Calvary Chapel San Diego
October 27th, 2004Website: http://www.calvarysandiego.com
Church Review
Scriptural View: 4/5
Beliefs: 2/5
Community: 3/5
Preaching: Expository
Worship: Saturday 6 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.
Website Review
Site Usability: 2/5
Site Design: 2/5
Site Content: 3/5
Review: Calvary Chapel San Diego (CCSD), as its name obviously suggests, is an off-shoot of the monolithic movement started in Costa Mesa California in the early 1970’s under the leadership of Pastor Chuck Smith. In San Diego alone, there are dozens of fellowships affiliated with Calvary Chapel. Because CCSD (and most other Calvary’s) model themselves after the Costa Mesa church, we will examine the movement as a whole and make a view particular observations about CCSD.
CCSD is one of the larger fellowships in San Diego having just moved into a new building in the booming Otay Ranch community of Chula Vista. The sprawling property, which covers an entire block, also houses a K-12 private Christian school called Calvary Christian Academy.
As with most Calvary Chapels, they should be commended for their high view of Scripture. Nearly everyone attending the church carries their own Bible and most are feverishly scribbling on notepads and marking the margins of their Bible during the sermon. Pastor Bryan Newberry faithfully teaches verse by verse and book by book through the Bible and it is clear that anyone attending CCSD continually is sure to be exposed to a regular diet of scripture.
What Calvary Chapel actually believes about the scriptures is quite a different matter, however. Instead of a clear statement of faith as to what they believe, CCSD chooses instead to hang its theological hat on the catch phrase “Simply Jesus!” While this may seem really spiritual and non-threatening on the surface, it belies what they really believe. Although CCSD (and all Calvary’s for that matter) claim to not put a strong emphasis on doctrine because it causes division, a careful examination of the movement’s teaching and writings tell a different story. In his book Calvary Chapel Distinctives (Word for Today Publishing, 2000), founding Pastor Chuck Smith writes: “In Calvary Chapel we value the teaching of the Word, and possess an open heart to the work of the Holy Spirit. This balance makes Calvary Chapel a distinct and uniquely blessed movement of God. (emphasis mine).” The bottom line is that it is precisely their doctrine that makes them a Calvary Chapel. Any deviation from their core doctrinal beliefs and a church can no longer be called a Calvary Chapel. Out of one side of their mouth, Calvary Chapel pleads for unity and non-division…out of the other side of their mouth, they view themselves as “a distinct and uniquely blessed movement of God.” Simply Jesus, huh? (Note: Pointing out distinctions in doctrine is NOT a bad thing. It is what churches should do. It is doctrinal distinctions that separate a truly biblical church from a cult. The problem we have with Calvary Chapel is that, under the guise of being spiritual, they claim to not do it. Their actions and writings prove otherwise.)
Another problem at CCSD, and most other large mega-churches, is a lack of pastoral oversight and community. The church keeps no formal membership which makes biblical church discipline non-existent. With its well-attended, multiple services, it is very likely that you will never see the same people very often, at least not often enough to build any strong relationships. And forget about actually knowing or meeting the pastor or elders (do they have elders?)! As with most large churches, the real ministering and discipleship is said to be done in small groups (or home fellowships). While small groups are important and a vital part of any church, it should NEVER be a substitute for the corporate gathering of God’s people and the oversight of godly shepherds. At CCSD, there is something to do every night of the week: married fellowships, single fellowships, drug/alcohol recovery groups, youth groups, teen groups, Spanish-speaking groups and on and on. Again, while small groups are good, is this the biblical model of community, everyone divided into groups and sub-groups based on age, gender, nationality or vice? It is conceivable that one could be very busy and active in the church and NOT experience true fellowship and community. Unfortunately, it is all too easy in a church this large to slip through the cracks…
While Calvary Chapel faithfully preaches through the Bible, it seems as if many of the scriptural admonitions about the importance of the local church are neglected or flat out ignored. Thus, the growth of an individual Christian in this environment is sure to be affected in the long run. A new Christian may find the church very helpful and learn a great deal about spiritual disciplines like prayer, bible study, evangelism and service. However, because of their extremely narrow and shortsighted doctrinal positions we can only give Calvary Chapel a half-hearted recommendation.
February 28th, 2005 at 2:36 pm
I have attended Calvary Chapel from the time I was four, 19 years in total. This chuch has grown drasticly over time, though I have never sensed a loss of closeness of relationships. Our Pastor, Bryan Newberry, encourages meeting new people and getting to know others EVERY SERVICE.
There are elders at CCSD- very great pastoral figures who are open to developing relationships with everyone in the congregation.
Please do not be mislead by this review of CCSD. Here you will find the Bread of Life, brothers and sisters in Christ who love the Lord and love eachother.
