. We had prayer books not bibles. All I know when we get to heaven Jesus is going to have that smile, n will hear welcome home. I will never forget my 1st experience going to CC in Costa Mesa n hear Pastor Chuck speak n teach. To have a pastor where the Holy Spirit is present an experience I will never forget. My local CC I was baptisted in the ocean. I hope n pray that people who listen n read these posts turn their life over to Jesus Christ as their Lord n Savior
strict
I was Saved in 1978 and immediately began attending Calvary Chapel, Brea CA. We held Services in an abandoned XXX theater. The small group was a bunch of committed younger Christians, on fire for the Lord. Through God's Power, we loved one another, accepted everyone and grew in the Grace and Knowledge of our Lord. God Blessed the small gathering greatly, and we grew as a Fellowship. We all received our Baptism in the Pacific Ocean on a warm Saturday afternoon. It was always a great time to drive down to Costa Mesa for Pastor Chuck's Sunday night Service. I moved up to Santa Cruz and was married to my wife on Christmas Eve, 1979, by Pastor Johnie Johnston of Calvary Chapel Santa Cruz. My wife passed in 1997, while holding on to Jesus' nail scarred hand.
43 years later, Jesus is STILL, Lord of all. What wonderful memories. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for your testimony
I’m only now learning about Calvary Chapel churches and of chuck smith. Mike winger is the first person to bring them up. Also Steve Greg’s
@@barchwars8560 We have a big CC in south Florida. If you're doing research into Cavalry, check out Bob Coy and Anthony Iglesias. Best of luck on your journey!
Praise the Lord 🙏🏻
I was saved in an Apostolic Pentecostal Church. I have visited some of the other Pentecostal Churches, Charismatic and completely idependent Pentecostal/Charismatic churches. The one that I attended the most frequent was The Rock Church in Virginia Beach.
I studied at Through the Bible radio with J. Vernon Magee for a long time. I enjoyed his book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse method of teaching. When I found Calvary Chapel I knew I was in the right place!
❤🥰🙏😍❤️
When I was 19 years old, i've always thought that churches are about money until I attended Calvary Chapel. The emphasis on studying the word of God is more important than anything. After 15 years I'm still attending CC. Praise God for this video.
I think that was a pretty good assessment of Calvary Chapel. I've belonged to 3 different ones only because of moving. It's real simple, study God's Word, verse by verse.
@Cam Gaylor To his credit, Smith stopped setting dates and in fact began anathematizing the practice of doing so after 1981, with good reason.
thatwas it your right so sorry most left that type of teaching
Study God's word, and twist it to fit the nonsense taught by Calvary Chapel and then smile that Calvary Chapel's doctrines are biblical.
Which verses support the pretrib rapture? NONE! You'll ignore a hundred verses that strongly contradict the pretrib rapture and then you'll engage in mental BS to imagine the pretrib rapture in the Bible.
@@jamesreed5678 Care to expound on the proper doctrine?
@@bongoboy11 There's no pretrib rapture. What's there to expound on? Did you find a verse that says there will be a rapture before the tribulation? No, so why are you talking?
So thankful for Calvary Chapels and their dedication to teaching God’s word and being led by the Spirit! My father is a Calvary Chapel pastor in Virginia, and my husband is now a pastor of a Calvary Chapel here in Greenville, NC after the Lord called us to move here last year and plant the church. What a journey of faith it has been, and so rewarding to see the hunger for God’s word in this community!
Praise God!
I have prayed (along with others) that a CC would be established near me and now we have one! It’s about an 11 minutes drive from where I live!
That's amazing, how has it been so far? I'm non-denom so, pretty much brothers.
Thank you for this video and historical / foundational look at Calvery Chapel. I rededicated my life to Jesus at a local Calvary that I've been attending for the past month. I didn't realize how starved I was for the Word and simple (but no less beautiful) worship. I thank God for all the seeds that had been planted in me over the years. When I made the decision to leave my church and find a new home, only one came to mind: Calvary! So grateful. 🙏
Well done. :) I'm a young Calvary Chapel pastor and this is the most comprehensive, objective, helpful overview CC I've ever seen. Thank you. I think I will be using this for onboarding staff and leaders.
