Verse by Verse.
Chapter by Chapter.
The Whole Counsel of God.

In Calvary Chapels, we look to the Book of Acts as the model for the Church. We believe that the church should be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The four basic functions of the early church are found in Acts 2:42, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Church government typically can be found in three basic forms: rule by a bishop or overseer (episkopos); a board of elders (presbyteros); and congregational rule. In Calvary Chapel, we follow what is called the Moses Model. We believe that the senior pastor is ruled by the Lord and aided by the Board of Directors to discover the mind and will of Jesus Christ for His church. Complementing the senior pastor are the assisting pastors, who minister to the spiritual needs of the congregation on a daily basis.

We believe that there is an experience of the empowering of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer that is distinct and separate from the indwelling of the Spirit that takes place at conversion. We acknowledge a three–fold relationship between the Holy Spirit and the believer: “para” – coming alongside; “en” – in you; and “epi” – an overflow. To that end, we believe that the Church should flourish and thrive as the Holy Spirit leads it and empowers it to live the four principles of God’s Model as referenced above.

At Calvary Chapel, we have a relaxed, casual style. We don’t get involved in a lot of spiritual hype. We don’t try to motivate people carnally, and we are not apt to shout at the congregation. We simply trust in the work of the Holy Spirit, and of Jesus Christ who is building His church as He said He would. Our model for this is found in Zechariah 4:6, “Not by might, nor power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of hosts”, and by I Corinthians 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order”.

We realize that without the grace of God, none of us would have a chance. We are saved by grace, but we also need the grace of God in our lives daily. We believe in the love and grace of God through His Son that seeks to restore the fallen. For a more detailed look at what we believe about grace and its importance in our lives, read Pastor Chuck Smith’s book, “Why Grace Changes Everything”.

We endeavor to declare to people the whole counsel of God. Therefore, the teaching ministry and style of Calvary Chapel is expositional (book by book/chapter by chapter/verse by verse) in nature. We read the Word, give the sense of the Word and cause people to understand the meaning of the Word (Nehemiah 8:8). In this, we believe that the regular and faithful teaching of the Word of God changes and transforms us into the image of Jesus Christ and brings our lives into the will of God for His people.

Another characteristic of Calvary Chapel is the centrality of Jesus in our worship. We don’t allow any practice or behavior during our services that would distract people from focusing on Him. We lift up the LORD praise, we exalt Jesus as the risen Savior, and we thank the Holy Spirit for His work in our lives. This is done through every aspect of church life.

We believe that Jesus Christ will come for His Church (a biblical event known as the “Rapture”). This will be followed by a seven-year period which the Bible calls, “The Great Tribulation” in which the Church is safely secured in Heaven as the final judgment of God upon a sinful world commences. We believe at the end of this time of judgment, the Jesus will return in the Second Coming and then He will establish His Millennial (1,000 year) reign upon the earth.

While we have strong Biblical convictions regarding our views on salvation by grace, the Rapture, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, e.g., it is our desire not to divide God’s people over non-essential issues. When the Bible speaks clearly, we must as well. But on other issues, we try to recognize the spiritual validity of both sides of the debate and avoid excluding or favoring those on one side or the other. We seek to practice unity and peace among the Church and as brothers and sisters in the LORD, we seek to allow love to be the commandment we follow above all else.