Anyone here go to a Calvary Chapel?

[OnederWoman]

We tried it this morning (still being in our year long... so far... search for a church home). It was pretty good. We're going to go at least a few more Sundays before we decide if that's where we want to stay.

If there are any here that goes to a Calvary Chapel, I'd love to hear about your experiances there and what you like (and even don't like... if there is anything) about Calvary Chapel.

Thanks

 

[Godisincontrol]

I feel most comfortable at Calvary Chapel churches because they are midstream and most likely you won't hear anything too unscriptural. They accept you as you are and focus on the heart and the fact that we are sinners, saved by God's grace. The worship is usually pretty good too. You can feel free to worship God, but there is not much show, which I appreciate.

 

[OnederWoman]

Here's another question about C.C.

I was doing some online research on C.C. and found several sites that claim there is abuse going on at C.C. and even that they are a cult. This concerns me. I just want to find a good Bible believing church.

here are the sites in question...

here are several pages from one main website... (this guy does touch on some groups that are actually cults... but then again there are some things he has that I don't agree on... I'm not sure where he's coming from)

http://www.rickross.com/groups/calvary.html ... has links to several articles on Calvary Chapel
http://www.rickross.com/reference/calvary/calvaryvisitor.html ... visitor comments (where the most disturbing accusations are)


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cc-abuse/ ... a 'support' group for those who claim abuse at Calvary Chapel
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/c15.html... link to several articles that call C.C. a cult


http://www.sullivan-county.com/news/deist1999/cal_chap.htm


http://www.metroactive.com/papers/sonoma/04.02.98/calvary-9813.html


http://www.atruechurch.info/smith1.html

 

[Grace_Alone4gives]

You can't always go by what you read on the Internet, I have never heard these claims about CC beofre.

Nevertheless, do pray about it - God has all the answers...men do not.
Good luck in your church seeking.

God Bless

 

[Godisincontrol]

I have been to many Calvary Chapels and never heard anything cultish. But, we all need to test the spirits with any pastor. If that pastor doesn't line up to God's word, then run.

 

[OnederWoman]

There wasn't anything "off" with this morning service or the message. Like I said, we plan to visit over the next few Sundays (possibly minus the weekend of Thanksgiving because we may be out-of-state through Sunday) to check it out. I told dh that we both need to check out the Bible studies they have during the week (Monday night for Men and Tuesday morning for Women). I wish they had cell groups on Wednesday nights instead of another service, but if it's the right church for us then we'll adjust.

 

[MikeMcK]

You can't always go by what you read on the Internet, I have never heard these claims about CC beofre.

Nevertheless, do pray about it - God has all the answers...men do not.
Good luck in your church seeking.

God Bless

I agree.

Calvary Chapel is a lot like my denomination (SBC) in that churches in both groups are autonomous. If you feel that there are problems in a Calvary Chapel, you need to check out that Calvary Chapel and compare it with the rest of them and with the overseeing body (they don't like to be called a denomination for some reason). Just as not all Southern Baptist churches accurately reflect the attitudes and teaching of the SBC, not all Calvary Chapel churches do, either.

My only problem with CC is that they often dismiss the importance of formal theological training for their pastors.

All of that having been said, I've dealt with a number of them and found them to be wonderful churches and I've been asked to minister in several of them and have been recieved very well.

Not only do I not believe that they are cultic or in error in their teaching, some of my favorite radio preachers are Calvary Chapel preachers, Greg Laurie, Joe Foche and Mike McIntosh among them.

If you've already decided that you don't want to attend an SBC church, then Calvery Chapel would be a fine alternative for you.

 

[OnederWoman]

Thanks Mike... as both dh and I have some SBC background (dh from growing up and me from my early college years) your opinion has really helped settle my concerns... not to say we don't always pay attention to what's going on in a church... but your high opinon of CC helps... thanks

 

[MikeMcK]

Thanks. Happy to help.

 

[Ben_Hur]

Another Calvary Chapel dude here. A cult? Nonsense. The independence of each church precludes the possibility. I like the modern music worship, solid bible teaching (nothing watered down to keep from offending people), and come-as-you-are atmosphere.

I also listen to calvary chapel pastors on the radio such as Steve Whinery, Bob Davis, Greg Lory, and occasionally Rauel Rise (sp?). The founder, Chuck Smith, I think based much of his original teachings on those of Dr. J. Vernon McGee.

Anyway, you go there a while and you may end up more well versed than many seminary trained pastors. It is my understanding that seminaries largely teach more on "programs" than Bible.

 

[Wrigley]

The founder, Chuck Smith, I think based much of his original teachings on those of Dr. J. Vernon McGee.

Sad. I would have hoped that the teachings would be based on Christ and Him crucified.

 

[OnederWoman]

Sad. I would have hoped that the teachings would be based on Christ and Him crucified.

I was thinking the same. Bible based teaching over mans doctrine (though I tend to agree strongly with Calvin lol)

 

[MikeMcK]

I always like J. Vernon McGee, myself. Is there something I missed?

 

[Wrigley]

I was thinking the same. Bible based teaching over mans doctrine (though I tend to agree strongly with Calvin lol)

I think you're probably the second charismatic calvinist I've met.

 

[Ben_Hur]

Sad. I would have hoped that the teachings would be based on Christ and Him crucified.

I meant the STYLE of teaching, not the actual teaching....

The style meaning: verse by verse, precept upon precept.....

 

[OnederWoman]

I always like J. Vernon McGee, myself. Is there something I missed?

I don't have any clue who McGee is... I'm sure he's probably a great guy and probably even has a firm Biblical foundation... but the statement of basing ones own ministry on the teaching of a man was just a little odd. I don't think it's bad to draw from the wisdom of others and learn from their experiances/

 

[OnederWoman]

I meant the STYLE of teaching, not the actual teaching....

The style meaning: verse by verse, precept upon precept.....

that I don't mind and even like

 

[OnederWoman]

I think you're probably the second charismatic calvinist I've met.

I think I must be of a rare breed lol

 

[Wrigley]

I meant the STYLE of teaching, not the actual teaching....

The style meaning: verse by verse, precept upon precept.....

Cool, but every minister I've heard does that too. Not a unique preaching style.

 

[Wrigley]

I think I must be of a rare breed lol

Could be, most Calvinists have that reputation of being the "frozen chosen". But most of the Reformed churches I've worshipped in are full of joy. We just show it differently.