Wow, great compliment, thanks Gerrit!
@@Herrera777 That’s a bit of a stretch...
@@Herrera777 You obviously haven’t been listening to the same sermons I have been then. The sermons I listen to are Jesus and more Jesus. The Bible is really delved into, broken down, searched, researched, and prayer is an absolute given. My heart is so full and my spirit is so thankful to God for the sermons I get to hear! Calvary Chapel is a gift! Thank You Jesus!
@@Herrera777 it’s sounds as if you’ve been personally hurt by someone or even a congregation. What happened specifically?
@@Herrera777 your hate might be misplaced, have you considered getting your testosterone levels checked ? You may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance. Excess estrogen might be the real culprit.
Im a member of Calvary chapel Oxnard ❤❤❤ love it there
The best and most spiritual growth I've ever experienced was at a Calvary Chapel. Starting with Joe Focht in Philly who introduced the congregation to Chuck Missler. The two greatest men I have ever known.
Best balanced church that I've been too and I've been to many churches this church is a great teaching church following word by word teaching of chuck Smith I am blessed by this church wouldn't go except to visit any other church
I live down the street for Calvary chapel. I was just there tonight, I love my church. Joe is a great teacher.
The best man we can ever hope to meet is Jesus Christ. Everyone else that hopes for greatness needs to be a humble servant in God's eyes.
I love Chuck Missler!
@@Herrera777 lol I wouldn’t trust your judgement
This is a very good, unbiased representation of the Calvary Chapel movement. You earned my subscription to your channel. :)
I will always be grateful for Chuck Smith and his faithfulness to the scripture. Through his teaching, I was delivered out of the Word of Faith and Deliverance heresy. Throughout my walk in Christ, after 47 years, I remain faithful to Christ for His continued guidance. Although I do not hold to any denomination, I can see and hold to the truth that the Holy Spirit reveals to each. I will be forever grateful for God leading me to Chuck Smith’s sound teaching. I realize that with regard to end times, he was questionable, I do believe he was sound In doctrinal issues. No one knows or understands all truth. We will know all - someday!
I do not attend Calvary Chapel as my home church but largely attend a Calvary Chapel when I am on the road. I also listen to many commentaries by Chuck Smith and other Calvary pastors for personal guidance. I believe that Calvary closely follows a biblical model and I am proud to call them my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. I believe that this video describing Calvary Chapel was accurate and unbiased and would recommend it to others. I plan on viewing videos on other churches and their core believes. Good job!
I was called to Calvary Chapel, and I’m glad I picked up. Great work summarizing the beliefs.
I feel led to it too. There is one right down the road in a activity center
I was saved at a Calvary Chapel Easter service, gave my life to Christ, gave up alcohol and marijuana and have been serving Him ever since at Calvary chapels, a Baptist Church, and even a Seventh Day Adventist church, even though I don't agree with some of their theology! My wife and I have faithfully served at our current church since 2010, which is a Calvary Chapel fellowship.
th-cam.com/video/C0wrz6pu9Jc/w-d-xo.html
Very informative video! Thank you for your work. We love watching Pastor Jack Hibbs at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills!
Excellent presantation!
Thank you, it gave me a clear view about Calvary Chapel's doctrine
I love pastor chuck and everything that came out this movement, because he really loved the Lord!!
He really did dude. Heard so many good things about his heart for the Lord.
@@Herrera777 Chuck Smith said if your a faith healer, go to the hospitals and heal people. If you have that gift of healing, Why would you bury your talent? Chuck Smith didn’t deny the gifts of the spirit but denied those without credibility any credit.
CHUCK SMITH, that name still has a powerful ring to it. He left a powerful impact and was a real servant of GOD ALMIGHTY.
I went to visit a Calvary chapel in New Jersey they are a bunch of crazed hyper Calvinist
I am Lutheran I do not find their kind of contemporary worship the church I would want to join
YOU DID AN EXCELLENT JOB! This has helped me complete my research on the Left (charismatic) side of Christianity as well as the Right (Reformed) side. Legalism Vs Hedonism/Spiritualism/Self to its worst extent. You've helped me seal the deal! Glad to compelte my research!
