In 1965, Pastor Chuck Smith began his ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in Southern California. Only twenty-five people attended. What began as a small chapel has now grown into a church that seats over 2000 and is filled almost nightly. 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 draws 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, bringing thousands of young people to Jesus Christ.

Each Calvary Chapel is autonomous; that is, there is no denominational hierarchy. Each fellowship is free to pursue that call which the Father has placed on it as the Spirit leads, so long as that fellowship remains within the parameters of what a Calvary Chapel is.