FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers concerning Calvary Chapel

What is Calvary Chapel ?

Calvary Chapel started as a non-denominational church located in Costa Mesa, CA in 1965 with a congregation of 25 members pastored by Chuck Smith. 

What does the organization include?

Calvary Chapel has grown to thousands of churches around the world. It’s organization includes: a media company which publishes Christian books and distributes recorded tracks all over the world, Radio station KWVE which broadcasts to all of Southern California, TV channel CSN which broadcasts God’s World all over the World, The Calvary Chapel Bible college located in Marietta, CA with over 20 global satellite campuses educating thousands in the Bible all over the World.

Why Calvary Chapel ?

What makes Calvary Chapel distinctive is the emphasis on Biblical verse-by-verse teaching. Many people believe in the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit, but do not have a strong emphasis in Biblical teaching or look to the Bible to help guide their experience with the Holy Spirit. Many do not have a strong emphasis on teaching the Word of God, but they don’t share the view that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are available and valid today.

History of Calvary Chapel Grand Rapids

Pastor Ed Yeareck was called by God to minister after hearing Chuck Smiths Bible studies on Christian Radio on Arizona. After attending Calvary Chapel’s School of Ministry to learn the “nuts and bolts” of ministering a congregation, and praying where to go next. God led him to Michigan where Pastor Ed started Calvary Chapel in his living room with six congregation members. Pastor Ed ministered Calvary Grand Rapids until he and his wife sister Carol left for Arizona in 2012 passing the baton of ministering to the congregation to Pastor Randy Williamson.

What Can I Expect?

On Sunday mornings, we begin with a period of worship. The entire family worships together in the sanctuary; children are dismissed for Children’s ministry at the conclusion of worship, and before the announcements. This is so that the children can be ministered to at a level they can receive, and to minimize distractions in the sanctuary during the Bible study. We teach expositionally, verse-by-verse through the entire Bible on Sunday mornings. After the Bible study, we will normally close in worship, and then enjoy a time of fellowship. Prayer can be requested (and is encouraged) at this time.

What we Follow

Verse by verse teaching makes Calvary Chapel distinctive. We welcome you to fellowship with us and be a part of a body of believers committed to the truth and teaching of God’s Word. It is our sincere hope that our intimate worship services and in-depth Bible study will either bring you to a saving knowledge or a closer relationship with our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.