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[[File:CalvaryChapelDove.png|thumb|right|200px|Calvary Chapel's logo]]


'''Calvary Chapel''' is an [[Evangelicalism|evangelical]]<ref name=glory>{{cite book | title=Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: A Journey Into the Evangelical Subculture in America | last=Ballmer | first=Randall | publisher=Oxford University Press US | year=2006 | chapter=California Kickback}}</ref> association of [[Local church|Christian churches]] with over one thousand congregations worldwide.<ref name=churchlist>{{cite web | title=Churches List Ordered By City | url=http://www.calvarychapel.com/?show=Churches.List&Page=1&StartRecord=1&Sort=City,ASC | accessdate=2006-04-19}}</ref> Calvary Chapel also maintains a number of radio stations around the world and operates many local [[Calvary Chapel Bible College]] programs. It presents itself as a "fellowship of churches" in contrast to a [[Christian denomination|denomination]].<ref name=nondenom>{{cite web|url= http://www.calvarychapel.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=37 |title= What We Believe|accessdate= 2010-02-14|quote= We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations as such, only their over-emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the Body of Christ.}}</ref><ref name=reinventing>{{cite book | title=Reinventing American Protestantism: Christianity in the New Millennium | last=Miller| first=Donald | publisher=University of California Press | year=1999| quote=Smith was not attempting to create a denomination; rather, what emerged was a loose fellowship of like-minded people.... Asked about what is preventing the a movement the size of Calvary Chapel, Smith emphatically answers, "Me," and then clarifies how a relationally based movement was ensured "by being fiercely independent and implanting this independence in them [the offspring churches]; by each of them incorporating independently; by not requiring reports; by keeping the affiliation [of churches] just a very loose affiliation." He states that there are no requirements, no calls, no letters from headquarters, unless there are major deviations from Calvary Chapel philosophy, at which point there might be a call from "Dad" to inquire what is going on. Calvary Chapel doctrine, if it can be called that, is simple. On many points there can be diversity of opinion so long as the centrality of scripture is maintained, along with such fundamental Christian beliefs as the deity of Christ and the resurrection of Jesus.}}</ref> Churches which affiliate with Calvary Chapel may use the name "Calvary Chapel" but need not do so.
[[Image:CalvaryChapelDove.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Calvary Chapel's dove logo, which represents the [[Holy Spirit]]]]


Beginning in 1965 in [[Southern California]], this fellowship of churches grew out of [[Chuck Smith (pastor)|Chuck Smith]]'s [[Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa]]. Doctrinally, Calvary Chapel is evangelical, [[Dispensationalism|dispensational]], [[rapture|pretribulationist]], and believes in the principle of ''[[sola scriptura]]''. Calvary Chapels place great importance in the practice of [[Expository preaching|expository teaching]], a "verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book" approach to teaching the [[Bible]].<ref name=reinventing2>{{cite book | title=Reinventing American Protestantism: Christianity in the New Millennium | last=Miller| first=Donald | publisher=University of California Press | year=1999| quote=The trademark of the doctrine of Chuck Smith and all Calvary Chapels is their verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible.}}</ref> Typically, Calvary Chapels operate under a senior pastor-led system of [[Ecclesiastical polity|church government]], sometimes referred to as the "Moses" model;<ref name=distinctivesp20>{{cite book|url=http://www.ccbtn.org/chuck/ccd.pdf |title= Calvary Chapel Distinctives|last= Smith|first= Chuck|authorlink= Chuck Smith (pastor)|year=1993|format= PDF|work=Calvary Chapel Distinctives|publisher=Word for Today| isbn=0936728809 |pages=20|quote=As [senior] pastors, we need to be like Moses, in touch with Jesus and receiving His direction and guidance.}}</ref><ref name=distinctivesp21>{{cite book|url=http://www.ccbtn.org/chuck/ccd.pdf |title= Calvary Chapel Distinctives|last= Smith|first= Chuck|authorlink= Chuck Smith (pastor)|year=1993|format= PDF|work=Calvary Chapel Distinctives|publisher=Word for Today| isbn=0936728809 |pages=21|quote=It's necessary to have godly men who recognize that God has called and ordained you as the pastor of the church. Men who will work with you and support those things that god is directing you, as the pastor, to implement within the church.}}</ref><ref name=distinctivesp20b>{{cite book|url=http://www.ccbtn.org/chuck/ccd.pdf |title= Calvary Chapel Distinctives|last= Smith|first= Chuck|authorlink= Chuck Smith (pastor)|year=1993|format= PDF|work=Calvary Chapel Distinctives|publisher=Word for Today| isbn=0936728809 |pages=20|quote=In the church today we see this structure [Moses model] in a modified form.}}</ref> Chuck Smith's "Calvary Chapel Distinctives" summarizes the tenets for which Calvary Chapel stands.
'''Calvary Chapel''', a [[non-denominational]], [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] fellowship of [[Christianity| Christian]] churches, began in 1965 in [[Southern California]]. It presents itself as a "fellowship of churches" in contrast to a [[Christian denomination|denomination]]. Churches that apply and qualify for affiliation through an extensive and thorough application process, can then use the name "Calvary Chapel", but in no way are required to do so. Calvary Chapel has over one thousand such [[congregation]]s worldwide. <ref name=churchlist> {{cite web | title=Churches List Ordered By City | url=http://www.calvarychapel.com/?show=Churches.List&Page=1&StartRecord=1&Sort=City,ASC | accessdate=2006-04-19}} </ref> The original Calvary Chapel is [[Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa]], [[pastor]]ed by [[Chuck Smith (pastor)|Chuck Smith]]. Doctrinally, Calvary Chapel is [[evangelicalism|evangelical]], [[rapture|pretribulationist]], and strongly committed to the Reformational principle of ''[[sola scriptura]]''.


==History==
Calvary Chapels widely use a Pastor-led [[Ecclesiastical polity| church governmental system]] sometimes referred to the "Moses" model; however some use an [[Episcopalian church governance|episcopal church-governance]] structure. [[Glossolalia|Tongues]] and [[prophecy]] do not form a normal part of typical Sunday morning church services, but the chapels regard such practices as doctrinally valid, like all the [[Gifts of the Spirit]]. Calvary Chapels faithfully uphold expository teaching, a "verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book" approach to teaching the [[Bible]]. This essentially means that their [[sermons]] are directly related to a passage of the Bible, and following sermons will start where the previous sermon left off (often this is done from [[Genesis]] to [[Book of Revelation|Revelation]]). They hold the opinion that a steady diet of topical studies only largely fail to present the "whole counsel of God" ({{bibleverse||Acts|20:27|NRSV}}) and that ministers who use this approach often choose topics that they have a certain inclination to teach, while leaving out important (and sometimes controversial) issues of the Bible. It is Calvary's desire to teach, not preach the word, in order to equip and train laymen for everyday ministry – as well as encourage development of a personal relationship with [[Christ]]. Calvary Chapel also maintains a number of radio stations around the world and operates many local [[Calvary Chapel Bible College]] programs. Chuck Smith's "Calvary Chapel Distinctives" summarizes holistically the tenets for which Calvary Chapel stands.
{{Expand section|date=September 2008}}
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Lonnie Frisbee.jpg|thumb| 400px|[[Lonnie Frisbee]] baptizing converts in the [[Pacific Ocean]] while hundreds watch. Photos such as this explaining Frisbee and the [[Jesus Freaks]] were printed in ''Time'' and ''Life'' magazines.<ref name="ggs"> Glen G. Scorgie, ''A Little Guide to Christian Spirituality: Three Dimensions of Life with God'', Chapter 8-"An Integrated Spirituality", Zondervan, 2009, ISBN 0310540003, 9780310540007.</ref> ]] -->
In December 1965, [[Chuck Smith (pastor)|Chuck Smith]] became the pastor of a 25-person congregation and in 1968 broke away from the [[International Church of the Foursquare Gospel]] in Santa Ana, [[California]]. Before Smith became their pastor, twelve of the 25 members attended a [[prayer]] meeting about whether or not to close their church: they reported that "the [[Holy Spirit]] spoke to them through [[prophecy]]" and told them that Chuck would become their pastor, that he would want to elevate the platform area, that [[God]] would bless the church, that it would go on the radio, that the church would become overcrowded, and that he would become known throughout the world.<ref name=chuck_smith>{{cite web|url= http://www.calvarychapel.com/assets/pdf/LastTimes-Fall1981.pdf|title= The history of Calvary Chapel|accessdate= 2008-08-09|last= Smith|first= Chuck|authorlink= Chuck Smith (pastor)|date= Fall, 1981|format= PDF|work= Last Times|publisher= |pages= 5|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20080716203806/http://www.calvarychapel.com/assets/pdf/LastTimes-Fall1981.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-07-16 |quote= While the tiny group at Calvary Chapel was praying about closing the church and not knowing what to do, the Holy Spirit spoke to them through prophecy. He said that He would lay a burden upon the heart of Chuck Smith to come and pastor. The Spirit said that Chuck wouldn't be happy with the church building. He would want to remodel it immediately, the platform area and all. God would bless the church and it would go on the radio. The church would become overcrowded. They would have to move to new quarters on the bluff overlooking the bay. And the church would become known throughout the world.}}</ref>


In 1969, Calvary Chapel became an epicenter with what later became known as the [[Jesus Movement]] when Smith's daughter introduced him to her [[boyfriend]] John, a former [[hippie]] who had become a [[Christian]]. John then introduced Chuck to [[Lonnie Frisbee]], the "hippie evangelist" who became a key figure in the growth of both the Jesus Movement and in Calvary Chapel. Frisbee moved into Smith's home, and he would minister to the other hippies and counter-culture youth on the beaches. At night he would bring home new converts and soon Smith's house was full.<ref name="Ears on Their Heads">{{cite web| last =Coker | first =Matt| title=Ears on Their Heads, But They Don’t Hear: Spreading the real message of Frisbee| publisher=[[Orange County Weekly]] | date=April 14, 2005| url= http://www.ocweekly.com/film/film/ears-on-their-heads-but-they-dont-hear/14935/| accessdate=2007-10-21}}</ref> Frisbee was put in charge of a new rental home for the steadily growing crowd of Christian hippies and he named the commune [[House of Miracles]], other House of Miracles would be set up throughout California and beyond. Through Frisbee's strong anoiting of the Holy Spirit and '[[power evangelism]]' and Smith's business sense of running a church, Calvary grew exponentially.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011|reason=stating cause. Cause must be verified.}} A tent was erected while a new building was under construction and Frisbee's Wednesday night Bible studies became wildly popular.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Among Frisbee's converts were the musicians{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} that had played on the beaches who now were writing music for praise and worship. This became the genesis for [[Jesus music]] and [[Christian rock concerts]]. The musicians started forming groups{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} and [[Maranatha Music]] was eventually formed to publish and promote the music.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} The services usually resembled rock concerts more than any worship services of the time.{{Citation needed|date=March 2011}} Frisbee was featured in national television news reports and magazines with images of him baptizing hundreds in the Pacific Ocean at a time.<ref name="ggs"> Glen G. Scorgie, ''A Little Guide to Christian Spirituality: Three Dimensions of Life with God'', Chapter 8-"An Integrated Spirituality", Zondervan, 2009, ISBN 0310540003, 9780310540007.</ref> The network of House of Miracles communes/crash pad/coffee houses began doing outreach concerts with Smith or Frisbee preaching, Frisbee calling forth the Holy Spirit and the newly forming bands playing the music.<ref name="dws"> David W. Stowe, ''No Sympathy for the Devil: Christian Pop Music and the Transformation of American Evangelicalism'', UNC Press Books, 2011, ISBN 0807834580, 9780807834589, pages 70-5.</ref>
== History ==


By the early 1970s Calvary Chapel was home to ten or more musical groups<ref name="CCM_13_10"/> that were representative of the Jesus people movement.<ref name="CCM_13_10">{{cite journal |last=Rabey |first=Steve |year=1991 |month=April |title=Marathana! Music Turns Twenty |journal=[[CCM Magazine]] |id={{ISSN|1524-7848}} |volume=13 |issue=10 |page=12 }}</ref>
In December 1965 [[Chuck Smith (pastor)| Chuck Smith]] became the pastor of a 25-person [[congregation]] and in 1968 broke away from the [[International Church of the Foursquare Gospel]] [[Christian denomination|denomination]] in Santa Ana, [[California]]. Before Smith became their pastor, twelve of the 25 members attended a [[prayer]] meeting about whether or not to close their church: they reported that the [[Holy Spirit]] spoke to them by [[prophecy]] and told them that Chuck would become their pastor, that he would want to elevate the platform area, that [[God]] would bless the church, that it would go on the radio, that the church would become overcrowded, and that he would become known throughout the world.<ref name=chuck_smith>
{{cite web
|url= http://www.calvarychapel.com/assets/pdf/LastTimes-Fall1981.pdf
|title= The history of Calvary Chapel
|accessdate= 2008-08-09
|last= Smith
|first= Chuck
|authorlink= Chuck Smith (pastor)
|date= Fall, 1981
|format= PDF
|work= Last Times
|publisher=
|pages= 5
|archiveurl=
|archivedate=
|quote= While the tiny group at Calvary Chapel was praying about closing the church and not knowing what to do, the Holy Spirit spoke to them through prophecy. He said that He would lay a burden upon the heart of Chuck Smith to come and pastor. The Spirit said that Chuck wouldn't be happy with the church building. He would want to remodel it immediately, the platform area and all. God would bless the church and it would go on the radio. The church would become overcrowded. They would have to move to new quarters on the bluff overlooking the bay. And the church would become known throughout the world.
}}
</ref>


In 1982, [[John Wimber]], a Calvary Chapel pastor, and the Calvary Chapel leadership mutually agreed to part ways. Tension had been mounting over Wimber's emphasis on spiritual manifestations leading Wimber to withdraw from Calvary Chapel and affiliate with a network of churches that would become the [[Association of Vineyard Churches]].<ref name=churchidchange136>{{cite book| coauthors =James R. Nieman, Editors| title =Church, Identity, and Change: Theology and Denominational Structures in Unsettled Times| publisher =William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company| year =2005| location =Grand Rapids, Michigan| page =136| isbn =0-8028-2819-1}}</ref>
Calvary Chapel then{{when?}} became associated with what later became known as the [[Jesus Movement]] when Chuck's daughter introduced him to her [[boyfriend]] John, a former [[hippie]] who had become a [[Christian]]. John then introduced Chuck to [[Lonnie Frisbee]], a hippie Christian who would eventually become a key figure in the Jesus Movement and in Calvary Chapel. Lonnie moved into Chuck's home, and in a few days, more hippies moved in with Chuck and his wife.