It’s a shame things in Big Calvary now (2024) have gotten so very far away from Pastor Chuck’s direction. He would be turning over in his grave if he knew what was going on. But God is on the throne and will bring good of it all 🙌🏻
This dudes always clear and concise.. keeps me listening and accepting most of what he says as facts...
My dad got saved and baptized during the Jesus Movement, and attended Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa as a teenager. I grew up in Riverside County in a small Baptist Church (in the 80s' and 90's), but we still used a lot of the Calvary Chapel music in the church (those early Maranatha songs that were based on Bible verses). I think a lot of churches in Southern California used those songs. Calvary Chapel definitely had an impact on Christian culture. My husband went to Calvary Chapel Bible College, and was impacted in his study of the Bible through his time there. I have a high regard for Chuck Smith, and what God used him to accomplish. Personally, I have never really been a regular attender of a Calvary Chapel. I have a high opinion of Calvary Chapel's expository preaching. I also agree with Calvary Chapel on what is important theologically (scripture, salvation, baptism, etc.). I also agree with the pre-millennial and pre-trib theology Calvary espouses, as well as where Calvary stands on social issues of our day. However, I also feel uncomfortable with a couple of things. I think the pastor-led leadership model is dangerous, because it's too much power for one man (possibly a small board) and no accountability toward the congregation. I have met some Calvary pastors who really let that power affect them. I'm not saying all or even most do this, but I've seen it enough (you can't be a Christian in Southern California without having some influence from Calvary). I also disagree with the spiritualization of being "non-denominational" when they actually seem exactly like a denomination. It isn't wrong for them to not think of themselves as a demonination, but it isn't spiritual for them not to be. I feel like there's this superior attitude toward denominations. Denominations are part of church history. They're not good, they're not bad. They just are. I have visited Calvary Chapels where people questioned my salvation as soon as they found out I was a member of a Baptist Church. I've known Calvary people who act as if the Jesus movement was the reformation or something, as if no one really knew the Lord before Chuck Smith's day. That's a little extreme. I feel Calvary Chapels do what they accuse denominations of doing. I disagree with them in some minor things. I strongly believe in eternal security, and I feel Calvary Chapels are too iffy on it (the comments quoted from Chuck Smith in this video), and I don't believe the baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from salvation. I think it happens the moment you are saved. I will add, though, that I do appreciate how Calvary Chapel tried to really be balanced in charismatic things. He was a godly, biblical man whom God really used. My own dad was impacted, as was my Southern Californian evangelical upbringing. Those are my observations, but I have a very great respect for Calvary. I am so thankful for how my father and husband were both impacted deeply by it in their teens and young adult years.
here: th-cam.com/video/verzqYfWAHM/w-d-xo.html
Agree and thank you for taking the time to share your testimony. How did you feel about the attitudes toward women and teachings on women’s roles?
The "Moses model" has no Biblical warrant. Hence, they fail on church government. They also fail with respect to being Arminians.
🤪🔥🥴 Craziness
Blessings Jane, one does receive Holy Spirit when one accepts Christ, but the baptism of Holy Spirit is a large step beyond that. It gives access to gift(s) of Holy Spirit - the most common is speaking in tongues, but not everybody gets that gift. A gentleman that used to live down the street from me operated in all the gifts of Holy Spirit (he wasn't CC). Shalom!
I attend a nondenominational church that is heavily influenced by the Calvary Chapel model in almost every way. Our Pastor is ordained Calvary Chapel, but the church remains nondenominational. It began in 1996 with no building, and barely 20 people in weekly attendance. We finally got our own building in 2015, and as of today, there are over 10,000 people in weekly attendance.
Get people in the Word and in fellowship, and they will show up. I was raised in a *wonderful* little conservative Baptist church as a boy, and after high school found my way into Assemblies of God and Foursquare where I was mentored. I can attest to the mindset within those Pentecostal churches that lends itself to extra-biblical doctrines and an experience-based relationship with God that ultimately deteriorates over time. The Lord was so incredibly good to me, and led me out of Foursquare and into this Calvary Chapel-influenced congregation. I just love the solid, yet balanced approach to scripture, and the verse-by-verse method of teaching has been a total game changer in my Christian walk.
