CCMV

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.

CALVARY DISTINCTIVES
An Emphasis on the Bible

Since the Bible is the ultimate authority for faith and practice, we make the study of the Scriptures a focal point of our ministry. Our pattern of study is verse by verse, chapter by chapter, and book by book, right through the Bible. This way we avoid "pet" topics or a skewed look at God. Learning the "full counsel of God" is our prime directive.
An Emphasis on Worship

While Bible study has a central place in our ministry, the first place we look to see it applied is in our relationship with God. Thankfulness is the neutral expression of a heart that has been converted from sin to Christ. We emphasize worship in our services and encourage people to grow in the expression of their love and adoration of God.
An Emphasis on the Holy Spirit

Since we believe we are saved by God's grace, apart from our own works or merit, we place a great emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering and enabling God's people to live lives that please Him. This emphasis is seen in our reliance on prayer rather than programs.
An Emphasis on Fellowship

The primary sign of spiritual growth is the fruit of the Spirit - Love. Therefore, we place an emphasis on mutual ministry and genuine care for one another. Home and small groups meet throughout the week, month, and year. It's in these small groups that we have the opportunity to develop committed relationships in which everyone has the opportunity to use the spiritual gifts given them by the Lord.