==Doctrine==
{{Expand-section|date=September 2008}}
Affiliates of Calvary Chapel believe in the fundamental doctrines of evangelical Christianity, which include the [[Biblical inerrancy|inerrancy of the Bible]] and the [[Trinity]]. Within evangelical Christianity, they say that they stand in the "middle ground between [[Fundamentalist Christianity|fundamentalism]] and [[Pentecostalism]] in modern [[Protestant]] theology". While they share with fundamentalism a belief in the inerrancy of the Bible, unlike fundamentalists, they accept [[Gifts of the Holy Spirit|spiritual gifts]]. However, they feel that Pentecostalism values experience at the expense of the word of God.<ref name=teachings>{{cite book | title=What Calvary Chapel Teaches | last=Taylor | first=Larry | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/taylor-larry/text/wcct.htm}}</ref>


===Calvinism and Arminianism===
== Doctrine ==
According to Calvary Chapel literature, the association strives to "strik[e] a balance between extremes" when it comes to controversial theological issues such as [[Calvinism]]'s and [[Arminianism]]'s conflicting views on [[salvation]]. Calvary Chapels hold the following views on the [[five points of Calvinism]]:
=== General ===
# Regarding [[total depravity]], Calvary Chapel affirms that "apart from God's grace, no one can be saved," and that "mankind is clearly fallen and lost in sin."<ref>{{cite book | title=Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url= http://www.calvarychapelblythewood.com/books/calvinismarminianismandth.pdf| accessdate = 2011-08-11| quote = We believe that all are sinners (Romans 3:23) and unable by human performance to earn, deserve, or merit salvation (Titus 3:5). We believe that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and that apart from God's grace, no one can be saved (Ephesians 2:8–9). We believe that none are righteous, or capable of doing good (Romans 3:10–12), and that apart from the conviction and regeneration of the Holy Spirit, none can be saved (John 1:12–13; 16:8–11; I Peter 1:23–25). Mankind is clearly fallen and lost in sin. }}</ref>
# Regarding [[unconditional election]], Calvary Chapel affirms that God, "based on his foreknowledge, has predestined the believer," and that "God clearly does choose, but man must also accept God's invitation to salvation."<ref>{{cite book | title=Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url= http://www.calvarychapelblythewood.com/books/calvinismarminianismandth.pdf| accessdate = 2011-08-11| quote = We believe that God chose the believer before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4–6), and based on His foreknowledge, has predestined the believer to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29–30). We believe that God offers salvation to all who will call on His name. Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." We also believe that God calls to Himself those who will believe in His Son, Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:9). However, the Bible also teaches that an invitation (or call) is given to all, but that only a few will accept it. We see this balance throughout scripture. Revelation 22:17 states, "And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." I Peter 1:2 tells us we are, "elect according to the foreknowledge of God, the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." Matthew 22:14 says, "For many are called, but few are chosen (elected)." God clearly does choose, but man must also accept God's invitation to salvation. }}</ref>
# Regarding [[limited atonement]], Calvary Chapel affirms that Jesus died "for the whole world" and that the "atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was clearly sufficient to save the entire human race."<ref>{{cite book | title=Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url= http://www.calvarychapelblythewood.com/books/calvinismarminianismandth.pdf| accessdate = 2011-08-11| quote = We believe that Jesus Christ died as a propitiation (a satisfaction of the righteous wrath of God against sin) "for the whole world" (I John 2:2; 4:9–10), and that He redeems and forgives all who will believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation from sin, death, and hell (Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:18–19). We believe that eternal life is a gift of God (Romans 6:23), and that "whosoever believeth" in Jesus Christ will not perish, but will have eternal life (John 3:16–18). I Timothy 4:10 says "we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe." Hebrews 2:9 states that Jesus, "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man." The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was clearly sufficient to save the entire human race.}}</ref>
# Regarding [[irresistible grace]], Calvary Chapel affirms that "God's grace can either be resisted or received by the exercise of human [[free will]]".<ref>{{cite book | title=Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url= http://www.calvarychapelblythewood.com/books/calvinismarminianismandth.pdf| accessdate = 2011-08-11| quote = In Stephen's message in Acts 7:51, he concluded by saying, "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye." In Romans 10:21, the apostle Paul quotes Isaiah 65:2 when he speaks of God's words to Israel, "All day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." In one of the five warning passages of the book of Hebrews, we read in Hebrews 10:26, "For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." Verse 29 adds, "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, with which he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Clearly, God's grace can either be resisted or received by the exercise of human free will.}}</ref>
# Calvary Chapels "believe in the [[perseverance of the saints]] (true believers) but are deeply concerned about sinful lifestyles and rebellious hearts among those who call themselves 'Christians'."<ref>{{cite book | title=Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url= http://www.calvarychapelblythewood.com/books/calvinismarminianismandth.pdf| accessdate = 2011-08-11| quote = We believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 8:38–39), and that there is no condemnation to those who are in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1). We believe that the promise of Jesus in John 10:27–28 is clear: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." Jesus said in John 6:37, "him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." We have this assurance in Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." We believe that the Holy Spirit has sealed us unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30). But we also are deeply concerned over the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21–23}}</ref>


===Spiritual gifts===
Affiliates of Calvary Chapel believe in the fundamental doctrines of [[Evangelicalism| evangelical]] Christianity, which include the [[Biblical inerrancy|inerrancy of the Bible]] and the [[Trinity]]. Within evangelical Christianity, they say that they stand in the "middle ground between [[Fundamentalist Christianity|fundamentalism]] and [[Pentecostalism]] in modern [[Protestant]] theology". While they applaud fundamentalism's staunch support of the inerrancy of the Bible, they believe Fundamentalists have become "rigid, legalistic, and unaccepting of [[Gifts of the Holy Spirit|spiritual gifts]]." On the other hand, they believe Pentecostals have become "enthusiastic and emotional at the expense of the teaching of God's Word." <ref name=teachings> {{cite book | title=What Calvary Chapel Teaches | last=Taylor | first=Larry | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/taylor-larry/text/wcct.htm}} </ref> In other words, a church service should be about being made into a disciple (Matthew 28 and the Great Commission), and less about the "experience".
Although Calvary Chapel believes in the continuing efficacy of [[Glossolalia|the gift of tongues]], it does not recognize uninterpreted tongues spoken in a congregational setting as necessarily inspired (or at least directed) by the [[Holy Spirit]] because of its understanding of {{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|14|NRSV}}. Calvary Chapel accepts that the Bible affirms interpreted tongues and modern [[prophecy]]. Practicing tongues in private occurs more commonly.<ref name=charisma>{{cite book | title=Charisma vs. Charismania | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/cvc.htm | isbn=0-936728-49-3 | publisher=Word for Today | year=1993}}</ref> Calvary Chapel does not teach that the outward manifestation of every Christian counts as speaking in tongues. Instead, the movement's theologians regard speaking in tongues as one of the many [[gifts of the Spirit]] and see believers as [[blessing|blessed]] as the Spirit moves.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}}


Similar to other Pentecostal or Charismatic movements,<ref name=DifferTerms1-2>{{Cite journal| last =Arrington| first =French L.| title = The Indwelling, Baptism, and Infilling with the Holy Spirit: A Differentiation of Terms | journal =Pneuma: the Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies| volume =3| issue =1| pages =1–2| date =Fall| year =1981}}</ref> Calvary Chapel holds that the baptism of the Holy Spirit does not take place during conversion, but is available as a second experience.<ref name=distinctivesp27>{{cite book|url=http://www.ccbtn.org/chuck/ccd.pdf |title= Calvary Chapel Distinctives|last= Smith|first= Chuck|authorlink= Chuck Smith (pastor)|year=1993|format= PDF|work=Calvary Chapel Distinctives|publisher=Word for Today| isbn=0936728809 |pages=27|quote=
=== Calvinism and Arminianism ===


We believe that there is an experience of the empowering of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer that is distinct and separate from the indwelling of the Spirit that takes place at conversion.}}</ref> It is their understanding that there are three distinct relationships with the Holy Spirit. The first is that which is experienced prior to conversion. In this relationship the Holy Spirit is convicting the person of his sin.<ref name=distinctivesp28>{{cite book|url=http://www.ccbtn.org/chuck/ccd.pdf |title= Calvary Chapel Distinctives|last= Smith|first= Chuck|authorlink= Chuck Smith (pastor)|year=1993|format= PDF|work=Calvary Chapel Distinctives|publisher=Word for Today| isbn=0936728809 |pages=28|quote=We believe that the Holy Spirit is dwelling with a person prior to conversion. He is the One convicting him of his sin, convincing him that Jesus Christ is the only answer.}}</ref> In the second relationship the Holy Spirit indwells believers during conversion for the purpose of [[sanctification]].<ref name=distinctivesp29>{{cite book|url=http://www.ccbtn.org/chuck/ccd.pdf |title= Calvary Chapel Distinctives|last= Smith|first= Chuck|authorlink= Chuck Smith (pastor)|year=1993|format= PDF|work=Calvary Chapel Distinctives|publisher=Word for Today| isbn=0936728809 |pages=29|quote=So we see the dynamic power of the Spirit in us which comes when we accept Jesus. He begins that work in us of transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ.}}</ref> The third relationship is the baptism of the Holy Spirit which Calvary Chapel believes is for the purpose of being a Christian witness.
In the much-debated matter of [[salvation]], two major perspectives have evolved within [[Protestant]] Christianity: [[Calvinism]] and [[Arminianism]].


However, there are some Calvary Chapels that do not hold with this doctrine in actual practice. Pastor Joe Focht at Calvary Chapel Philadelphia teaches that the Baptism of Holy Spirit happens at conversion.<ref>Straight from the Heart teaching from Genesis to Revelation. WED10224 Mp3, Calvary Chapel Philadelphia</ref> Other examples of similar teaching are Chris Swanson at Calvary Chapel Chester Springs, PA and and Tim Lloyd at Calvary Chapel of Newwark, DE.<ref>http://cc-chestersprings.com/teachingLists/teaching.asp, Matthew 3:11 , 5/29/2005.</ref><ref>http://www.ccnewarkde.org/matthew.html, Mathew 3:1-17 - John the Baptist Speaking today</ref>
Calvary Chapel strives to "strik[e] a balance between extremes" when it comes to controversial theological issues such as this one. They also "try to avoid conclusions, terminology, and arguments which are not clearly presented in the Bible". For example, an argument or debate would not ensue simply because of a claim that someone or some denomination seems "Calvinist". But Calvary Chapels discuss the [[five points of Calvinism]] on the basis of solid biblical [[exegesis]] as addressed below:


===Baptism and Communion===
# On the first point, Calvary Chapel agrees with [[Calvinism]]'s view of all men as "totally depraved" but holds that — with the gracious intervention of the [[Holy Spirit]] — man has the ability to choose righteousness. <!-- Citation comes at the end of this section, so commenting out the citation request. {{Fact|date=August 2008}} -->
Calvary Chapels practice [[believer's baptism]] by immersion. Calvary Chapel does not regard baptism as necessary for salvation, but instead sees it as an outward sign of an inward change. As a result, the Chapels do not [[infant baptism|baptize infants]], although they may dedicate them to God. Calvary Chapel views [[Eucharist|Communion]] in a symbolic way, with reference to {{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|11:23–26|NRSV}}.
# On point number two, Calvinists believe that man's [[predestination|election to salvation]] lies completely in the choice of God, while Arminians see it as completely the choice of man. Calvary Chapel has taken a middle ground approach by saying that "God clearly does choose, but man must also accept God's invitation to salvation."<!-- Citation comes at the end of this section, so commenting out the citation request. {{Citequote|date=September 2008}} -->
# On point number three, Calvary strongly sides with [[Arminianism]], which contends that Jesus died for the whole world; this contrasts with the Calvinist view that Jesus' death sufficiently covers every sin but was intended and therefore efficient only for those who would believe. Based on scriptures{{Fact|date=September 2008}}, Calvary states: "The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was clearly sufficient to save the entire human race." <!-- Citations come at the end of this section, so commenting out the citation request. {{Citequote|date=September 2008}} -->
# Point four has to do with man's ability to resist God. Calvary sides with [[Arminianism]] here and believes that "God's grace can either be resisted or received by the exercise of human [[free will]]" <!-- Citations come at the end of this section, so commenting out the citation request. {{Citequote|date=September 2008}} -->upon God's desire for them to be saved. (Calvinists believe in [[irresistible grace]]).
# On the final point, Calvary Chapels believe in the perseverance of the saints (true believers), but express deep concern about sinful lifestyles and rebellious hearts among those who call themselves "Christians" – based on the words of Jesus in {{bibleverse||Matthew|7:21-23|NRSV}}.