First church I had ever been to that taught verse by verse! I have learned soooo much! Love this church!
WOW! Great video presentation! Thank you! And I have a new respect for Chuck Smith after hearing some of the things that always concerned me with the charismatic movements.
I was raised Calvary. I'm now PCA and differ on some theological points, but I still love Calvary. They are my people!
What theological points
@@aeolian7556 I've trended reformed in my theology. I've moved from a low church view to a high church view. I am unequivocal with regards to election. I embrace infant baptism. I am less dogmatic with regards to eschatology. I am a cessationist now. So there are pretty substantive distinctions.
I love Calvary's emphasis on verse-by-verse teaching of God's word. I love their unapologetic holding to the inerrancy of Scripture. I also appreciate that Calvary's theology is largely unmoving in the currents of culture.
I lived in So Cal for years on the 80’s. I listened to Chuck on the radio nearly every day. I learned so much. He was a deeply appreciated part of my life who daily helped my spiritual life.
I had the honor of being under Pastor Joe Focht's teaching for ten years. What I have realized since we relocated to a new area is many wolves have entered Calvary Chapel and you must beware, they are not all equal.
I was saddened to have recently hear similar. :(
I have been to different churches over the years & always felt Calvary was the best teaching, stick to its line by line through God’s Word & plainly explaining it. The music is always respectful worship to our Father & Savior.
Not rock & roll like a couple others I attended. Obviously many youthful attendees go & stay, for just that reason. Unfortunately, the wrong reason to be there.
To have Revelation taught, is also a huge plus, as many ‘Christian’ churches don’t go there. And tread very lightly in Daniel & Matthew.
I left a church I attended for some years, b/c I never heard it there & when I asked if the newer pastor at the time would teach it, he said ‘no’! He didn’t want to frighten the ppl. Hello? I told him then & there that I heard Calvary was into it & I bid him adieu.
Since the founder of the Calvary where I attend, ‘graduated’ from this now putrid planet, the younger pastor, although he teaches well overall, just doesn’t bring the same maturity, or ‘ring’ to the sermons. I know we are all works in progress. There’s no way I woul teach any congregation. So I give him props just for that!
I do love his mentor, who he is held in account to, when he comes to visit. I can only hope he develops deeper w/time.
Nothing like getting through God’s Word as it should be done. Rather than jumping from book to book each week, so you can ‘showcase’ yourself in the manner you desire, while spinning what you can, so you can just keep talking, over referring to God’s actual word. Sad how many ministers do just that!
I guess I should be glad that our little Calvary here, hasn’t gone rogue, as I’ve heard about some others.
I’m now hesitant to tell people to seek one out in their area, as I’ve done so many times. :/
I drove to be w/others for 2 hrs of prayer & worship yesterday. It was anointed & wonderful!
I do believe Jesus is going to be calling for His Bride, in the not too distant future.
*Amen!*
That is every church that you have to be wary of
Wolves are in every church that you have to be wary.
@@locaporti7441 Well, that should go w/o saying.
Several Calvary Chapel have strayed from the way it used to be.
These are the days....
You need to be well grounded in His Word, or you could be in trouble.
@moses malon2 Not all.
That’s why you need to know God’s Word for yourself & have His Holy Spirit, so you have His Discernment.🕊
I’m a member of a Calvary church here in Australia. The best way to learn God’s word and understand how and what He wants from us if we take up the cross and follow Jesus.
I’ll truely blessed to be taught the right way. Thank you God for directing me to this way of teachings.
I have been blessed to grow in God’s word at Calvary Chapel ... And no dought in my mind God is using other pastors to reach the lost as well .... keep your eyes on the Lord church family 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I agree. God is omniscient omnipresent omnipotent. Isaiah 46 🎯👍
I attend Calvary chapel Downey here in California. I love my home church, Pastor Jeff is an amazing pastor. I’ve been blessed in so many way and so have my kids.