By the way, “Simply Jesus” refers to the Christian’s relationship with the Lord. It all comes down to, well, simply Jesus. It’s not about us- it’s not about anything we (ourselves) or anyone else done. We are saved through Jesus, we have purpose through the Salvation through Him, and our lives are built on the Hope of Heaven, by Jesus’ death and provision for salvation. It’s not complicated, and it’s not just “another truth”. He is THE WAY, THE TRUTH, and THE LIFE.
April 21st, 2005 at 12:00 pm
I have found a very grave misleading by the head shepherd of Calvary Chapel. I too attend a Calvary Chapel and came away feeling like I just left a very bizarre cult.
They speak from both sides of the neck. And can not be trusted. But if anyone has a copy of the Harvest please look on page 23 at the second to the last paragraph and read the false prophecy that Chuck Smith makes. He claims that God was changing his name, yet his name has never been changed and has always been what it is.
God warns us about using his name in a false manner. This should alarm many people but this manner is so clever that it does not even strike anyone as wrong or even heresy.
Chuck Smith has now proven himself to be a false prophet.
April 25th, 2005 at 4:01 pm
I’ve been attending Calvary Chapel San Diego for the last 5 years and I’d just like to say “It’s all about Jesus”. We are all united as Christians by truth ( the truth about Jesus)
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.”(Ephesians 4:11)
It’s seems to me that those who do not know the word of God cling to one defining doctrine that separates them from other Christians. Instead of leading people to Christ, they lead people to their church as the source of salvation.
“You search the Scriptures because you believe they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!” (John 5:39)
May 10th, 2005 at 8:55 am
Whoever has written this review has probably never invested time into the regular attendance to Calvary Chapel San Diego. If they had they would see that if you slip through the cracks is because you choose to. Using your words ” at CCSD there is something to do every night of the week”, there are to many opportunities to connect with someone whether it be after service prayer time or Sunday evening community prayer. As far as meeting an elder there are 45 elders that serve through out all the services who are in the front of the church ready to pray with anybody who requires it. These men are there to lift up the hands of Bryan and to connect with their brethren. I can testify to this for I am one those elders I know at least 100 to 150 people by name. Multiply this by 45 and you have the congregation more than covered. These men plus women counselors are out there praying talking to and forming relationships with new and old congregants. On top of this out of the 45 men there are 20-30 who are in what’s called the Pastor’s college, men who are being trained for the ministry at the feet of Bryan and our Lord Jesus Christ. To the writer I would say come and see why we say Simply Jesus, because his love was uncomplicated and true such as His is ours.
Yours In Christ,
David E. Guzman
July 13th, 2005 at 1:48 am
I am a single Mom of three and I thank my Lord Jesus Christ for the wonderful family He have provided for me and my children; The family that we have found in every single member of CALVARY CHAPEL SAN DIEGO including Pastor Bryan and The Elders.
I have been attending Calvary Chapel San Diego for over 3 years and I totally disagree with the commentary of the person who rated our Church. I know all the Elders and they know me even by name and we are many. My teen children are being lead to Christ and are now been Saved by the Grace of God, for He provided help, love, patience and the truth in God’s Words through the bible teachings of our Youth Pastors along with the fervent prayers of the Leaders for their salvation. The fellowship that I have found here in CCSD is awsome and it has been a helpful key for me to grow as a Jesus Christ follower. Here in Calvary Chapel WE ARE FAMILY, Not just a Sunday morning Church members, We encourage one another with love, fervently lifting each other up in prayer our burdens, trials, and weaknesses. Helping each other in concern for the brothers and sisters in need. As one body we function, as THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Ministries are always open and available as our Lord Jesus Christ leads anyone who desires to serve. We warmly welcome and assist visitors the same as existing members. Simply Jesus is what we profess and we apply our believes through His word which is our daily bread.
Sadly, the Commentor or judge did not feel the presence of our God, Lord Jesus Christ Holy Spirit dwelling among us.
I pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will grant this men the gift of discernment in his churches judgements and ratings to come.
God Bless!
In Christ, Monica O.
John 7:24 Do not judge according to appearence, but judge with righteous judgement.
1 Timothy 6:20-21 Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and vain babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge - by professing it, some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
July 19th, 2005 at 12:59 pm
I am so glad that you did your homework on Calvary Chapel San Diego. Have you ever attended a service? If you would have, you would know that the elders and pastors are available up front afterwards to talk or pray with you. You would also know that we are aware when new people come and also when they do not return. We stand to the beliefs of the Bible and stick to our “simply Jesus” statement of faith to say that we believe in the ministry as Jesus exemplified during His ministry. As a member, we haven’t proclaimed false judgements upon your church without ever actually attending, so I find it odd that, as a child of God, you could bad mouth another part of the body of Christ? Yet it shouldn’t suprise me since Jesus was also ridiculed by the “so-called” religious leaders of His days. All I can tell you is that maybe you should come by for a Sunday night service and see exactly what we are doing-face down in prayer for our city, state and nation-including you! I am sorry that you would not recommend our church, but I am more sorry that you have not truly experienced what we are every sunday evening- the presence of God!