===Eschatology===
Chuck Smith summed up Calvary Chapel's philosophy regarding these perspectives and the believer's understanding as follows:


Calvary Chapels strongly espouse [[pretribulationist]] and [[Premillennialism|premillennialist]] views in their [[Christian eschatology|eschatology]] (the study of the [[end times]]). They believe that the [[rapture]] of the Church will occur first, followed by a literal seven-year period of [[tribulation|Great Tribulation]], followed by the [[second coming]] of [[Jesus Christ]], and then finally a literal thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth called the [[Millennialism|Millennial Kingdom]]. Calvary Chapel also rejects [[supersessionism]] and instead believes that the Jews remain God's chosen people and that Israel will play an important part in the [[end times]].<ref name=rapture>
<blockquote>
{{cite book | title=Calvary Chapel Doctrine and Distinctives | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/ccd.htm | chapter=The Rapture Of The Church}}
It is not easy to maintain the unity of the Spirit among us on these matters. It seems that the sovereignty of God and human responsibility are like two parallel lines that do not seem to intersect within our finite minds. God's ways are "past finding out" ({{bibleverse||Romans|11:33|NRSV}}), and the Bible warns us to "lean not unto thy own understanding" ({{bibleverse||Proverbs|3:5|NRSV}}). To say what God says in the Bible - no more and no less - is not always easy, comfortable, or completely understandable. But Scripture tells us that the wisdom from above will be loving and kind toward all, seeking the unity of the believers, not trying to find ways to divide and separate from one another .... In difficult doctrinal matters, may we have gracious attitudes and humble hearts, desiring most of all to please Him who has called us to serve Him in the body of Christ.<ref>
{{cite book | title=Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/caatwog.htm}}
</ref>
</ref>
</blockquote>


Interest in one event during the [[Tribulation]]—the building of a [[Third Temple|Third]] [[Temple in Jerusalem]]—led in the early 1980s to associations between some in Calvary Chapel (including Chuck Smith) and Jewish groups interested in seeing the temple rebuilt.<ref name="ArielGoldfoot">{{Cite web| url = http://moses.creighton.edu/JRS/2007/2007-5.html| title = Terror at the Holy of Holies: Christians and Jewish Builders of the Temple at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century| accessdate = 2009-01-02| author = | last = Ariel| first = Yaakov| year = 2007| work = Journal of Religion and Society| publisher = Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society| location = Omaha, Nebraska| quote = According to one source, [Stanley] Goldfoot was the one to establish the contacts, which became vital since the 1990s, between the [[Temple Mount Faithful]] and its Christian supporters (''[[Kol HaIr]]'' 13 October 1995: 44–49). In the early 1980s, Chuck Smith, a noted evangelist and minister of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, one of the largest and most dynamic Charismatic churches in America (on Smith, see Miller), invited Stanley Goldfoot to lecture in his church, and Smith’s followers helped to finance Goldfoot’s activity. Chuck Smith’s involvement in the rebuilding of the Temple is demonstrative of the constituency of Christians interested in the Temple and the prospect of its rebuilding.}}</ref>
=== Holy Spirit ===


====Return of Christ in 1981====
Although Calvary Chapel believes in the continuing efficacy of [[Glossolalia| the gift of tongues]], it does not recognize uninterpreted tongues spoken in a congregational setting as necessarily inspired (or at least directed) by the [[Holy Spirit]] because of its understanding of {{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|14|NRSV}}. Calvary Chapel accepts that the Bible affirms interpreted tongues and modern [[prophecy]]. Practising tongues in private occurs more commonly.<ref name=charisma>
{{cite book | title=Charisma vs. Charismania | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/cvc.htm | id=ISBN 0-936728-49-3 | publisher=Word for Today | year=1993}}
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Chuck Smith wrote and published a prophetic timeline that declared:
:I believe that the generation of 1948 is the last generation. Since a generation of judgment is forty years and the Tribulation period lasts seven years, I believe the Lord could come back for His Church any time before the Tribulation starts, which would mean any time before 1981.<ref name="ReferenceA">End Times: A Report on Future Survival, Chuck Smith, 1978{{cite book|title=End Times: A Report on Future Survival|last= Smith|first= Chuck|authorlink= Chuck Smith (pastor)|year=1978|publisher=Maranatha House Publishers| isbn=0-89337-011-8 |pages=35|quote=Jesus taught us that the generation which sees the "budding of the fig tree," the birth of the nation Israel, will be the generation that sees the Lord's return. I believe that the generation of 1948 is the last generation. Since a generation of judgment is forty years and the Tribulation period lasts seven years, I believe the Lord could come back for His Church any time before the Tribulation starts, which would mean anytime before 1981. (1948+40+7=1981)}}</ref><ref>http://www.amazon.com/dp/0893370118</ref>

The reasoning had to do with the idea that the 7-year Tribulation would end in 1988, forty years after the [[Declaration of Independence (Israel)|establishment of the state of Israel]]. In his 1978 book, Chuck reasoned that Haley's Comet in 1986 would result in problems for those left behind: "The Lord said that towards the end of the Tribulation period the sun would scorch men who dwell upon the face of the earth (Rev. 16). The year 1986 would fit just about right! We’re getting close to the Tribulation and the return of Christ in glory. All the pieces of the puzzle are coming together." <ref name="ReferenceA"/>
Disappointment resulting from the prophecy not materializing in 1981 caused some to leave the church.<ref name="Gorenberg">Gorenberg, Gershom. The End of Days:Fundamentalism and the Struggle for the Temple Mount. p. 123.</ref><ref name="Abanes">Abanes, Richard. End-Time Visions : The Road to Armageddon. pp. 326, 412–413.</ref><ref name="DiSabatino">DiSabatino, David. The Jesus People Movement: An Annotated Bibliography and General Resource. Bibliographies and Indexes in Religious Studies. p.68</ref><ref name="Goffard">{{cite news|last=Goffard|first=Christopher|title=Father, Son and Holy Rift|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2006/sep/02/local/me-smiths2|accessdate=1 August 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=2 September 2006}}
</ref>
</ref>


===="Generation" living in 1948====
=== Baptism and Communion ===


In another book titled "Snatched Away," Chuck proclaimed that the "generation that was living in May of 1948 shall not pass until the second coming of Jesus Christ takes place and the kingdom of God be established upon the earth."
Calvary Chapels practise [[baptism]] by immersion. Calvary Chapel does not regard baptism as necessary for salvation, but instead sees it as an outward sign of an inward change. As a result, the Chapels do not [[infant baptism|baptize infants]], although they may dedicate them to God. Calvary Chapel views [[Eucharist|Communion]] in a symbolic way, with reference to {{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|11:23-26|NRSV}}.


==Practices==
=== Church government ===
Calvary Chapel pastors tend to prefer expositional sermons rather than topical ones, and they will often give their sermons sequentially from the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. They believe that expository preaching allows the congregation to learn how all parts of the Bible address issues as opposed to topical sermons which they see as allowing preachers to emphasize certain issues more than others.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} Another advantage, they say, is that it makes difficult topics easier to address because members of the congregation won't feel like they are being singled out.{{Citation needed|date=April 2010}} It sees expository teaching as providing consistent teaching that, over time, brings the "perfecting of the saints" which is part of their general philosophy for the Church.<ref name=priority>{{cite book | title=Calvary Chapel Doctrine and Distinctives | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/ccd.htm | chapter=The Priority of the Word}}</ref> In teaching expositorily through scripture sequentially, Calvary Chapel believes God sets the agenda, not the pastor.


Calvary Chapels believe that most churches have a "dependent, highly organized, [and] structured" environment, but that most people want an "independent and casual way of life". Calvary therefore has decided{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}}<!-- did someone decide? or did a tradition simply evolve? --> to have a casual and laid-back atmosphere in their churches. As a practical implication of this philosophy, people may wear street clothes to church.<ref name=ministry/> [[Praise song|Praise]] and [[Worship music|worship]] usually consists of upbeat [[contemporary Christian music]] though many Calvarys also play hymns. The style of worship generally reflects the region and the specific make-up of the congregation.
Some Calvary Chapels consider themselves to have more of an [[Episcopalian church governance|episcopal]] government than anything else. Calvary Chapels believe that scripture presents four forms of church government:


Calvary Chapel does not have a formalized system of church membership. Calling a Calvary Chapel one's church usually means regularly attending church services and becoming involved in [[Communion (Christian)|fellowship]] with other "members" of the church.
# [[Congregationalist church governance|congregationalist]]
# [[Presbyterian church governance|Presbyterian]]
# [[episcopal polity|episcopal]]
# [[theocracy| theocratic]]


==Organization==
Immediately, Calvary Chapels reject congregational rule because they believe congregations made poor decisions in the [[Old Testament]], citing {{bibleverse||Exodus|16:2|NRSV}} as an example: "And the whole congregation of the children of [[Israel]] murmured against [[Moses]] and [[Aaron]] in the wilderness". They believe that the [[New Testament]] clearly ordains the Presbyterian and episcopal forms of church government: {{bibleverse||Acts|14:23|NRSV}}, {{bibleverse|1|Timothy|3:1|NRSV}}.
The form of [[ecclesiastical polity|church government]] practiced by Calvary Chapel does not conform to any of the three historical forms. They do not employ [[congregational polity]], believing that God's people collectively made poor decisions in the [[Old Testament]], citing {{bibleverse||Exodus|16:2|NRSV}} as an example.<ref name="government"/> They also criticize [[presbyterian polity]] because when "the pastor is hired by the board and can be fired by the board," they fear that "the pastor becomes a hireling".<ref name="government"/> Although Calvary Chapel's governance shares a similarity with [[episcopal polity]] in that the congregation has no direct authority over the pastor, it is not similar to most characteristics of episcopal polity.


The fourth system (theocracy), the one that the majority of Calvary Chapels have adopted, models its government after the [[theocracy]] that God created in the [[Old Testament]] — sometimes called the "Moses model". In this system, God headed the church, and under God came Moses, who led the [[Israelites]] as God directed him. Moses also had a [[Kohen|priesthood]] and [[Sanhedrin|seventy elders]] under him for support. Calvary Chapel has adapted this schema so that their pastors have a role like Moses and their boards of [[Elder (religious)|elders]] function like the priesthood or the seventy elders.<ref name=government> {{cite book | title=Calvary Chapel Doctrine and Distinctives | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/ccd.htm | chapter=Church Government}} </ref> <ref name=ministry> {{cite book | title=The Philosophy of Ministry of Calvary Chapel | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/tpomocc.htm}} </ref>
The majority of Calvary Chapels have adopted models of government based on their understanding of the theocracy that God established in the Old Testament they sometimes call the "Moses model". In this system, God was head of his people and under God's authority was Moses, who led the [[Israelites]] as God directed him. Moses also had a [[Kohen|priesthood]] and [[Sanhedrin|seventy elders]] providing him support. Calvary Chapel has adapted this order believing their pastors have a role like Moses and their boards of [[Elder (religious)|elders]] function in supporting roles.<ref name=ministry>{{cite book | title=The Philosophy of Ministry of Calvary Chapel | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/tpomocc.htm}}</ref><ref name=government>{{cite book | title=Calvary Chapel Doctrine and Distinctives | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith (pastor) | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/ccd.htm | chapter=Church Government}}</ref>

=== Eschatology ===

Calvary Chapels strongly espouse [[pretribulationist]] and [[Premillennialism| premillennialist]] views in their [[Christian eschatology|eschatology]] (the study of the [[end times]]). They believe that the [[rapture]] of the Church will occur first, followed by a literal seven-year period of [[tribulation|great tribulation]], followed by the [[second coming]] of [[Jesus Christ]], and then finally a literal thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth called the [[Millennialism|Millennial Kingdom]]. Calvary Chapel also rejects [[supersessionism]] and instead believes that Israel will play an important part in the [[end times]]. <ref name=rapture> {{cite book | title=Calvary Chapel Doctrine and Distinctives | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/ccd.htm | chapter=The Rapture Of The Church}} </ref>

== Affiliation ==

The [http://www.ccofweb.com/ Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship (CCOF)] has the responsibility of affiliating churches with Calvary Chapel. A church that affiliates with Calvary Chapel often (but not always) uses the name "Calvary Chapel". Three requirements for becoming affiliated exist:


Calvary Chapels are independent and self governing churches. They do not have church membership apart from pastors recognized through their affiliate program. The [http://www.ccofweb.com/ Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship (CCOF)] has the responsibility of affiliating churches with Calvary Chapel. A church that affiliates with Calvary Chapel often (but not always) uses the name "Calvary Chapel". Three requirements for becoming affiliated exist:
# the pastor must "embrace the characteristics of the Calvary Chapel movement as described in ''[http://www.calvarychapel.com/?show=Resources.Ebooks.calvarychapeldistinctives Calvary Chapel Distinctives]''"
# the pastor must "embrace the characteristics of the Calvary Chapel movement as described in ''[http://www.calvarychapel.com/?show=Resources.Ebooks.calvarychapeldistinctives Calvary Chapel Distinctives]''"
# the church must have the characteristics of a church (as opposed to a less-developed home fellowship)
# the church must have the characteristics of a church (as opposed to a less-developed home fellowship)
# an applicant must express willingness to spend the time to [[Communion (Christian)| fellowship]] with other Calvary Chapels.<ref name=ccof> {{cite web | url=http://www.ccofweb.com/ | title=Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship Introduction | accessdate=2006-04-15}} </ref>
# an applicant must express willingness to spend the time to [[Communion (Christian)|fellowship]] with other Calvary Chapels<ref name=ccof>{{cite web | url=http://www.ccofweb.com/ | title=Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship Introduction | accessdate=2006-04-15}}</ref>


The requirements do not include a [[seminary]] degree. In accordance with Calvary's interpretation and understanding of the Bible (see [http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=1Ti&chapter=3&verse=2 1 Timothy 3:2] and [http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=1Ti&chapter=3&verse=12 1 Timothy 3:12]), Calvary Chapel does not ordain [[women]] or [[Homosexuality|homosexuals]] as pastors.
Notably, the requirements do not include a [[seminary]] degree.