I used to go there many years ago when Bob Bennett was the worship leader. Also went to Costa Mesa and Calvary Community of Victorville pastored by Chuck's brother.
@Mike Rutkowski ...You're taking out the context of the verse and applying a false narrative. 1John 3:9 refers to a person who is “practicing” sin, not just committing a sin. Your observation is refuted in chapter 2:1, “My little children these things I write to you, so that you may not sin, And if anyone sins [ they were still capable of sinning], we have an Advocate [lawyer in a sense] with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Chapter 1:8-10 enforces the fact that believers have times of weakness and do sin, but not to worry, we have Jesus Christ as our lawyer, who stands before the father in our defense. You believe true believers are “perfect” and “righteous,” right, but Paul refutes that in Romans 7:14-24 which teaches at times all believers struggle with committing sin. Paul also states in Romans 3:10-12 that “none” are righteous, no, not one.
Doesn’t matter where you go Mike, I’m going to shadow you with the word of God until you see the errors of your way and repent for causing weaker members of the faith to stumble by your online teaching videos....
@Mike Rutkowski Boy are you ever screwed up.
@Mike Rutkowski I believe "the remnant" is referring to the Jewish people who will, during the tribulation, come to saving faith in Jesus. The church (Holy Bride of Christ) is not Israel. God has a plan for Christians and He also has a plan for the Jews. The Jews were to be the original recipients of Jesus' salvation but the Jews rejected Jesus' free gift of salvation. In the last days, after the age of the gentiles ends with the rapture, a remnant of Jews will accept Jesus.
One of the most accurate and unbiased breakdowns of CC
Great video. I'm on the east coast, in one of Satan's strongholds, NY State. There isn't a meaningful Calvary Chapel here, but years ago, we used to get the Calvary Satellite Network. Listening to Chuck, Jon Courson, and so many other CC teachers was such an important part of my Christian growth. I really miss the CSN.
There are several Calvary Chapel pastors on TH-cam.
I knew there were many reasons as to why I like these guys 😊😊
I use to go to Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa as a teen in the 80s. I knew it was a special time❤️
I got saved in the Jesus movement. I started my walk in the first Vinyard church in Reseda, CA then in 1980- 81 attended Pastor Chucks church in Costa Mesa. Special times for sure.
This was so informative. I’ve heard of Calvary Chapel, but didn’t know it was such a large movement
True faith exercised in Love is how I would describe Chuck Smith’s ministry. Simple and true to the Lord while bathing in God’s Word. I can’t wait to meet him in glory!
A very BALANCED, FAIR and OBJECTIVE video describing Calvary Chapel churches. I attend a CC in TN. The ONE MAIN THING that attracted me to CC was their strong stand on teaching God's Word book by book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse. The WHOLE BIBLE. Not just the Pastor's favorite books in the Bible. Calvary Chapel's believe in equipping the saints for the work of the ministry. Thanks again for your video.
Great!
This sounds like the most balanced, Biblically accurate denomination I've ever heard of.
I might have missed their position of baptism and on communion.
Baptism is full immersion for repentant believers only, Lord’s Supper is symbolic with unleavened bread and grape juice (not fermented) 😊
I love love love their dress code. I'm a t-shirt and wrinkled jeans guy 24/7 365.
ok, so you dress up, you don't need to lord it over the rest of us.
@@c.philipmckenzie LOL!
Grow up. Maybe?
I love the point about eternal security! "As long as I abide in Christ, I am eternally secure" Amen.
I love Robert Furrow in Tucson. He goes verse by verse through the Bible. He is a wonderful teacher. I have learned so much from him over the years.
Yes indeed Pastor Robert ....his teaching verse by verse is amazing...
Solomon Harrera, go troll some other group.....
@@Herrera777 In any church there are people at different levels of understanding and in different places in their walk with God and their understanding of God's Word. Teaching verse by verse is the best way to grow Christians. Everytime I experience this type of teaching I grow exponentially even if it is passages I am already familiar with. Simultaneously, the Holy Spirit that endwells believers also works to help us interpret the scriptures. This is why each time we reread or restudy a passage our understanding expands. Many scriptures have layers of meaning. God's word is precious. Far better for a pastor to focus on verses instead of pastor's own experience or personal beliefs.
