PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY OF CALVARY CHAPEL, THE

Over the years, many people have asked Pastor Chuck about the success of Calvary Chapel. Many have tried to figure out the formula to church growth and a healthy congregation by studying Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa and the Senior Pastor. In 1988, Pastor Chuck visited Calvary Chapel West Covina and spoke to the congregation about the philosophy behind the ministry of Calvary Chapel. In his message, he revealed that there is no secret formula to church growth - it is the line upon line, verse upon verse teaching of God's Word that produces a healthy, mature congregation, which in turn produces church growth. Once we recognize the purpose of the church and the importance of God's Word, we realize that it is not about us at all, but about God completely. "What, then, is the purpose of His church To bring glory to God: to be God's instrument of ministry to the Lord. Also, in a secondary sense, the church exists for the edifying or the building up of the saints and to bring the saints into full maturity, so that they might engage in the work of the ministry." Pastor Chuck Smith