Calvary Chapel Surprise: Men's Ministry

Everything we say, publish or do, we try to conform to this list. When we fail, forgive us, but at least know what our goal is. This list is also the core of the book, The Jesus Style.

Knowing this about Jesus opened our eyes to the incredible Grace of the Father, since Jesus said that when you had seen Him you had seen the Father. This initiated a search for the ways the Father had tried to reveal himself, just as Jesus did in the "Greatest in the Kingdom" teachings. What we found sent us into an orbit of joy and became the basis for the second book, The Father Style. We now give you God the Father's description of himself as found in Exodus 34:6:

The Nature of God the Father

1. Compassionate
2. Gracious
3. Slow to Anger
4. Abounding in Mercy
5. Abounding in Faithfulness
6. Maintaining Love to Thousands
7. Forgiving Wickedness, Rebellion and Sin
8. Punishing Only Those Who Hate Him

In order to identify Calvary Chapel as conservative in theology, and evangelical in spirit, we set forth this general statement of fundamental beliefs:

WE BELIEVE that there is ONE LIVING AND TRUE GOD, eternally existing in three persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory; that this triune God created all, upholds all, and governs all.

WE BELIEVE that the SCRIPTURES of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired without error in the original manuscripts, and the infallible rule of faith and practice.

WE BELIEVE in GOD THE FATHER, an infinite, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayer; and that He saves from sin and death all who come to Him through Jesus Christ.

WE BELIEVE in JESUS CHRIST, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings, His substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people and His personal, visible return to earth.

WE BELIEVE in the HOLY SPIRIT, Who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify and empower for ministry all who believe in Christ. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding Helper, Teacher and Guide. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all the Biblical gifts of the Spirit.

WE BELIEVE that all PEOPLE are sinners by nature and choice, and therefore are under condemnation; that God regenerates by the Holy Spirit, those who repent of their sins and confess Jesus Christ as Lord; that Jesus Christ baptizes the seeking believer with the Holy Spirit and power for service, often subsequent to regeneration.

WE BELIEVE in the universal CHURCH, the living spiritual body, of which Christ is the Head and all regenerated persons are members.

WE BELIEVE that the Lord Jesus Christ committed two ORDINANCES to the Church: 1) Baptism, and 2) the Lord's Supper. We believe in baptism by immersion and communion open to all believers.

WE BELIEVE also in the LAYING ON OF HANDS for the baptism of the Holy Spirit, for ordination of pastors, elders, and deacons, and for receiving gifts of the Spirit for healing.

WE BELIEVE in the personal, visible RETURN OF CHRIST to earth and the establishment of His Kingdom, in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment and eternal blessing of the righteous and endless suffering of the wicked.

WE BELIEVE in what is termed "THE APOSTLES' CREED" as embodying fundamental facts of the Christian faith.