@@happycook6737 Awesome Godly reply...Praise God brother.
@@netobonillas8219 Thank you brother. I think the person who posted their comment isn't a troll but was expressing their honest opinion. As a teacher, I spent my life thinking about how to optimize learning so believe verse by verse is best. May our God continue to bless you and your family.
Calvary Chapel missionary to Ukraine. Thanks for a good summary of who we are! :)
You’re doing good work, brother! Have you considered making a video on sedevacantist Catholics?
I came to faith in a Calvary chapel in south jersey a small church with a large heart and pastor Harry is a wonderful man of God and a very wise teacher.
This is an excellent video! But I would add one very important point: one significant way to see which way most Calvary Chapel pastors are going is to look at the attendance at Calvary Chapel Pastor Conferences. Both the CCA and CGN have held these conferences. The majority if not the vast majority are attending CCA conferences, only a few pastors attend CGN conferences. Also the CCA holds more conferences. At the time of this comment the CCA has 14 conferences planned for the rest of 2021; CGN has 1 (one) conference planned.
Also to present CCA and CGN as having parity is also a mistake as witnessed by where Calvary pastors go for conferences.
If an updated video is made you may want to add these points.
Very good, Michael..
I read CC distinctives. If only for comparative thought, one should examine the unbiblical Moses model of leadership. Also there used to be a website/blog/ commentary called Calvary chapel abuse that dealt with people’s bad experiences with lack of leadership accountability. Example: Don Stewart left his wife some years ago for a younger woman for no biblical reason. He didn’t skip a beat and Calvary still lets him teach his prophecy stuff even though he biblically disqualified himself.
All that aside, Smith’s assessment of calvanism and reformed theology is brilliant IMHO.
Wow!! Excellent presentation and spot on! I grew up in Orange County, Ca right at the time CCCM was birthed. As a teenager at the time, I now (62yr) look back and wish so much that the spirt of the Lord would once again move on the young people. My heart goes out to them!!
Covered succinctly and quickly. Nice job.
Yay for CCCH and CCGS! Pastor Jack and Pastor Raul are the BEST!!
I have learned so much by listening to Chuck Smith and Vernon McGee's Through the Bible.
Calvary chapel !!!I love my church. Real bible teaching church!❤ no flex no cap💯 you will definitely grow in grace and knowledge of the lord at Calvary chapel
Calvary Chapel of Greer SC is a literal Godsend in my life! I thank Him every day for our church and Pastor Randy 😄
I saw Pastor Randy and thought you were talking about my pastor, from Uplnad, CA lol
@@michaeljames.2000 they probably know each other 🤠
I was at Calvary Chapel Greer at the first building they attended in an old coffee shop. Pastor Randy is a great guy and Loves the Lord.
Great video. As one who grew up in the Calvary Chapel Movement. Studied under Pastor Chuck Smith. And have attended Costa Mesa for a time while my home church is Calvary Chapel of Downey with Pastor Jeff Johnson. And now attending Calvary Old Path in Cypress with the new Pastor Bob Boington. And learning under great teaching to read the Bible for yourself. To be able to take that step of faith. And if their is a need that isn’t met and you don’t see a ministry for it. You take a step of faith and start it yourself . ( what If learned from Pastor Jeff )
Pastor Chuck Smith, was truly a man of God. He gave 3 services on Sunday mornings till he went home to be with the Lord . And I’m his last days he have the message with and oxygen tank tube connected. Even towards the end of his message he would sing the Benediction “ The Lord Bless Thee, and Keep Thee” it stills brings me tears.
Thank you for this video
Now I like this Church, I believe it to be a Holy model. Thanks for the info!
JD Farag in Hawaii is very good and I think Jack Hibbs.
This was a very good and fair overview of what Calvary Chapel holds to. I came to faith in a local CC out of atheism and grateful for them . I’ve since left and become reformed and have my differences but still appreciate what they do .
You get an A+ and so does Calvary Chapel who is spot on ! :-)
I am a third generation classical Pentecostal whose family's roots in Pentecostalism date back to the 1920's. The more I study and understand scripture the more I see my theology aligning moreso with Calvary Chapel's, especially as it pertains to the Baptism/ Filling with the Holy Ghost and the place of spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues and prophecy.