Regional [[lead pastor]]s exercise a measure of accountability.<ref name=ccofmission>
Regional [[lead pastor]]s exercise a measure of accountability.<ref name=ccofmission>
{{cite web | url=http://www.ccofweb.com/missionstatement.htm | title=Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship Mission Statement | accessdate=2006-04-15}}
{{cite web | url=http://www.ccofweb.com/missionstatement.htm | title=Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship Mission Statement | accessdate=2006-04-15 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060404055418/http://ccofweb.com/missionstatement.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-04-04}}
</ref>
</ref> Since no legal or financial ties link the different Calvary Chapels, the only disciplinary procedure available is [[disaffiliation]].
Since no legal or financial ties link the different Calvary Chapels, only [[religious disaffiliation|disaffiliation]] can serve as a disciplinary procedure.


==Criticisms==
In accordance with Calvary's interpretation and understanding of the Bible (see [http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=1Ti&chapter=3&verse=2 1 Timothy 3:2] and [http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/popup.pl?book=1Ti&chapter=3&verse=12 1 Timothy 3:12]), Calvary Chapel does not ordain [[women]] or [[Homosexuality|homosexuals]] as pastors.
Various criticisms of the organization and of the pastorate role in the organization exist. For example, journalist David Templeton described intense [[peer pressure]] during his time as an active participant in Calvary Chapel ministry.<ref name="Losing My Religion">{{cite news|last=Templeton|first=David|title=Losing My Religion|url=http://www.metroactive.com/papers/sonoma/04.02.98/calvary-9813.html|accessdate=24 July 2011|newspaper=Sonoma County Independent|date=April 2-8, 1998}}</ref> Chuck Smith has been criticized for drawing connections between disasters (e.g., earthquakes, the [[September 11 attacks]]) and divine wrath against homosexuality and abortion.<ref name=Goffard/><ref name="EndTimes911">{{cite news|last=LOBDELL|first=WILLIAM|title=In Aftermath of Attacks, Talk of 'End Days' Soars|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2001/sep/22/local/me-48633|accessdate=1 August 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=22 September 2001}}</ref>


===Accountability of the pastorate system===
== Practices ==
As a result of what he saw as micromanaging church elders and board members, Chuck Smith used "an independent board of elders" when he took the senior pastor role at Calvary Chapel. Smith subsequently wrote that "senior pastors should be answerable to God, not to a denominational hierarchy or board of elders". ''[[Christianity Today]]'' says that Smith's "Moses Model", in which senior pastors do not permit their authority to be challenged, can lead to churches that are often resistant to accountability. In response, Smith says he is following the authority structure that God used when Israel was under the rule of Moses.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=40794 |title=Day of Reckoning: Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapel face an uncertain future.
|last=Moll|first=Rob|date=2007-02-16|accessdate=2010-03-14 |publisher=''[[Christianity Today]]''}}</ref>


According to one article, "Smith's book ''Calvary Chapel Distinctives'' teaches that senior pastors should be answerable to God, not to a denominational hierarchy or board of elders." "Critics say this 'Moses model' produces pastors who refuse to let their authority be challenged. Such pastors often resist accountability measures such as financial audits and providing detailed financial statements. Some curious Calvary Chapel attendees, who have sought financial information from their churches, say they were ostracized."<ref>http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=40794</ref>
Calvary Chapel's overall philosophy of the purpose of the [[Body of Christ|Church]] takes as its basis {{bibleverse||Ephesians|4:11-12|KJV}}: "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ." Calvary Chapels believe that this contrasts with churches that focus only on [[evangelism]]. They believe the primary purpose of the Church is to bring glory to God by being God's instrument in ministry, and in a secondary sense, to equip the Church for that ministry. <ref name=ministry/>


==Ministries==
Emphasis on the Bible forms arguably Calvary Chapel's most defining practice{{Fact|date=August 2008}}. Calvary Chapel pastors tend to prefer expositional sermons rather than topical ones, and they will often give their sermons sequentially from the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. One of the reasons for their choice is people's tendency to speak only on topics which they like while leaving out topics that may seem uninspirational yet still important. They believe that by teaching through the entire Bible, they will be able to say that they have "declared unto you the whole counsel of God" ({{bibleverse||Acts|20:27|NRSV}}). Another advantage, they say, is that it makes difficult topics easier to address because members of the congregation won't feel like they are being singled out. That is to say, they won't feel that the pastor chose a particular sermon because of some flaw he saw in the congregation. They also see an advantage in the steady edification of the congregation. Rather than some preachers "who come in with a flash and a fire," they try to have consistent teaching that, over time, brings the "perfecting of the saints" which is part of their general philosophy for the Church. <ref name=priority> {{cite book | title=Calvary Chapel Doctrine and Distinctives | last=Smith | first=Chuck | authorlink=Chuck Smith | publisher=The Word For Today | year=1993 | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/library/smith-chuck/books/ccd.htm | chapter=The Priority of the Word}} </ref> In teaching expositorily through scripture sequentially, it allows the Bible and/or the Lord/Holy Spirit to set the agenda, not the pastor.
===Bible college===
{{Main|Calvary Chapel Bible College}}


Technically, Calvary Chapel has only one [[Bible college]]: Calvary Chapel Bible College (CCBC), located in [[Murrieta, California]]. However, this school also has at least 50 affiliated campuses throughout the world.<ref name=extension>{{cite web | title=CCBC Affiliate Campuses | url=http://calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=55 | accessdate=2011-07-14}}
Calvary Chapels believe that most churches have a "dependent, highly organized, [and] structured" environment, but that most people want an "independent and casual way of life". Calvary therefore has decided{{Fact|date=September 2008}} to have a casual and laid-back atmosphere in their churches. As a practical implication of this philosophy, people may wear street clothes to church.<ref name=ministry/> This "come as you are" atmosphere is consistent with the way the Bible describes Jesus teachings, and that of the early Christian church in the book of Acts.

[[Praise song|Praise]] and [[Worship music|worship]] usually consists of upbeat [[contemporary Christian music]] which differs from the [[hymns]] sung at more traditional churches (although many Calvarys also play hymns). The style of worship generally reflects the region and the specific make-up of the congregation.

Calvary Chapel does not have a formalized system of church membership. Calling a Calvary Chapel one's church usually means regularly attending church services and becoming involved in [[Communion (Christian)| fellowship]] with other "members" of the church.

== Ministries ==
=== Bible college ===
{{main|Calvary Chapel Bible College}}

Technically, Calvary Chapel has only one [[Bible college]]: Calvary Chapel Bible College (CCBC), located in [[Murrieta, California]]. However, this school also has at least 90 extension campuses throughout the world.<ref name=extension> {{cite web | title=CCBC Extension Campuses | url=http://www.calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/pages/extension-campuses.php | accessdate=2006-04-16}}
</ref>
</ref>
Founded in 1975, it originally offered a "short, intensive study program",<ref name=maincampus> {{cite web | title=CCBC Main Campus | url=http://www.calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/ | accessdate=2006-04-16}}
Founded in 1975, it originally offered a "short, intensive study program",<ref name=maincampus>{{cite web | title=CCBC Main Campus | url=http://www.calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/ | accessdate=2006-04-16}}
</ref>
</ref>
but it subsequently became a two-year school which awards Certificates of Completion, [[Associate's degree|Associate in Theology]] degrees, and [[Bachelor's degree|Bachelor of Biblical Studies]] degrees (depending on a student's educational history).<ref name=college>
but it subsequently became a two-year school which awards Certificates of Completion, [[Associate's degree|Associate in Theology]] degrees (for high-school graduates), and [[Bachelor's degree|Bachelor of Biblical Studies]] degrees (to students who have an Associate of Arts from an approved college).<ref name=college>
{{ cite web | title=CCBC Undergraduate Program | url= http://www.calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/pages/main-campus/academic-information/undergraduate-program.php | accessdate=2006-04-16}}
{{ cite web | title=CCBC Undergraduate Program | url= http://www.calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/pages/main-campus/academic-information/undergraduate-program.php | accessdate=2006-04-16}}
</ref>
</ref>
No matter which degree or certificate a student earns, the course requirements remain the same.


{{cite web | title=CCBC Graduation Worksheet | url=http://data.calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/ccbc/forms/GraduationWorksheet.pdf | accessdate=2011-07-14 | format=PDF}}
Calvary Chapel [[as of 2008| now]] offers a Master's degree program at the Costa Mesa campus, where the Calvary Chapel School of Ministry (SoM)<ref>
</ref>
The college as a whole does not have [[Educational accreditation|accreditation]], but students can transfer CCBC credits to some major accredited colleges such as [[Azusa Pacific University|Azusa Pacific]].{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}} The college does not seek accreditation,<ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| url = http://www.calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/pages/main-campus/general-information/accreditation.php
| url = http://www.ccsom.org/
| title = Calvary Chapel School of Ministry
| title = Calvary Chapel bible College – Accreditation
| accessdate = 2008-09-15
| accessdate = 2008-10-26
| author =
| author =
| last =
| last =
| first =
| first =
| authorlink =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| coauthors =
| date =
| date =
| year =
| year = 2008
| month =
| month =
| format =
| work =
| work =
| publisher =
| publisher =
| location =
| location =
| doi =
| doi =
| archiveurl =
| archiveurl =
| archivedate =
| quote = We are not accredited, nor are we seeking accreditation, so as to be free from outside control and remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
| archivedate =
| quote =
}}
}}
</ref>
</ref>
as this allows Calvary Chapel to keep the cost of tuition lower and offer courses taught by pastors who do not have Master's degrees.<ref name=accredited>
operates.<ref name=requirements>
{{cite web | title=CCBC Graduation Worksheet | url=http://www3.calvarychapel.com/ccbc/forms/GraduationWorksheet.pdf | accessdate=2006-04-16 | format=PDF}}
{{cite web | title=CCBC Accreditation | url=http://www.calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/pages/main-campus/general-information/accreditation.php | accessdate=2008-10-26
| quote = We desire to continue in our independent standing so as not to compromise the integrity of the vision or direction the Lord has given to CCBC. We believe that the credibility of CCBC is not in accreditation, but in the fruitfulness and surrendered lives of the students who have attended.
</ref>
}}
The college is [[Educational accreditation| unaccredited]] as a whole, but CCBC credits are transferable to some major accredited colleges such as [[Azusa Pacific University| Azusa Pacific]]. The decision to remain unaccredited is purposeful, as this allows Calvary Chapel to control 100% of the content of instruction and curriculum.<ref name=accredited>
{{cite web | title=CCBC Accreditation | url=http://www.calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/pages/main-campus/general-information/accreditation.php | accessdate=2006-04-16}}
</ref>
</ref>


=== Broadcasting ===
===Broadcasting===
<!-- PLEASE keep these in alphabetical order after the Costa Mesa entry. Thanks -->
<!-- PLEASE keep these in alphabetical order after the Costa Mesa entry. Thanks -->


