In 1965, Pastor Chuck Smith began his ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa with just 25 people. From the beginning, Pastor Chuck welcomed all, young and old, without judgment, placing his emphasis on the teaching of the Word of God. His simple, yet sound, Biblical approach drew 25,000 people weekly.
With a sincere concern for the lost, Pastor Chuck made room in his heart and his home for a generation of hippies and surfers, generating a movement of the Holy Spirit that spread from the West Coast to the East Coast, and now, throughout the world. What began as a small local church has now grown into an international ministry of over 1,800 fellowships throughout the world.
For a more in-depth look at the history of Calvary Chapel, we recommend reading The Reproducers. You can download a free digital copy as a PDF or ePub.
To learn more about what makes Calvary Chapel different than other evangelical church movements, we invite you to read about the Calvary Chapel Distinctives, by Pastor Chuck Smith.
While each Calvary Chapel is different in its own unique way, each church shares a set of core philosophies that guide them. To learn more about the Calvary Chapel Philosophy of Ministry, written by top Calvary Chapel Pastors, please visit the Calvary Chapel Association's Philosophy of Ministry page.