In 1965, Pastor Chuck Smith began his ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa with just 25 people. From the beginning, Pastor Chuck welcomed all, young and old, without judgment, placing his emphasis on the teaching of the Word of God. His simple, yet sound, biblical approach drew 25,000 people weekly.

With a sincere concern for the lost, Pastor Chuck made room in his heart and his home for a generation of hippies and surfers, generating a movement of the Holy Spirit that spread from the West Coast to the East Coast, and now, throughout the world. What began as a small local church has now grown into an international ministry of over 1,800 fellowships throughout the world.

For a more in-depth look at the history of Calvary Chapel, we recommend reading The Reproducers. You can download a free digital copy as a PDF.

During that same period, Pastor Chuck and the church were instrumental in bringing 20,000 conversions to the Christian faith. Chuck Smith has come to be known as a leading figure in what is today called “The Jesus Movement.” Thousands of miles away from Costa Mesa, Calvary Chapel of Philadelphia (CCPhilly) was founded in November 1981. Pastor Joe Focht started a Bible study with 20 people. God has abundantly blessed the teaching of His Word as this Bible study group multiplied into hundreds, and then into thousands.

It was out of CCPhilly that our Pastor, Dave Cummings, was called to start a Bible study in Quakertown. After serving on staff at CCPhilly for over ten years, he was led to start Calvary Chapel of Quakertown.