A number of Calvary Chapel churches operate radio stations that broadcast Bible teaching and Christian music:
Several other Calvary Chapel branches operate their own stations:
* [http://calvarychapelcostamesa.com/ Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa] operates [[KWVE-FM]] near [[Los Angeles, California]]. Its programming consists mostly of Bible teaching, but it also includes some Christian music.<ref name=kwve>{{cite web | title=KWVE Programs | url=http://www.kwve.com/index.cfm?event=programs | accessdate=2006-04-19 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20060218183834/http://www.kwve.com/index.cfm?event=programs <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2006-02-18}}</ref>
* [http://calvarychapelcostamesa.com/ Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa] operates [[KWVE]] near [[Los Angeles, California]]. Its programming consists mostly of Bible teaching, but it also includes some Christian music.<ref name=kwve> {{cite web | title=KWVE Programs | url=http://www.kwve.com/index.cfm?event=programs | accessdate=2006-04-19}} </ref>
* [http://www.calvaryabq.org/ Calvary Albuquerque] (in [[New Mexico]]) operates [[KLYT]], known as M88 Radio. This station plays Christian music and has 16 broadcast translators around New Mexico.<ref name=m88>{{cite web | title=M88 Radio | url=http://www.m88.org/default.asp | accessdate=2006-04-19}}</ref>
* [http://www.calvaryabq.org/ Calvary Chapel Albuquerque] (in [[New Mexico]]) operates [[KLYT]], known as M88 Radio. This station plays Christian music and has 16 broadcast translators around New Mexico.<ref name=m88> {{cite web | title=M88 Radio | url=http://www.m88.org/default.asp | accessdate=2006-04-19}} </ref>
* [http://www.calvaryaurora.org/ Calvary Chapel Aurora] in suburban [[Denver, Colorado]] operates 89.7 [http://897gracefm.com/ GRACEfm], dedicated to providing Denver and the Front Range with solid Bible teaching and cutting edge worship 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
* [http://www.ccbangor.org/ Calvary Chapel Bangor Maine] Operates [[WJCX]] on 99.5 FM licensed to Pittsfield, Maine. WJCX carries programs from Calvary Chapels nationwide as well as others within the state of Maine. WJCX plays Christian Worship music between programs, including songs written and performed by Calvary Chapel Bangor's Senior Pastor, Ken Graves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccbangor.org/|title=Calvary Chapel Bangor Maine}}</ref>
* [http://www3.calvarychapel.com/bishop/ Calvary Chapel Bishop] in [[Bishop, California]] operates the Living Proof Radio Network which broadcasts to much of Eastern California and the high desert on 88.5 [[KWTW]], 90.9 [[KWTM]], 91.3 [[KWTH]], 91.9 [[KWTD]] as well as using several translators. The station plays Christian worship music, jingles containing short scripture readings, and teaching from various Calvary Chapels and other churches, as well as a weekend program called "God's Country" — featuring [[Christian country music| Christian country]] and [[Christian bluegrass| bluegrass]].
* [http://www3.calvarychapel.com/bishop/ Calvary Chapel of Bishop] in [[Bishop, California]] operates the Living Proof Radio Network which broadcasts to much of Eastern California and the high desert on 88.5 [[KWTW]], 90.9 [[KWTM]], 91.3 [[KWTH]], 91.9 [[KWTD]] as well as using several translators. The station plays Christian worship music, jingles containing short scripture readings, and teaching from various Calvary Chapels and other churches, as well as a weekend program called "God's Country" — featuring [[Christian country music|Christian country]] and [[Christian bluegrass|bluegrass]].
* [http://www.calvarychapelbrandon.org/ Calvary Chapel Brandon] in Brandon, Florida broadcasts on 96.5 [http://www.wqrdfm.com/ The Word] FM. Popular Calvary Chapel speakers and Christian music appear daily on the broadcast.
* [http://www.calvarychapelbrandon.org/ Calvary Chapel Brandon] in Brandon, Florida broadcasts on 96.5 [http://www.wqrdfm.com/ The Word] FM. Popular Calvary Chapel speakers and Christian music appear daily on the broadcast.
* [http://www.calvarychapelchico.com/ Calvary Chapel Chico] in California operates KQIP-LP 107.1 FM, known as The Calvary Road. This station airs sermons from other Calvary pastors as well as live, weekly broadcasts of Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday services. Calvary Chapel Chico also operates a webcast that broadcasts live services as well as past archived services.
* [http://www.calvarychapelchico.com/ Calvary Chapel Chico] in California operates [[KQIP-LP]] 107.1 FM, known as The Calvary Road. This station airs sermons from other Calvary pastors as well as live, weekly broadcasts of Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday services. Calvary Chapel Chico also operates a webcast that broadcasts live services as well as past archived services.
* [http://www.ccfingerlakes.org/ Calvary Chapel of the Finger Lakes] in New York operates [http://www.ccfingerlakes.org/ WZXV] "The Word" at 99.7 FM in Palmyra, NY. "The Word" broadcasts through western New York on several translators, and throughout the world via streaming audio.<ref name=wzxv_stream> {{cite web | title=WZXV Streaming | url=http://www.wzxv.org/WZXV_TuneInOnline.aspx | accessdate=2007-02-15}} </ref> WZXV airs Bible studies as well as [[praise music| praise]] and [[worship music]].
* [http://www.ccfingerlakes.org/ Calvary Chapel of the Finger Lakes] in New York operates [http://www.ccfingerlakes.org/ WZXV] "The Word" at 99.7 FM in Palmyra, NY. "The Word" broadcasts through western New York on several translators, and throughout the world via streaming audio.<ref name=wzxv_stream>{{cite web | title=WZXV Streaming | url=http://www.wzxv.org/WZXV_TuneInOnline.aspx | accessdate=2007-02-15}}</ref> WZXV airs Bible studies as well as [[praise music|praise]] and [[worship music]].
* Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale, Florida broadcasts on [[WREH]] [http://www.reachfm.org/ Reach FM] on 90.5 FM, with repeater stations [[as of 2008| currently]] dispersed throughout the Florida panhandle.
* [http://www.calvaryftl.org/ Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale] in Fort Lauderdale, Florida broadcasts on [[WREH]] [http://www.reachfm.org/ Reach FM] on 90.5 FM, with repeater stations {{As of|2008|alt= currently}} dispersed throughout the state of Florida.
* [http://www3.calvarychapel.com/honolulu/ Calvary Chapel Honolulu] (in [[Hawaii]]) operates [[KLHT]], known on-air as K-Light 1040 AM. This station offers inspirational programming.
* [http://www3.calvarychapel.com/honolulu/ Calvary Chapel Honolulu] (in [[Hawaii]]) operates [[KLHT]], known on-air as K-Light 1040 AM. This station offers inspirational programming.
* [http://calvarykendall.com/ Calvary Chapel Kendall] in [[Kendall, FL]] will begin broadcasting on March 1, 2010 with the recently acquired 90.9 FM [[WGES-FM]] license as LIFE:FM90.9.<ref name=life909>{{cite web | title=LIFE:FM90.9 Announcement | url=http://twitter.com/cckendall/status/9109455082 | accessdate=2010-02-15}}</ref>
* [http://www.ccmarlton.org/ Calvary Chapel of Marlton] operates [http://www.hopefm.net/ 90.5] Hope-FM [[Marlton, NJ]]. Broadcasting Calvary Chapel teachings and christian music in the [[Delaware Valley|Philadelphia metro area]].
* [http://www.ccmarlton.org/ Calvary Chapel of Marlton] operates [http://www.hopefm.net/ 90.5] Hope-FM [[Marlton, NJ]]. Broadcasting Calvary Chapel teachings and Christian music in the [[Delaware Valley|Philadelphia metro area]].
* [http://www.ccob.org/ Calvary Chapel Old Bridge] (in [[Old Bridge, NJ]]), operates [[WRDR]] [http://www.bridgefm.org/ The Bridge FM] reaching a potential audience of over 6.5 million people in the [[New York metropolitan area|New York-New Jersey metro area]] on 91.9 FM, 89.7 FM, 103.1 FM, 98.9 FM and 99.7 FM.
* [http://www.calvaryoxnard.org/ Calvary Chapel of Oxnard] operates [http://www.worship101.org/Worship 101.5 FM] Cross Culture Radio from [[Oxnard, CA]]. It broadcasts Bible teaching from various Calvary Chapel teachers as well as contemporary Christian Praise and Worship music.
* [http://www.calvaryoxnard.org/ Calvary Chapel of Oxnard] operates [http://www.worship101.org/Worship 101.5 FM] Cross Culture Radio from [[Oxnard, CA]]. It broadcasts Bible teaching from various Calvary Chapel teachers as well as contemporary Christian Praise and Worship music.
* [http://www.calvarychapel.com/pocatello/ Calvary Chapel Pocatello] in Southeast Idaho operates KRTK 1490 AM, known as CrossTalk Radio. This station airs Bible teaching, contemporary Christian music, and worship music.
* [http://www.calvarychapel.com/pocatello/ Calvary Chapel Pocatello] in Southeast Idaho operates KRTK 1490 AM, known as CrossTalk Radio. This station airs Bible teaching, contemporary Christian music, and worship music.
* [http://www.calvaryportsmouth.co.uk Calvary Chapel Portsmouth] in England is on GenesisTV Friday 10PM BST, known as Cross Reference. This station airs Bible teaching and contemporary Christian music.
* Calvary Chapel Uncasville in Uncasville, Connecticut, broadcasts as [http://www.wcse.org WCSE "Spark the Dark"] on 94.9 FM, 101.1 FM, and 107.3 FM.
* [http://www.ccrussell.org/ Calvary Church of Russell] in Pennsylvania operates [[WTWT]], a station broadcasting in the western [[Twin Tiers]] region of New York and Pennsylvania. The station airs a mix of bible teaching and [[Christian rock]], competing with the more contemporary [[Family Life Network]].
* [http://www.cstonecc.org/ Cornerstone Calvary Chapel] (in [[Howell, NJ]]), operates [http://www.bridgefm.org/ The Bridge] jointly with [http://www.ccob.org/ Calvary Chapel Old Bridge] (in [[Old Bridge, NJ]]), reaching a potential audience of over 6.5 million people in the [[New York metropolitan area|New York-New Jersey metro area]].
* [http://calvarychapelsb.com/ Calvary Chapel Santa Barbara] operates KVRY-LP in Goleta California (adjacent to Santa Barbara). It broadcasts Contemporary Christian Music and covers the University of California-Santa Barbara.
* [http://calvarychapelsilvercity.org/ Calvary Chapel Silver City] operates KKSC the Light, 100.1 LPFM.
* [http://www.revelation320.org/ Calvary Chapel Uncasville] in Uncasville, Connecticut, broadcasts as [http://www.wcse.org WCSE "Spark the Dark"] on 94.9 FM, 100.1 FM, and 107.3 FM.
* [http://www.jfbelievers.com/ Jesus Fellowship Of Believers] in [[Menomonie, WI]], broadcasts as [http://www.streetlevel.uwstout.edu/burningdogradio/ Burning Dog Radio] on 101.7FM—reaching about 9,000 [[University of Wisconsin–Stout]] college students.


In addition, the [[CSN International]] (originally known as the "Calvary Satellite Network") and [[KEFX|Effect Radio]] networks were founded by a Calvary Chapel in [[Twin Falls, Idaho]]; though CSN still carries a significant number of programs from several Calvary Chapels, the networks and the church (now known by the name "The River Christian Fellowship") have all apparently severed their official ties with the Calvary Chapel.
=== Harvest Crusades ===

{{main|Harvest Crusade}}
===Harvest Crusades===
{{Main|Harvest Crusade}}


Harvest Crusades operate as a ministry of [[Harvest Christian Fellowship]] (a Calvary Chapel in [[Riverside, California]]). They carry out an evangelistic ministry similar to [[Billy Graham]]'s. They meet in stadiums and have Christian music bands play followed by an evangelical message normally given by [[Greg Laurie]]. They estimate three million people have attended since its inception in 1990.<ref name=harvest>
Harvest Crusades operate as a ministry of [[Harvest Christian Fellowship]] (a Calvary Chapel in [[Riverside, California]]). They carry out an evangelistic ministry similar to [[Billy Graham]]'s. They meet in stadiums and have Christian music bands play followed by an evangelical message normally given by [[Greg Laurie]]. They estimate three million people have attended since its inception in 1990.<ref name=harvest>
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</ref>
</ref>


== Criticisms ==
==Notable Persons==
===Pastors===

* [[Chuck Smith (pastor)|Chuck Smith]], founder of the calvary Chapel movement in the 1960s; {{as of | 2009 | alt = as of 2009}} senior pastor of [[Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa]] in [[Santa Ana, California]]
A 2006 article in ''[[Christianity Today]]'' criticized a lack of accountability and what it viewed as undue control exercised over a Calvary Chapel in New Mexico by its former pastor.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/mayweb-only/119-12.0.html |title=Unaccountable at Calvary Chapel |last=Moll|first=Rob|date=2006-05-08|accessdate=2008-06-19 |publisher=''[[Christianity Today]]''}}</ref>
* [[Lonnie Frisbee]] (died 1993), hippie evangelist in the 1960s, the key figure of the Jesus Movement: "The first Jesus freak".<ref>{{cite web

| url = http://www.ocweekly.com/2005-03-03/features/the-first-jesus-freak/1
[[Cult]]-researcher [[Rick Ross (consultant)|Rick Ross]] writes on his website of Calvary Chapel, "I wouldn't go so far as to call them a full-on cult. But I will say that Calvary Chapel is an extremely authoritarian group where lots of control is exercised over the members."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rickross.com/reference/calvary/calvary5.html|title=Losing My Religion|date=1998-04-02|last=Templeton|first=David}}</ref>. Mainstream [[Evangelical Cult researchers]]{{Who|date=September 2008}}, while expressing concerns with some isolated incidents{{Fact|date=August 2008}}, consider Ross's view extreme and not nuanced{{Fact|date=August 2008}}.
| title = The First Jesus Freak: A pot-smokin, LSD-droppin seeker turned Calvary Chapel into a household name. So why is Lonnie Frisbee missing from church history?

