About Us
Calvary Chapel is not a denomination, but a fellowship of men with
like-minded doctrinal positions and teaching style. Each Calvary Chapel is governed by
its own leadership, and financed by the contributions of its own members.
Our connection with each other is for the purpose of fellowship,
encouragement, and observance of common doctrine.
The most distinguishing mark of a
Calvary Chapel is a servant-pastor who faithfully teaches through the Bible
verse by verse, covering the whole counsel of God.
The CCOF ministry, (derived from Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowships), keeps
a list of the men and the churches they pastor that are a part of our fellowship.
This list allows anyone interested
in finding a Calvary Chapel in or near their community a means to locate
one.
See http://www.calvarychapel.com/
and choose the “Finding a Church” option.
Becoming a Calvary Chapel
Three things are necessary to be a part of the Calvary Chapel fellowship.
First, pastors and leaders need to embrace the characteristics of the
Calvary Chapel movement as described in
Calvary Chapel Distinctives.
The process provides you and us an
opportunity to discern whether you have a heart connection and commitment to
Calvary Chapel.
Second, the list we keep is of the men who have become recognized as senior pastors within the movement; not physical churches or home fellowships. Thus, part of the process is moving your group from a collection of believers meeting together for home Bible Study into a level of commitment, establishing fellowship with nearby like-minded men, becoming an independent non-profit incorporation, and the development of servant leaders, indicative of a church.
Third, since Calvary Chapel is a fellowship of like-minded men, we do not extend our hand to those not willing to take the time and make the effort to become or remain a part of it. Availing yourself to meet with fellow like-minded men in regional conferences and our annual senior pastors’ conference is also an important ingredient of the on-going process of fellowship.
For the fellowship to be meaningful we ask that everyone involved in the process avoid using the copyrighted name “Calvary Chapel” or the copyrighted symbol of the “dove” until the process has been completed and you have received a letter of acceptance into fellowship from our office. Many of our men don’t even use this name or symbol but are nonetheless just as much a part of the movement.
If you have further questions don’t hesitate to contact us and we will put you in touch with the pastor who is the leadership volunteer closest to you. He is there primarily to assist you with the process, to pray with and for you, and to serve you in any way he can.