Thank you for putting this together in a professional way. I was able to listen and read, and am now informed about What Pastor Chuck Smith believed. I believe he was rightly dividing the word of truth.
Timothy Maffei; Chuck Smith did in fact make the unequivocal assertion that Roman Catholics are Christians!
"We should realize that we're all part of the Body of Christ and that there aren't any real divisions in the Body. We're all one. What a glorious day when we discover that God loves the Baptists! -- And the Presbyterians, and the Methodists, and the Catholics. We're all His and we all belong to Him. We see the whole Body of Christ, and we begin to strive together rather than striving against one another" (p157).
@@paulryan5984 The Bible says we have to confess Jesus as our lord and savior. You must be born again. JESUS said to the scribes and Pharisees they were of their father satan. We are all God's creation, but not all are God's children.
Very good presentation. I grew up very similar to Chuck Smith and I think I agree with Calvary Chapel's theology about 95% (which is way higher than anybody else's). Kudos to him for leading his flock with grace and truth. That's one thing to have good theology, but it's another thing to have a Godly leader.
Great video, thanks. I am happy to attend Calvary Chapel Cancun. Personally I like studying the Bible verse by verse. Also, I've learned that we are all part of the body of Christ and I wish to respect other congregations that study the Word, trying not to be judgemental of their ways to worship or behave.
Attending Calvary Chapel in Rosarito, Mexico, is such a huge part of my journey in faith. I moved Mexico back to Santa Barbara over a ten years ago, but still treasure my experience there. An amazing woman of God discipled me- I call her my Mexican grandma in the faith & we still visit one another.
Question: are services in Cancun conducted in Spanish & English?
The bilingual services created beautiful fellowship among different ethnicities, nations, and classes… a taste of heaven!
I am currently living outside of the driving range of a Calvary Chapel church and miss Calvary Chapel so much!
Pastors Jack Hibbs & Greg Laurie are both excellent teachers & preachers of God’s Holy & True Word. Both are within the Calvary Chapel Church. Take a listen to these men. God protect them please!
Greg Laurie and Jack Hibbs are devils.
They teach heresy.
Read your Bible.
@@susanpillion3114 I don’t see how you would say these pastors are heretics. You must explain; otherwise, your comment is thin hot air. I do not understand where you are coming from.
Please provide some Biblical references for your opinion.
@@barrett5540
They teach man is a born sinner.
The Bible says different. The Word of God says you were created in the image of God; perfect. God created you UPRIGHT/PERFECT.
Ecclesiastes 7:29 KJV
Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man UPRIGHT; but they have sought out many inventions.
@@barrett5540
They teach for divorce and remarriage.
God does not allow divorce, not for any reason.
Luke 16:18 KJV
Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.
Jesus said this about marriage: "Let no man put asunder"
Mark 10:9 KJV
What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
@@susanpillion3114 in this I do agree with you sincerely.
I have not heard one message preached from Pastor Hibbs nor Pastor Laurie anything to contradict this word.
You always do an excellent job on your videos. Well worth anyone’s time to watch. Thank you so very much.
You will never find a perfect church nor perfect people. Only God is perfect. Most do not agree what to put on a pizza. I have been satisfied with cc
If we found a perfect church, they wouldn't let us in! Stay Blessed Ewald!
Pizza??????????
@@sandraoliver3929. People disagree about everything no matter what. This includes church and everything about denomination etc. Everyone even likes different toppings on pizza
I am a world religions major who has an interest in western religion and I love your channel. I’m going to send it to my Christianity professor 😀👍🏻
I am from Calvary Chapel Nepal love the teaching of Bible verse by verse method.
I started attending a Calvary Chapel in 2021 and I found my home. Expository Bible teaching, a high view of Bible authority, and a relaxed atmosphere with good music? Phenomenal!
Great video explaining Calvary Chapel .
Thank you for the video.