| accessdate = 2008-11-30
Calvinist critics have criticized Calvary Chapel's centrist stance on Calvinism and Arminianism. Such critics may regard the doctrine of free will as unbiblical and may hold that God alone chooses those who will be saved.<ref name=biblicalcritique> {{cite web | title=A Biblical Critique of Chuck Smith's Study: "Calvinism, Arminianism & The Word Of God" | url=http://acts413.org/freewill/calvarychapel.htm | accessdate=2006-04-15 | last=Kane | first=Ray}} </ref><ref name=synergism> {{cite web | title= Synergism & Freewillism Commonly Taught in Modern Pulpits | url= http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/smith.html | accessdate=2006-04-15 | last=Hendryx | first=John}} </ref><ref name=openletter> {{cite web | title=An Open Letter to Calvary Chapel of Ft. Lauderdale | url=http://www.apuritansmind.com/Arminianism/JohnNolanOpenLetter.htm | accessdate=2006-04-15 | last=Nolan | first=John}} </ref><ref name=lauderdale> {{cite web | title=Why I Am Not A 5 Point Calvinist | url=http://www.calvaryftl.org/AWMedia/MediaDesk.cfm?fn=G5146 | accessdate=2006-04-17 | format=mp3}} - the subject of the above open letter </ref> Others express concerns that Calvary Chapel's position seems vague and that Chapels use the issue to reinforce [[group-think]].<ref>{{cite web
| author =
|url= http://www.rickross.com/reference/calvary/calvaryvisitor.html
| last = Coker
|title= Calvary Chapel Visitor Comments
| first = Matt
|accessdate= 2008-08-09
| authorlink =
|date=
| coauthors =
|year=
| date = 2005-03-03
|month=
| year =
|work= The Ross Institute Internet Archives
| month =
|publisher= The Rick A. Ross Institute of New Jersey
| work = OC Weekly
|archiveurl=
| publisher = Village Voice
|archivedate=
| location = Santa Ana, California
|quote= I have grave concerns about Chuck Smith's teachings. He makes it sound as if Calvary Chapels are non divisive and believe only the Scriptures, but then sets up the leaders of the Calvary movement as the sole judge of truth. This is apparent from the last page of his pamphlet entitled 'Calvinism, Arminianism, and the Word of God.' He makes it sound as if he can judge true doctrine based on his assessment of a person's attitude.
| pages =
| doi =
| archiveurl =
| archivedate =
| quote = Lonnie left after about four years as Calvary's unofficial youth pastor and, after a brief time in the Shepherding movement, wound up at the soon-to-become Vineyard Church of Yorba Linda.
}}
}}
</ref> Pastor in Calvary Chapel until 1971.
</ref>
* [[Mark Balmer]], senior pastor {{as of | 2009 | alt = as of 2009}}<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.calvaryccm.com/en/about/meetthepastors.aspx| title = Meet the Pastors| accessdate = 2009-02-11| year = 2007| publisher = Calvary Chapel of Melbourne| location = Melbourne, Florida| quote = Mark Balmer is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel of Melbourne in West Melbourne, Florida.}}</ref> of Calvary Chapel of Melbourne in [[Melbourne, Florida]]
* [[Skip Heitzig]], senior pastor {{as of | 2009 | alt = as of 2009}}<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.calvaryabq.org/pastorbios/content_pastorbio_skiph.htm
| title = About Calvary
| accessdate = 2009-02-11
| year = 2009
| publisher = Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque
| location = Albuquerque, New Mexico
| quote = Skip, along with Lenya and their son, moved back to California in January 2004 to serve as Senior Pastor at Ocean Hills Community Church in San Juan Capistrano. Skip served in this capacity until July 2006, when he and Lenya returned to Albuquerque to once again serve as Senior Pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque.}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> of Calvary of Albuquerque in [[Albuquerque, New Mexico]] (to 2004 and from 2006)
* [[Mike MacIntosh]], pastor {{as of | 2009 | alt = as of 2009}} of Horizon Christian Fellowship in [[San Diego, California]]
* [[Chuck Missler]], author and teacher
* [[Malcolm and Alwyn|Malcolm Wild]], senior pastor {{as of | 2009 | alt = as of 2009}}<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.soundtruthonline.com/
| title = Welcome to Sound Truth Online
| accessdate = 2009-02-11
| year = 2008
| publisher = Sound Truth Online
| location = Merritt Island, Florida
| quote = Sound Truth is the teaching ministry of Pastor Malcolm Wild, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Merritt Island in Merritt Island Florida.}}</ref> of Calvary Chapel Merritt Island in [[Merritt Island, Florida]]


===Musicians===
Some views regarding Calvary Chapel and Chuck Smith focus on potential misuse of end times beliefs. Smith suggested a time line for the rapture in 1981. According to writer Richard Abanes, anticipation resulted in disappointment for many, some left the church. <ref> Gorenberg, Gershom. The End of Days:Fundamentalism and the Struggle for the Temple Mount. p. 123. </ref> <ref> Abanes,Richard. End-Time Visions : The Road to Armageddon. pp. 326, 412-413. </ref> <ref> DiSabatino, David. The Jesus People Movement: An Annotated Bibliography and General Resource. Bibliographies and Indexes in Religious Studies. p.68 </ref> <ref> Goffard, Christopher. Father, Son and Holy Rift. September 02, 2006 in print edition A-1, Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/2006/sep/02/local/me-smiths2</ref> A September 22nd, 2001 article in the Los Angeles Times said Smith told overflow crowds that court decisions, homosexuality, and abortions contributed to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The writer noted that “Such biblical interpretations of the end times trouble both liberals and many conservatives.” <ref> LOBDELL , WILLIAM. Religion; In Aftermath of Attacks, Talk of 'End Days' Soars; * Many who await the apocalypse find fresh evidence that the turmoil prophesied in the Bible is upon us. But scholars urge caution. [Home Edition] Los Angeles Times. Sep 22, 2001 Start Page: B.18 Section: California; Metro Desk Text </ref>
<!-- PLEASE keep in alphabetical order, thanks! -->
* [[Dennis Agajanian]], alumnus of the "Guinness Book of World Records" as the fastest flat-picker
* [[Alejandro Alonso (musician)|Alejandro Alonso]], contemporary Christian-Latin artist
* [[Jeremy Camp]], contemporary Christian artist
* [[Holland Davis]], worship leader and songwriter of "Let It Rise'
* [[Richie Furay]], [[folk rock]] artist
* [[Brian Nixon]], former rock musician with the bands [[The Electra]] and Widow's Mite
* [[P.O.D.]], alternative rock band
* [[Tony Stone]], Christian hip-hop producer
* [[Switchfoot]], alternative rock band
* [[Phil Wickham]], contemporary Christian artist


== See also ==
==See also==
{{Portal box|Christianity|Southern California|Los Angeles}}
=== Related groups or movements ===


*[[Calvary Chapel of Fort Lauderdale]], Florida
* [[International Church of the Foursquare Gospel]]. Chuck Smith originated from this denomination.
*[[The Packinghouse Christian Fellowship]], [[Redlands, California]]
* [[Jesus Movement]]: Calvary Chapel formed a part of this movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
* [[Association of Vineyard Churches]] split from Calvary Chapel in 1982 over ideological differences about the Holy Spirit.


<!-- Trying to keep alphabetized after the official site link -->
=== Theologians ===


==External links==
* [[Chuck Smith (pastor)|Chuck Smith]], founder.
* [http://www.calvarychapel.com/ Calvary Chapel – Official Site]
* [[Lonnie Frisbee]], hippie evangelist, the key figure of the Jesus Movement. "The first Jesus freak"
* [[Greg Laurie]], pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship.
* [[Jon Courson]], pastor.
* [[Malcolm and Alwyn| Malcolm Wild]], pastor of Calvary Chapel Merritt Island
* [[Mike MacIntosh]], pastor of Horizon Christian Fellowship.
* [[Chuck Missler]], author and teacher.
* [[Bob Coy]], pastor of Calvary Chapel, Ft. Lauderdale.
* [[Jeff Johnson]], pastor of Calvary Chapel Downey

=== Musicians with a Calvary Chapel background ===

* [[Jeremy Camp]], contemporary Christian artist.
* [[Richie Furay]], [[folk rock]] artist.
* [[Switchfoot]], popular alternative rock band.
* [[Phil Wickham]], contemporary Christian artist.
* [[Alejandro Alonso (musician)| Alejandro Alonso]], contemporary Christian-Latin artist.
* [[P.O.D.]], popular alternative rock band.
* [[Before You Breathe]]

=== Related ideologies ===

* [[Calvinism]], Reformed theology which follows the teaching of [[John Calvin]]. Calvary Chapel agrees with some but not all of his teachings.
* [[Evangelicalism]], a stream of Christianity which stresses a dual commitment to the final and exclusive authority of the Bible and to the saving power of the Gospel as achieved in the atoning death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Calvary Chapel is strongly evangelical.
* [[Christian fundamentalism|Fundamentalism]]. Calvary considers themselves to stand between this and [[Pentecostalism]] within Evangelical Protestantism.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==

{{Christianityportal}}
* [http://www.calvarychapel.com/ Calvary Chapel - Official Site]
* [http://maps.calvarychapel.com/ Church Locations]
* [http://twft.com/?page=C2000 Chuck Smith's audio library]
* [http://www.calvarychapelpodcasting.com Sermon Podcasts]
* [http://www.calvarychapel.com/?show=Resources.Ebooks Chuck Smith's book library]
* [http://home.wmis.net/~ixthys/fabuqa.htm Frequently Asked But Unanswered Questions]
* [http://www.the-tiki-hut.com/streamguide.htm Calvary Chapel Stream Guide]
* [http://www.hotworship.com/ccstreams Calvary Chapel Streams - radio & churches]
* [http://www.calvarystreamingradio.com Calvary Streaming Radio]

=== Other Calvary Chapel organizations ===
* [http://www.twft.com/ The Word for Today - Official Site]
* [http://www.maranathamusic.com/ Maranatha! Music]
* [http://www.calvaryschools.org/ Calvary Costa Mesa Schools]
* [http://calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/ Calvary Chapel Bible College]
* [http://calvarychapelbiblecollege.com/wb/ Calvary Chapel Bible College]
* [http://www.calvaryschools.org/ Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Schools]
* [http://www.calvarymagazine.org/ Calvary Chapel Magazine]
* [http://www.ccsom.org/ Calvary Chapel School of Ministry]
* [http://www.ccsom.org/ Calvary Chapel School of Ministry]
* [http://www.calvarymagazine.org/ Calvary Chapel Magazine]
* [http://www.schoolofworship.net/ Calvary Chapel School of Worship]
* [http://www.maranathamusic.com/ Maranatha! Music]
* [http://www.oceansedgeschool.com/ Ocean's Edge School of Worship]
* [http://www.twft.com/ The Word for Today – Official Site]

==References==
{{Reflist}}


[[Category:Calvinism|Calvinism]]
[[Category:Calvinism|Calvinism]]
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[[Category:Charismatic and Pentecostal Christianity]]
[[Category:Jesus movement]]
[[Category:Jesus movement]]
[[Category:Religious organizations established in 1965]]
[[Category:Christian new religious movements]]


[[de:Calvary Chapel]]
[[de:Calvary Chapel]]
[[hu:Calvary Chapel]]
[[hu:Calvary Chapel]]
[[pl:Wspólnota Chrześcijańska "Golgota"]]
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[[ru:Часовня на Голгофе]]
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Revision as of 21:24, 24 August 2011

Calvary Chapel's logo

Calvary Chapel is an evangelical[1] association of Christian churches with over one thousand congregations worldwide.[2] Calvary Chapel also maintains a number of radio stations around the world and operates many local Calvary Chapel Bible College programs. It presents itself as a "fellowship of churches" in contrast to a denomination.[3][4] Churches which affiliate with Calvary Chapel may use the name "Calvary Chapel" but need not do so.

Beginning in 1965 in Southern California, this fellowship of churches grew out of Chuck Smith's Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Doctrinally, Calvary Chapel is evangelical, dispensational, pretribulationist, and believes in the principle of sola scriptura. Calvary Chapels place great importance in the practice of expository teaching, a "verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book" approach to teaching the Bible.[5] Typically, Calvary Chapels operate under a senior pastor-led system of church government, sometimes referred to as the "Moses" model;[6][7][8] Chuck Smith's "Calvary Chapel Distinctives" summarizes the tenets for which Calvary Chapel stands.

