 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.
Here at this site you will find a regularly updated schedule of events, links to other Calvary Chapels and resources to help you in your personal walk with the LORD.
 WHAT IS CALVARY CHAPEL?
Calvary Chapel is a non-denominational Christian church which began in 1965 in Costa Mesa, California. Calvary Chapel's pastor, Chuck Smith became a leading figure in what has become known as the "Jesus Movement."
For the complete story check out the book Harvest, available in the church bookstore or online as a PDF file.
WHY CALVARY CHAPEL?
There are many who believe in the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit, but they do not have a strong emphasis on Biblical teaching, nor do they look to the Word to guide their experiences with the Holy Spirit. There are many who 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.
In Calvary Chapel we find the teaching of the Word, and an open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit. It is this balance that makes Calvary Chapel a distinct and uniquely blessed movement of God.
For more information read the book Calvary Chapel Distinctives. It's available in the church bookstore or online as a PDF file.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
We believe that the Word of God should be spiritual. Therefore, we remain flexible so the Holy Spirit may direct our worship.
We believe that the worship of God should be inspirational.
Therefore, we give great place to music in our worship.
We believe that the worship of God should be intelligent. Therefore, in our services, we emphasize Bible teaching so God may instruct us how He would be worshiped.
We believe the worship of God is fruitful. Therefore, we look for His love in our lives as the greatest evidence that we are truly worshiping Him.
WHY DO I NEED TO BE "BORN-AGAIN" OR TO BE A "CHRISTIAN"?
I think that it might be a better statement to say, “a person cannot be a Christian,
unless he is born again. 1 Peter 1:3 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a
living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” Romans 10:9-
10,and Ephesians 2:8-9 among other Scriptures tell us what means God uses to “cause” us to be born again.
WHAT DOES "BORN-AGAIN CHRISTIAN" REALLY MEAN?
The term “born-again” comes from John chapter 3 verses 1-16. Here we read a dialogue between Nicodemus and Jesus. The actual term “born again,” actually means, “born from above.” In this dialogue, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John continues to write the dialogue between them and we see that there is a description of 2 types of births. One is the natural birth, and the other is the spiritual birth. Jesus then goes on to say that belief in Him is where the spiritual rebirth, or being born again comes from. Also reference 1 Peter1:3, 23
[ Read related article: The Holy Spirit and His Work ]
IF I HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AND HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION IN ANOTHER INDEPENDENT OR DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH, WILL I HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED AGAIN?
No. Some people, however, who recommit their lives, choose to be baptized again if they feel their first baptism was for the wrong reason, such as an adult who was baptized as a child and may not have understood what they were doing.
DO YOU BAPTIZE BABIES?
No, but we do publicly dedicate babies to the Lord. We do not believe the Scriptures tell us to baptize children who are not old enough to make a willful profession of Jesus as Savior. However, we do have a dedication service for infants and small children.
[Read related article: Essentials of Baptism]
CAN I FELLOWSHIP AT SHCC WITHOUT GETTING BAPTIZED?
SHCC unlike other churches that comes in your mind, does not require you to be baptized if you are not ready. Baptism is voluntary or a person's own free-will, it is not a sign nor a requirement for membership. When you are ready to get baptized, we make sure you understand the significance of baptism and what it is to you.
[Read related article: The Holy Spirit and His Work]
WHY ARE CHILDREN DEDICATED TO THE LORD?
The act of publicly dedicating children is an encouragement to the parents and the entire church as the family commits their home and children before the congregation. The congregation agrees to accept responsibility to help the parents raise the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PRESENT TO BECOME A MEMBER IN SHCC?
Plain and simple, there is nothing to present but yourself - your presence.
WHAT DO I WEAR WHEN I GO TO A CHRISTIAN CHURCH?
Come just as you are, no need for fancy clothes to get a seat. You can come in as simple as wearing slippers, walking shorts, shirt, as long as it is properly not provocative. We do not require you to wear long sleeves, long dress or long skirts. Come as you are.
CAN I GET INVOLVED SERVING RIGHT AWAY?
Most ministries require that you attend Calvary Chapel for at least 6 months before making a service commitment. This time allows you to get comfortable with the ministry here while capturing the overall vision of what God is doing through Calvary Chapel. It also gives us time to get to know you better and help you in finding your fit in the church. We do provide opportunities to serve right away, specifically in the area of set-up and take down. Overall we desire that you receive the Word of God and plug into one of the smaller group ministries. As you do, the time will fly right by you!
WHAT IS THE "TRUTH " THAT CAN BE FOUND IN CHRISTIAN CHURCHES?
The truth that can be found in Christian Churches is the truth contained within the Word of God (The Bible). Within the Christian Church, if the Bible is being taught, verse by verse, chapter by chapter, book by book. One way that I have heard it said many times is, “in the Old Testament concealed, the New Testament has revealed.” For example, Exodus 12:1-13 gives us a beautiful picture of God the fathers redemptive plan for the world with the Passover. It actually paints the whole picture of Christ’s sacrificial death. [Read related article: Truth]
DOES CALVARY CHAPEL OFFER COUNSELING?
WHAT IF MY QUESTION IS NOT LISTED?
Feel free to e-mail us at: shepherds_heart04@yahoo.com. We pray that you grow deeply in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ through the ministries of Shepherds Heart Calvary Chapel |