Learned a lot fr Calvary Chapel in Dumaguete,Philippines where i stayed for a few months
So far so good. Terrific presentation,
I grew up in a similar church in Santa Cruz, California, in the 70s. My parents were both saved from their drug addiction when they met Jesus.
What Chuck did right was ground his church in the word of God. He never wavered from his support for Israel because he knew the whole of God's word.
I attend a Calvary Chapel church in PA. This video is very helpful and informative.
My husband and I follow the Calvary Chapel Ontario on youtube. It's helped us grow in our faith.
My nondenominational church which was independent Baptist in its history is now very similar in these points to a cc.
My two favorite teachers are Chuck Smith & Charles Stanley(who's a Baptist church pastor)
Solid biblical teachings and doctrine, Mike Winger also came from one of these, which says a lot about what they teach, proper exegesis, leading by example and just loving the word of God with everything. Solid, solid churches when i move i'll probably attend one
Grew up going to calvary and still.go love all their verse by verse study and praise and worship with a weekly Communion
The ministry God started and carried by His grace. Chuck made it clear that others should name their Churches something other than Calvary. Founded on Ephesians 4 using the God given gifts of pastoring and teaching for the purpose of edifying and equpping the body of Christ for the purpose of ministry. As Chuck often taught that healthy sheep beget healthy sheep.
Great video! I grew up in Calvary Chapel, my father was a worship leader, youth pastor, associate and senior pastor. Even though I don't agree with the "Moses Model" of leadership or their general views on Predestination and Calvinism (I'm currently part of the RCA), their passion for verse by verse teaching and evangelism will always give them a special place in my heart.
I grew up in CCCM and some of the other local CCs. I met Pastor Chuck a few times. He was always full of joy. He was a true man of God and one of the modern heroes of the faith. We miss him a lot but I am excited about the future of CC
I was blessed by Calvary Chapel ABQ and Skip Heitzig (and Chuck Smith’s tapes and books) as a teen and early twenties.
Thank you. I attend a Calvary Chapel, which I found when I was looking for Bible teaching. But I found a lot of information that I was aware of, but not really knowing the background for in your presentation.
Chuck Smith was Bible teacher at Riverside Christian High School right before he started Calvary Chapel.
As a longtime member of Calvary Chapel, I have one thing to say, "Outstanding and accurate explanation"!
I've been asked if I was a Calvary Chapel pastor and I have stated that I wasn't though I do agree with them theogically on nearly every single point.
What are the disagreements? :) just curious.
@@lesamccluskey9997 Calvary Chapel churches have one Pastor, we hold to the view that Churches should have Elders that serve as both the Pastors and the Church Board. That's really about it.
Excellent job. I attended several Calvary Chapels in Florida and I missed it now that I moved to VA.
Very detailed and objective video. Thank you. I grew up under Pastor Chuck’s teaching and later attended several CC over the years from mega churches to tiny ones as I moved around the world, Every church body is made up of imperfect humans, and thus, ego and politics will always get in the way as the congregations grow. I’m certainly sad to see the division once Chuck went home, but alas, each person attending any church must be like the Bereans and verify if what is being taught is correct according to the Word.
Daniel, so well said!!!
I was brought to salvation by watching Calvary Chapel pastor Raul Ries on TV in 1991. I has never heard of CC. Then about a month later a guy at work out of the blue gave me a tract by Greg Laurie, another CC pastor. Obviously I felt led to find a CC church and did. I stayed in the CC churches for 25 years but have moved on. I am forever grateful for the sound deep Bible study I received there.
Pastor Robert Furrow is awesome!🙏🏻
I love Pastor Robert too. He is my pastor.
Yes he is! And people can attend online and benefit from Robert Furrow's teaching. This was a tremendous comfort to me when I lived overseas.
Phil keagy, odon fong, Romain, Reese , chuck sr. Getting baptized in the cove.
Bless God for His servants that began my journey❤
I believe that Calvary Chapel.. The Church I attend, takes GOD S HOLY WORD.AND CLEARLY TEACHES IT.I personally belive moving to Calvary Chapel Strengthened my walk with CHRIST JESUS!!!
Thanks. Received a wonderful response to a Comment on Harvest. I think I will try to attend this Sunday.