History

In December 1965, Chuck Smith became the pastor of a 25-person congregation and in 1968 broke away from the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in Santa Ana, California. Before Smith became their pastor, twelve of the 25 members attended a prayer meeting about whether or not to close their church: they reported that "the Holy Spirit spoke to them through prophecy" and told them that Chuck would become their pastor, that he would want to elevate the platform area, that God would bless the church, that it would go on the radio, that the church would become overcrowded, and that he would become known throughout the world.[9]

In 1969, Calvary Chapel became an epicenter with what later became known as the Jesus Movement when Smith's daughter introduced him to her boyfriend John, a former hippie who had become a Christian. John then introduced Chuck to Lonnie Frisbee, the "hippie evangelist" who became a key figure in the growth of both the Jesus Movement and in Calvary Chapel. Frisbee moved into Smith's home, and he would minister to the other hippies and counter-culture youth on the beaches. At night he would bring home new converts and soon Smith's house was full.[10] Frisbee was put in charge of a new rental home for the steadily growing crowd of Christian hippies and he named the commune House of Miracles, other House of Miracles would be set up throughout California and beyond. Through Frisbee's strong anoiting of the Holy Spirit and 'power evangelism' and Smith's business sense of running a church, Calvary grew exponentially.[citation needed] A tent was erected while a new building was under construction and Frisbee's Wednesday night Bible studies became wildly popular.[citation needed] Among Frisbee's converts were the musicians[citation needed] that had played on the beaches who now were writing music for praise and worship. This became the genesis for Jesus music and Christian rock concerts. The musicians started forming groups[citation needed] and Maranatha Music was eventually formed to publish and promote the music.[citation needed] The services usually resembled rock concerts more than any worship services of the time.[citation needed] Frisbee was featured in national television news reports and magazines with images of him baptizing hundreds in the Pacific Ocean at a time.[11] The network of House of Miracles communes/crash pad/coffee houses began doing outreach concerts with Smith or Frisbee preaching, Frisbee calling forth the Holy Spirit and the newly forming bands playing the music.[12]

By the early 1970s Calvary Chapel was home to ten or more musical groups[13] that were representative of the Jesus people movement.[13]

In 1982, John Wimber, a Calvary Chapel pastor, and the Calvary Chapel leadership mutually agreed to part ways. Tension had been mounting over Wimber's emphasis on spiritual manifestations leading Wimber to withdraw from Calvary Chapel and affiliate with a network of churches that would become the Association of Vineyard Churches.[14]

Doctrine

Affiliates of Calvary Chapel believe in the fundamental doctrines of evangelical Christianity, which include the inerrancy of the Bible and the Trinity. Within evangelical Christianity, they say that they stand in the "middle ground between fundamentalism and Pentecostalism in modern Protestant theology". While they share with fundamentalism a belief in the inerrancy of the Bible, unlike fundamentalists, they accept spiritual gifts. However, they feel that Pentecostalism values experience at the expense of the word of God.[15]

Calvinism and Arminianism

According to Calvary Chapel literature, the association strives to "strik[e] a balance between extremes" when it comes to controversial theological issues such as Calvinism's and Arminianism's conflicting views on salvation. Calvary Chapels hold the following views on the five points of Calvinism:

  1. Regarding total depravity, Calvary Chapel affirms that "apart from God's grace, no one can be saved," and that "mankind is clearly fallen and lost in sin."[16]
  2. Regarding unconditional election, Calvary Chapel affirms that God, "based on his foreknowledge, has predestined the believer," and that "God clearly does choose, but man must also accept God's invitation to salvation."[17]
  3. Regarding limited atonement, Calvary Chapel affirms that Jesus died "for the whole world" and that the "atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was clearly sufficient to save the entire human race."[18]
  4. Regarding irresistible grace, Calvary Chapel affirms that "God's grace can either be resisted or received by the exercise of human free will".[19]
  5. Calvary Chapels "believe in the perseverance of the saints (true believers) but are deeply concerned about sinful lifestyles and rebellious hearts among those who call themselves 'Christians'."[20]

Spiritual gifts

Although Calvary Chapel believes in the continuing efficacy of the gift of tongues, it does not recognize uninterpreted tongues spoken in a congregational setting as necessarily inspired (or at least directed) by the Holy Spirit because of its understanding of 1 Corinthians 14. Calvary Chapel accepts that the Bible affirms interpreted tongues and modern prophecy. Practicing tongues in private occurs more commonly.[21] Calvary Chapel does not teach that the outward manifestation of every Christian counts as speaking in tongues. Instead, the movement's theologians regard speaking in tongues as one of the many gifts of the Spirit and see believers as blessed as the Spirit moves.[citation needed]

Similar to other Pentecostal or Charismatic movements,[22] Calvary Chapel holds that the baptism of the Holy Spirit does not take place during conversion, but is available as a second experience.[23] It is their understanding that there are three distinct relationships with the Holy Spirit. The first is that which is experienced prior to conversion. In this relationship the Holy Spirit is convicting the person of his sin.[24] In the second relationship the Holy Spirit indwells believers during conversion for the purpose of sanctification.[25] The third relationship is the baptism of the Holy Spirit which Calvary Chapel believes is for the purpose of being a Christian witness.

However, there are some Calvary Chapels that do not hold with this doctrine in actual practice. Pastor Joe Focht at Calvary Chapel Philadelphia teaches that the Baptism of Holy Spirit happens at conversion.[26] Other examples of similar teaching are Chris Swanson at Calvary Chapel Chester Springs, PA and and Tim Lloyd at Calvary Chapel of Newwark, DE.[27][28]

Baptism and Communion

Calvary Chapels practice believer's baptism by immersion. Calvary Chapel does not regard baptism as necessary for salvation, but instead sees it as an outward sign of an inward change. As a result, the Chapels do not baptize infants, although they may dedicate them to God. Calvary Chapel views Communion in a symbolic way, with reference to 1 Corinthians 11:23–26.

Eschatology

Calvary Chapels strongly espouse pretribulationist and premillennialist views in their eschatology (the study of the end times). They believe that the rapture of the Church will occur first, followed by a literal seven-year period of Great Tribulation, followed by the second coming of Jesus Christ, and then finally a literal thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ on earth called the Millennial Kingdom. Calvary Chapel also rejects supersessionism and instead believes that the Jews remain God's chosen people and that Israel will play an important part in the end times.[29]

Interest in one event during the Tribulation—the building of a Third Temple in Jerusalem—led in the early 1980s to associations between some in Calvary Chapel (including Chuck Smith) and Jewish groups interested in seeing the temple rebuilt.[30]

Return of Christ in 1981

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Chuck Smith wrote and published a prophetic timeline that declared:

I believe that the generation of 1948 is the last generation. Since a generation of judgment is forty years and the Tribulation period lasts seven years, I believe the Lord could come back for His Church any time before the Tribulation starts, which would mean any time before 1981.[31][32]

The reasoning had to do with the idea that the 7-year Tribulation would end in 1988, forty years after the establishment of the state of Israel. In his 1978 book, Chuck reasoned that Haley's Comet in 1986 would result in problems for those left behind: "The Lord said that towards the end of the Tribulation period the sun would scorch men who dwell upon the face of the earth (Rev. 16). The year 1986 would fit just about right! We’re getting close to the Tribulation and the return of Christ in glory. All the pieces of the puzzle are coming together." [31]

Disappointment resulting from the prophecy not materializing in 1981 caused some to leave the church.[33][34][35][36]

"Generation" living in 1948

In another book titled "Snatched Away," Chuck proclaimed that the "generation that was living in May of 1948 shall not pass until the second coming of Jesus Christ takes place and the kingdom of God be established upon the earth."

Practices

Calvary Chapel pastors tend to prefer expositional sermons rather than topical ones, and they will often give their sermons sequentially from the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. They believe that expository preaching allows the congregation to learn how all parts of the Bible address issues as opposed to topical sermons which they see as allowing preachers to emphasize certain issues more than others.[citation needed] Another advantage, they say, is that it makes difficult topics easier to address because members of the congregation won't feel like they are being singled out.[citation needed] It sees expository teaching as providing consistent teaching that, over time, brings the "perfecting of the saints" which is part of their general philosophy for the Church.[37] In teaching expositorily through scripture sequentially, Calvary Chapel believes God sets the agenda, not the pastor.

Calvary Chapels believe that most churches have a "dependent, highly organized, [and] structured" environment, but that most people want an "independent and casual way of life". Calvary therefore has decided[citation needed] to have a casual and laid-back atmosphere in their churches. As a practical implication of this philosophy, people may wear street clothes to church.[38] Praise and worship usually consists of upbeat contemporary Christian music though many Calvarys also play hymns. The style of worship generally reflects the region and the specific make-up of the congregation.

Calvary Chapel does not have a formalized system of church membership. Calling a Calvary Chapel one's church usually means regularly attending church services and becoming involved in fellowship with other "members" of the church.

Organization

The form of church government practiced by Calvary Chapel does not conform to any of the three historical forms. They do not employ congregational polity, believing that God's people collectively made poor decisions in the Old Testament, citing Exodus 16:2 as an example.[39] They also criticize presbyterian polity because when "the pastor is hired by the board and can be fired by the board," they fear that "the pastor becomes a hireling".[39] Although Calvary Chapel's governance shares a similarity with episcopal polity in that the congregation has no direct authority over the pastor, it is not similar to most characteristics of episcopal polity.

The majority of Calvary Chapels have adopted models of government based on their understanding of the theocracy that God established in the Old Testament they sometimes call the "Moses model". In this system, God was head of his people and under God's authority was Moses, who led the Israelites as God directed him. Moses also had a priesthood and seventy elders providing him support. Calvary Chapel has adapted this order believing their pastors have a role like Moses and their boards of elders function in supporting roles.[38][39]

Calvary Chapels are independent and self governing churches. They do not have church membership apart from pastors recognized through their affiliate program. The Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship (CCOF) has the responsibility of affiliating churches with Calvary Chapel. A church that affiliates with Calvary Chapel often (but not always) uses the name "Calvary Chapel". Three requirements for becoming affiliated exist:

  1. the pastor must "embrace the characteristics of the Calvary Chapel movement as described in Calvary Chapel Distinctives"
  2. the church must have the characteristics of a church (as opposed to a less-developed home fellowship)
  3. an applicant must express willingness to spend the time to fellowship with other Calvary Chapels[40]

The requirements do not include a seminary degree. In accordance with Calvary's interpretation and understanding of the Bible (see 1 Timothy 3:2 and 1 Timothy 3:12), Calvary Chapel does not ordain women or homosexuals as pastors.

Regional lead pastors exercise a measure of accountability.[41] Since no legal or financial ties link the different Calvary Chapels, only disaffiliation can serve as a disciplinary procedure.

Criticisms

Various criticisms of the organization and of the pastorate role in the organization exist. For example, journalist David Templeton described intense peer pressure during his time as an active participant in Calvary Chapel ministry.[42] Chuck Smith has been criticized for drawing connections between disasters (e.g., earthquakes, the September 11 attacks) and divine wrath against homosexuality and abortion.[36][43]

Accountability of the pastorate system

As a result of what he saw as micromanaging church elders and board members, Chuck Smith used "an independent board of elders" when he took the senior pastor role at Calvary Chapel. Smith subsequently wrote that "senior pastors should be answerable to God, not to a denominational hierarchy or board of elders". Christianity Today says that Smith's "Moses Model", in which senior pastors do not permit their authority to be challenged, can lead to churches that are often resistant to accountability. In response, Smith says he is following the authority structure that God used when Israel was under the rule of Moses.[44]

According to one article, "Smith's book Calvary Chapel Distinctives teaches that senior pastors should be answerable to God, not to a denominational hierarchy or board of elders." "Critics say this 'Moses model' produces pastors who refuse to let their authority be challenged. Such pastors often resist accountability measures such as financial audits and providing detailed financial statements. Some curious Calvary Chapel attendees, who have sought financial information from their churches, say they were ostracized."[45]

Ministries

Bible college

Main article: Calvary Chapel Bible College

Technically, Calvary Chapel has only one Bible college: Calvary Chapel Bible College (CCBC), located in Murrieta, California. However, this school also has at least 50 affiliated campuses throughout the world.[46] Founded in 1975, it originally offered a "short, intensive study program",[47] but it subsequently became a two-year school which awards Certificates of Completion, Associate in Theology degrees (for high-school graduates), and Bachelor of Biblical Studies degrees (to students who have an Associate of Arts from an approved college).[48]

"CCBC Graduation Worksheet" (PDF). Retrieved 2011-07-14. </ref> The college as a whole does not have accreditation, but students can transfer CCBC credits to some major accredited colleges such as Azusa Pacific.[citation needed] The college does not seek accreditation,[49] as this allows Calvary Chapel to keep the cost of tuition lower and offer courses taught by pastors who do not have Master's degrees.[50]

Broadcasting

Several other Calvary Chapel branches operate their own stations:

In addition, the CSN International (originally known as the "Calvary Satellite Network") and Effect Radio networks were founded by a Calvary Chapel in Twin Falls, Idaho; though CSN still carries a significant number of programs from several Calvary Chapels, the networks and the church (now known by the name "The River Christian Fellowship") have all apparently severed their official ties with the Calvary Chapel.