July 19th, 2005 at 1:32 pm
I am truly sorry that you have this opinion. I am the wife of one of the leaders in the church and I myself did not realize what church you are talking about. My husband is always out ministering to the community. Whether he is evangilizing in Public schools or communities, helping those who need it, ministering to those in hospitals(at any time!) or serving the body, he is serving these people. Isn’t that what Jesus called us to do? I don’t think you have even attended one of our services or you would know that the pastors and elders are available afterwards up front for prayer. If you came on a Sunday evening, you would find us face down in prayer for our city, country and even you! What I have experienced here is the most important thing-the presence of God.I have attended this church for 19 years and have seen the hand of God moving mightily. We weren’t just handed that ” sprawling property that spans a whole block” but prayed for and saw the Lord give us that property. Jesus came that we may have life and lived a life that we are to exemplify. He had His close disciples, but it was the “Religious leaders” of His time that worried themselves with hierarchy and position. This same Jesus is the one who stated that a prophet is not welcomed in his own town. As for the reference to “our doctrinal differences is what lets us know what is a truly biblical church and what is a cult” , we do not have our own doctrine but follow the Word of God, therefore if you do not agree with the Doctrine of God, then of course you would be a cult- and that is how it should be! Anyone who adds or takes away from the word of God is a cult. Where do we get that viewpoint from? The Bible! In Galatians 1 and also in Revelation 22 we see that. We do, however, believe that many other denominations worship differently but are still our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Baptists, for example, do not believe that the gifts are for today. Does that make them any less of a child of God? Surely not! You should really get your facts straight before you form a public opinion of someone. I hope that next time you evaluate something you actually do your own research and form an opinion based on truth and nothing else!
July 19th, 2005 at 1:39 pm
You are truly mistaken! I will pray for you!
August 24th, 2005 at 3:24 pm
So out of curiousity why is it that there no information about the critic of what makes a perfect and successful church?I”d like to know where you attend church and serve.Throw your resume-name-and what youve done in the ministry?Even throw a picture up!
Annoymous critics are a scourge to the body.You require that others post their info,so why are you hypocritical in regards to your indentity?I dont see Paul or any of the boyz hiding their names.Paul begins his letters by stating who he is-how he was called and to whom he was sent-Flows doesnt it?You dont.You could be a Mormon-JW-or most likely an unfruitful self rigtheous carnal believer causing discord.
At least your a coward!Now,that being said let me share some scriptural principals in the way Gods word is to be handled.Paul is very clear that there are different operations of the gifts of God(Ro 12).Meaning,different ways to do evangelism-different styles of teaching,different and unique traits that God gives to a body.
As an example,in Nehemiah 8 were told they”read from the Law distinctly-they then explained-then it was illustrated.Reading your reviews of some incredibly gifted communicators you fail in your appreciation of the different skins God can wrap his truth in.So,you have fallen prey to the problem the Corinthians had in comparing men with men.”Im of Paul-Im of Appollos-Im of Peter”,,,The arguement presented by Paul to these “Carnal” believers was different men-styles,but were all Gods men.
Thats where you have fallen.You would be a perfect candidate to be one of the legalistic Pharisees that belonged to the Jerusalem church.But perhaps this is news to you.Your cure rest in taking the tie that strangles your small impoverished heart off.
As far as what is a successful church the grid is pretty basic.Acts ch 2,The word was taught(on a level where everyone can understand),they fellowshipped-broke bread(Talked about how good the Lord is)and worshipped him.From there God determines the right Pastor for that congregation and a congregation for that Pastor.
However,the most defining for a successful church is its Love.Of course you remember Jesus saying “by your love for one another they will know you are my disciples”.A church that is loving is the most dominate sign of a great pastor and church.Like begets like!
I feel sorry for your pastor to have someone like you sitting there criticizing and not loving.However,given your attitude and lack of respect for the diversity of the body of Christ I doubt you have a church outside of your own lil clique.So,dont be a coward-prove yourself by showing what youve done and are doing in bringing people to Christ and lets hear of your fruit!
Better yet,contact me directly and lets talk face to face as Peter was cronfronted by Paul over his regression into legalism-step up Peter lets be brotherly-God calls you to repentance!
A concerned brother,,,,,Jeff