About Calvary Chapel
Calvary Chapel of Dayton is affiliated with the Calvary Chapel movement, centered in Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, California.
The Calvary Chapel movement began in 1965 when Pastor Chuck Smith, who had already spent 17 years in ministry, became the pastor of a small church in Costa Mesa, California which called itself Calvary Chapel. While serving there, he began using a simple, direct style of teaching, working line-by-line through the Bible from beginning to end. God blessed his ministry, and within two years the fellowship's original group of 25 had outgrown their building.
About this same time, Pastor Chuck's wife, Kay, began to feel that they needed to reach out to the "hippies" of that era. They eventually made the decision to open their home and their church to these young people, teaching the revelation of God's love for them through the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus. This outreach sparked what has become known as the "Jesus Movement," in which God miraculously and powerfully transformed the lives of many young people.
Today, the Calvary Chapel movement has grown to include over a thousand churches around the world. These churches are independent ministries, unconnected by any official network, and some do not even bear the name of Calvary Chapel. However, they are all connected by the fellowship and like-mindedness of the men who serve as their senior pastors and by particular ministry distinctives, including an emphasis on the clear teaching of the Word of God.
Calvary Chapel is not a denomination. It is not opposed to denominations as such, only their over-emphasis of doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the body of Christ. Our purpose at Calvary Chapel of Dayton is to build up believers and to see them used by God wherever He might lead.
Calvary Chapel Resources
The Bible is unquestionably our central standard and our only foundation. However, the philosophy and approach that makes us distinctly "Calvary Chapel" has been greatly shaped by its history and especially by its founder, Chuck Smith. The following books by Chuck Smith describe the Calvary Chapel approach and are freely offered in PDF format. Together, they paint a larger picture of the character of the movement.
Calvary Chapel Distinctives
What is it that makes Calvary Chapel different from other Bible-believing, evangelical churches?
The Philosophy of Ministry of Calvary Chapel
Chuck Smith identifies the fact that the church that will be successful in this day and age, is the church who is founded in the word of God and Jesus Christ.
Calvinism, Arminianism & The Word of God
This pamphlet discusses the facts upon which these doctrinal stands are based, and compares them to the facts of the Word of God.
Charisma vs. Charismania
Chuck Smith looks at a theological controversy that has existed for years and explores the 'Charismatic experience' as it relates to today's Christian.
Harvest
This is the story of the growth of Calvary Chapel ministries featuring the life and testimonies of ChuckSmith, and nine other Calvary Chapel pastors.
Answers For Today
This is a compilation of the popular Answer Pamphlet series. It includes "It's Time for the Sunrise," "Questions & Answers," "Unto Us a Son Is Given," "A More Sure Word," and "The Rapture".
Christian Family Relationships
Christian Family Relationships reveals God's basic principles designed to keep your family's love alive. By knowing and applying God's principles to your family life.
Comfort For Those Who Mourn
In this pamphlet, Pastor Chuck shares the glorious hope that we have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and how we can find comfort through Him during a time of loss.
Effective Prayer Life
"In print world-wide for nearly 20 years, this classic book on prayer has proven the truth that prayer changes things.
Living Water
God has the power to change lives through His Holy Spirit. This book captures that message and is written to give people a true understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer.
The Claims of Christ
Chuck Smith gives a straightforward presentation of the claims of Jesus Christ, along with proof of their validity. Readers are challenged to accept or reject Christ, based upon these claims.
The Gospel According To Grace
A clear and enlightening commentary on the book of Romans.
Why Grace Changes Everything
Through remarkable insight gleaned from his own life, Pastor Chuck unfolds the mystery of grace and reveals the surprising truth: We can never grow in grace by our own efforts.