Harvest Crusades

Main article: Harvest Crusade

Harvest Crusades operate as a ministry of Harvest Christian Fellowship (a Calvary Chapel in Riverside, California). They carry out an evangelistic ministry similar to Billy Graham's. They meet in stadiums and have Christian music bands play followed by an evangelical message normally given by Greg Laurie. They estimate three million people have attended since its inception in 1990.[56]

Notable Persons

Pastors

Musicians

See also


External links

References

  1. ^ Ballmer, Randall (2006). "California Kickback". Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: A Journey Into the Evangelical Subculture in America. Oxford University Press US.
  2. ^ "Churches List Ordered By City". Retrieved 2006-04-19.
  3. ^ "What We Believe". Retrieved 2010-02-14. We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations as such, only their over-emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the Body of Christ.
  4. ^ Miller, Donald (1999). Reinventing American Protestantism: Christianity in the New Millennium. University of California Press. Smith was not attempting to create a denomination; rather, what emerged was a loose fellowship of like-minded people.... Asked about what is preventing the a movement the size of Calvary Chapel, Smith emphatically answers, "Me," and then clarifies how a relationally based movement was ensured "by being fiercely independent and implanting this independence in them [the offspring churches]; by each of them incorporating independently; by not requiring reports; by keeping the affiliation [of churches] just a very loose affiliation." He states that there are no requirements, no calls, no letters from headquarters, unless there are major deviations from Calvary Chapel philosophy, at which point there might be a call from "Dad" to inquire what is going on. Calvary Chapel doctrine, if it can be called that, is simple. On many points there can be diversity of opinion so long as the centrality of scripture is maintained, along with such fundamental Christian beliefs as the deity of Christ and the resurrection of Jesus.
  5. ^ Miller, Donald (1999). Reinventing American Protestantism: Christianity in the New Millennium. University of California Press. The trademark of the doctrine of Chuck Smith and all Calvary Chapels is their verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible.
  6. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvary Chapel Distinctives (PDF). Word for Today. p. 20. ISBN 0936728809. As [senior] pastors, we need to be like Moses, in touch with Jesus and receiving His direction and guidance. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  7. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvary Chapel Distinctives (PDF). Word for Today. p. 21. ISBN 0936728809. It's necessary to have godly men who recognize that God has called and ordained you as the pastor of the church. Men who will work with you and support those things that god is directing you, as the pastor, to implement within the church. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  8. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvary Chapel Distinctives (PDF). Word for Today. p. 20. ISBN 0936728809. In the church today we see this structure [Moses model] in a modified form. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  9. ^ Smith, Chuck (Fall, 1981). "The history of Calvary Chapel" (PDF). Last Times. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-07-16. Retrieved 2008-08-09. While the tiny group at Calvary Chapel was praying about closing the church and not knowing what to do, the Holy Spirit spoke to them through prophecy. He said that He would lay a burden upon the heart of Chuck Smith to come and pastor. The Spirit said that Chuck wouldn't be happy with the church building. He would want to remodel it immediately, the platform area and all. God would bless the church and it would go on the radio. The church would become overcrowded. They would have to move to new quarters on the bluff overlooking the bay. And the church would become known throughout the world. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Coker, Matt (April 14, 2005). "Ears on Their Heads, But They Don't Hear: Spreading the real message of Frisbee". Orange County Weekly. Retrieved 2007-10-21.
  11. ^ Glen G. Scorgie, A Little Guide to Christian Spirituality: Three Dimensions of Life with God, Chapter 8-"An Integrated Spirituality", Zondervan, 2009, ISBN 0310540003, 9780310540007.
  12. ^ David W. Stowe, No Sympathy for the Devil: Christian Pop Music and the Transformation of American Evangelicalism, UNC Press Books, 2011, ISBN 0807834580, 9780807834589, pages 70-5.
  13. ^ a b Rabey, Steve (1991). "Marathana! Music Turns Twenty". CCM Magazine. 13 (10): 12. ISSN 1524-7848. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  14. ^ Church, Identity, and Change: Theology and Denominational Structures in Unsettled Times. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company. 2005. p. 136. ISBN 0-8028-2819-1. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ Taylor, Larry. What Calvary Chapel Teaches.
  16. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God (PDF). The Word For Today. Retrieved 2011-08-11. We believe that all are sinners (Romans 3:23) and unable by human performance to earn, deserve, or merit salvation (Titus 3:5). We believe that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and that apart from God's grace, no one can be saved (Ephesians 2:8–9). We believe that none are righteous, or capable of doing good (Romans 3:10–12), and that apart from the conviction and regeneration of the Holy Spirit, none can be saved (John 1:12–13; 16:8–11; I Peter 1:23–25). Mankind is clearly fallen and lost in sin.
  17. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God (PDF). The Word For Today. Retrieved 2011-08-11. We believe that God chose the believer before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4–6), and based on His foreknowledge, has predestined the believer to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29–30). We believe that God offers salvation to all who will call on His name. Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." We also believe that God calls to Himself those who will believe in His Son, Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 1:9). However, the Bible also teaches that an invitation (or call) is given to all, but that only a few will accept it. We see this balance throughout scripture. Revelation 22:17 states, "And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely." I Peter 1:2 tells us we are, "elect according to the foreknowledge of God, the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." Matthew 22:14 says, "For many are called, but few are chosen (elected)." God clearly does choose, but man must also accept God's invitation to salvation.
  18. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God (PDF). The Word For Today. Retrieved 2011-08-11. We believe that Jesus Christ died as a propitiation (a satisfaction of the righteous wrath of God against sin) "for the whole world" (I John 2:2; 4:9–10), and that He redeems and forgives all who will believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as their only hope of salvation from sin, death, and hell (Ephesians 1:7; I Peter 1:18–19). We believe that eternal life is a gift of God (Romans 6:23), and that "whosoever believeth" in Jesus Christ will not perish, but will have eternal life (John 3:16–18). I Timothy 4:10 says "we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe." Hebrews 2:9 states that Jesus, "was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man." The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was clearly sufficient to save the entire human race.
  19. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God (PDF). The Word For Today. Retrieved 2011-08-11. In Stephen's message in Acts 7:51, he concluded by saying, "Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye." In Romans 10:21, the apostle Paul quotes Isaiah 65:2 when he speaks of God's words to Israel, "All day long I have stretched forth My hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people." In one of the five warning passages of the book of Hebrews, we read in Hebrews 10:26, "For if we sin wilfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins." Verse 29 adds, "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, with which he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Clearly, God's grace can either be resisted or received by the exercise of human free will.
  20. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvinism, Arminianism and the Word of God (PDF). The Word For Today. Retrieved 2011-08-11. We believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 8:38–39), and that there is no condemnation to those who are in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1). We believe that the promise of Jesus in John 10:27–28 is clear: "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand." Jesus said in John 6:37, "him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." We have this assurance in Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." We believe that the Holy Spirit has sealed us unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13–14; 4:30). But we also are deeply concerned over the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:21–23
  21. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Charisma vs. Charismania. Word for Today. ISBN 0-936728-49-3.
  22. ^ Arrington, French L. (Fall). "The Indwelling, Baptism, and Infilling with the Holy Spirit: A Differentiation of Terms". Pneuma: the Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies. 3 (1): 1–2. {{cite journal}}: Check date values in: |date= and |year= / |date= mismatch (help)
  23. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvary Chapel Distinctives (PDF). Word for Today. p. 27. ISBN 0936728809. We believe that there is an experience of the empowering of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer that is distinct and separate from the indwelling of the Spirit that takes place at conversion. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  24. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvary Chapel Distinctives (PDF). Word for Today. p. 28. ISBN 0936728809. We believe that the Holy Spirit is dwelling with a person prior to conversion. He is the One convicting him of his sin, convincing him that Jesus Christ is the only answer. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  25. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). Calvary Chapel Distinctives (PDF). Word for Today. p. 29. ISBN 0936728809. So we see the dynamic power of the Spirit in us which comes when we accept Jesus. He begins that work in us of transforming us into the image of Jesus Christ. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  26. ^ Straight from the Heart teaching from Genesis to Revelation. WED10224 Mp3, Calvary Chapel Philadelphia
  27. ^ http://cc-chestersprings.com/teachingLists/teaching.asp, Matthew 3:11 , 5/29/2005.
  28. ^ http://www.ccnewarkde.org/matthew.html, Mathew 3:1-17 - John the Baptist Speaking today
  29. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). "The Rapture Of The Church". Calvary Chapel Doctrine and Distinctives. The Word For Today.
  30. ^ Ariel, Yaakov (2007). "Terror at the Holy of Holies: Christians and Jewish Builders of the Temple at the Turn of the Twenty-First Century". Journal of Religion and Society. Omaha, Nebraska: Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society. Retrieved 2009-01-02. According to one source, [Stanley] Goldfoot was the one to establish the contacts, which became vital since the 1990s, between the Temple Mount Faithful and its Christian supporters (Kol HaIr 13 October 1995: 44–49). In the early 1980s, Chuck Smith, a noted evangelist and minister of Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California, one of the largest and most dynamic Charismatic churches in America (on Smith, see Miller), invited Stanley Goldfoot to lecture in his church, and Smith's followers helped to finance Goldfoot's activity. Chuck Smith's involvement in the rebuilding of the Temple is demonstrative of the constituency of Christians interested in the Temple and the prospect of its rebuilding.
  31. ^ a b End Times: A Report on Future Survival, Chuck Smith, 1978Smith, Chuck (1978). End Times: A Report on Future Survival. Maranatha House Publishers. p. 35. ISBN 0-89337-011-8. Jesus taught us that the generation which sees the "budding of the fig tree," the birth of the nation Israel, will be the generation that sees the Lord's return. I believe that the generation of 1948 is the last generation. Since a generation of judgment is forty years and the Tribulation period lasts seven years, I believe the Lord could come back for His Church any time before the Tribulation starts, which would mean anytime before 1981. (1948+40+7=1981)
  32. ^ http://www.amazon.com/dp/0893370118
  33. ^ Gorenberg, Gershom. The End of Days:Fundamentalism and the Struggle for the Temple Mount. p. 123.
  34. ^ Abanes, Richard. End-Time Visions : The Road to Armageddon. pp. 326, 412–413.
  35. ^ DiSabatino, David. The Jesus People Movement: An Annotated Bibliography and General Resource. Bibliographies and Indexes in Religious Studies. p.68
  36. ^ a b Goffard, Christopher (2 September 2006). "Father, Son and Holy Rift". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  37. ^ Smith, Chuck (1993). "The Priority of the Word". Calvary Chapel Doctrine and Distinctives. The Word For Today.
  38. ^ a b Smith, Chuck. The Philosophy of Ministry of Calvary Chapel.
  39. ^ a b c Smith, Chuck (1993). "Church Government". Calvary Chapel Doctrine and Distinctives. The Word For Today.
  40. ^ "Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship Introduction". Retrieved 2006-04-15.
  41. ^ "Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship Mission Statement". Archived from the original on 2006-04-04. Retrieved 2006-04-15.
  42. ^ Templeton, David (April 2–8, 1998). "Losing My Religion". Sonoma County Independent. Retrieved 24 July 2011.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: date format (link)
  43. ^ LOBDELL, WILLIAM (22 September 2001). "In Aftermath of Attacks, Talk of 'End Days' Soars". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  44. ^ Moll, Rob (2007-02-16). "Day of Reckoning: Chuck Smith and Calvary Chapel face an uncertain future". Christianity Today. Retrieved 2010-03-14. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  45. ^ http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/article_print.html?id=40794
  46. ^ "CCBC Affiliate Campuses". Retrieved 2011-07-14.
  47. ^ "CCBC Main Campus". Retrieved 2006-04-16.
  48. ^ "CCBC Undergraduate Program". Retrieved 2006-04-16.
  49. ^ "Calvary Chapel bible College – Accreditation". 2008. Retrieved 2008-10-26. We are not accredited, nor are we seeking accreditation, so as to be free from outside control and remain open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help)
  50. ^ "CCBC Accreditation". Retrieved 2008-10-26. We desire to continue in our independent standing so as not to compromise the integrity of the vision or direction the Lord has given to CCBC. We believe that the credibility of CCBC is not in accreditation, but in the fruitfulness and surrendered lives of the students who have attended.
  51. ^ "KWVE Programs". Archived from the original on 2006-02-18. Retrieved 2006-04-19.
  52. ^ "M88 Radio". Retrieved 2006-04-19.
  53. ^ "Calvary Chapel Bangor Maine".
  54. ^ "WZXV Streaming". Retrieved 2007-02-15.
  55. ^ "LIFE:FM90.9 Announcement". Retrieved 2010-02-15.
  56. ^ "Harvest Crusades". Retrieved 2006-04-19.
  57. ^ Coker, Matt (2005-03-03). "The First Jesus Freak: A pot-smokin, LSD-droppin seeker turned Calvary Chapel into a household name. So why is Lonnie Frisbee missing from church history?". OC Weekly. Santa Ana, California: Village Voice. Retrieved 2008-11-30. Lonnie left after about four years as Calvary's unofficial youth pastor and, after a brief time in the Shepherding movement, wound up at the soon-to-become Vineyard Church of Yorba Linda. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameters: |month= and |coauthors= (help)
  58. ^ "Meet the Pastors". Melbourne, Florida: Calvary Chapel of Melbourne. 2007. Retrieved 2009-02-11. Mark Balmer is the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel of Melbourne in West Melbourne, Florida.
  59. ^ "About Calvary". Albuquerque, New Mexico: Calvary Chapel of Albuquerque. 2009. Retrieved 2009-02-11. Skip, along with Lenya and their son, moved back to California in January 2004 to serve as Senior Pastor at Ocean Hills Community Church in San Juan Capistrano. Skip served in this capacity until July 2006, when he and Lenya returned to Albuquerque to once again serve as Senior Pastor at Calvary of Albuquerque. [dead link]
  60. ^ "Welcome to Sound Truth Online". Merritt Island, Florida: Sound Truth Online. 2008. Retrieved 2009-02-11. Sound Truth is the teaching ministry of Pastor Malcolm Wild, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Merritt Island in Merritt Island Florida.
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