We could clap or not clap. There was an openness of spirit and an enthusiastic worshipfulness that had been so entirely lacking from our fundamentalist church. There was a lot of great, expositional Bible teaching and awesome children's ministries.
For the most part it was a positive experience. But after about two years at CCCM, we began to notice some unsettling trends in the church which were uncomfortably familiar:. I'll always hold a debt of gratitude in my heart toward CCCM and the healing role it played in my life.
I'm also grateful that when it was time for us to move on, no-one harassed us, called us or tried to get us to stay. For that gracious freedom alone, I will remain forever grateful. Elizabeth Esther. But after about two years at CCCM, we began to notice some unsettling trends in the church which were uncomfortably familiar: This was "Chuck's church. We began to realize CCCM really was a non-denominational denomination, headed by a central personality.
Even people we met outside the church referred to it as "Chuck's church. So, whether or not CCCM ever admitted it, for all practical purposes, it was the denomination of Chuck. No children allowed. Although we sincerely appreciated the children's Sunday School ministry, occasionally we preferred taking our children into church with us. But every time we attempted to bring our children with us--we were stopped at the door and asked if our children would "disrupt" the service.
Our children were accustomed to 3 hour Sunday meetings. The high school was designed to provide students with a challenging and comprehensive college preparatory program developing competence in Bible, English, mathematics, science, fine arts, foreign language, history and physical education. In doing so, the schools held alumni events and students were able to see the legacy that Calvary Chapel Schools has left on their lives. CCS has a rich history as a major ministry of CCCM and is honored to continue to be life-long learners who continue to grow not only in faith but in their careers.
We LEAD by being ready, prepared, and willing to do what needs to be done first. Matthew Calvary Chapel has an extensive Helps ministry that is always engaged with the community. As you can see in the picture above, these were delicious boxes of food being distributed. However, they are not doing this alone; there are actually multiple partnerships working together to serve the community.
This includes other ministries like Power of One, which is pictured below. Their partnerships also include a fire department who was there on that day for a toy collection effort, pictured below. I also found it interesting that they partner with secular organizations who are engaged in the area as well. As they did so they always asked permission for the opportunity to engage people in prayer.
Lance Emma, pictured below with his wife Angie, are engaged in an effort in their community related to prayer. Calvary Chapel is an example of a church leading the way.
The church follows the protocols of the state, determining to work with officials rather than to spend energy battling them. Their Helps ministry is making a real difference in their community. The mission continues come politics or pandemics.
It may look different in times like ours currently, but we can learn vital ways to serve our communities that will continue once the pandemic—like the hippie movement of the s—becomes a part of history.
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