HOW TO:

BECOME A CALVARY CHAPEL

Thank you for your inquiry into the Calvary Chapel fellowship of churches.

Understand that Calvary Chapel is not a denomination, but a fellowship of churches. Each Calvary Chapel is governed by its own leadership, and financed by the contributions of its members. Our connection with each other is for the purpose of fellowship, encouragement, and accountability.

This process is necessary since the Calvary Chapel Outreach Fellowship office keeps a list of churches that are part of our fellowship. This list allows folks who are interested in finding a Calvary Chapel in their community a means to locate one. 

Three things are necessary to be a part of the Calvary Chapel fellowship of churches… 

First: a church’s Pastor and leaders need to embrace the characteristics of the Calvary Chapel movement as described in Calvary Chapel Distinctives by Chuck Smith. It’s confusing and disingenuous to hitch a ride on the bandwagon if you are not part of the band. 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 for churches, not home fellowships. Thus, part of the process is moving your group from a collection of believers meeting together for Bible Study into the level of commitment, accountability, and breadth of ministry indicative of a church. 

Third: since Calvary Chapel is a fellowship we do not extend this process to those not willing to take the time and make the effort to fellowship. Availing yourself to meet with like-minded men in regional conferences and our annual Senior Pastor conference is also an important part of the fellowship. 

For the fellowship to be meaningful we ask that everyone involved in the fellowship process avoid using the name “Calvary Chapel” until the process has been completed, and you have received a letter of approval from our office. 

For those who are eager to get started please refer to the F A Q Section on our website under “How to become a Calvary Chapel Pastor” and note that the entire process begins with you contacting the Regional Pastor in your area. You can find out who your Regional Pastor is by simply asking your Calvary Chapel Senior Pastor. 

I hope this will help clarify for you the process of becoming a part of the Calvary Chapel fellowship of churches. If you have further questions don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to working with you. 

( Listen online to “Thru the Bible with Pastor Chuck”, Read Pastor Chuck’s books online,

 http://www.ccofweb.com/calvarychapelpastor.htm )