Is Calvary Chapel a sound, biblical church?

There are denominational Baptists and non-denominational Baptists (and some in-between).

Baptists generally have a core set of beliefs that distinguish them:

• B - Bible as the sole authority for faith and practice
• A - Autonomy of the local church
• P - Priesthood of all believers
• T - Two ordinances (baptism and communion)
• I - Individual soul liberty
• S - Separation of church and state
• T - Two offices of the church (pastor and deacon)

Calvary Chapel is Baptistic, following a general Baptist church polity.
There was a Calvary Chapel near me prior to my retirement. It was very popular. A great preacher.
They tolerated a charismatic undertone that was present in that congregation and may not be present in others.

I used to say that it was a place where Christians went to get lost. (There was little in the way of Christian accountability).

Rob

 

Paul Smith of Calvary Chapel, the brother of Calvary Chapel's Chuck Smith, has written an interesting book, New Evangelicalism: The New World Order (Calvary Chapel Publishing, 2011). It reads like an updated version of some book by a Baptist Fundamentalist in the 1950s--a real good read. He takes a great stand against liberalism at Fuller Seminary, the compromise of New Evangelicalism (ask if you don't know what this is), the progressive church movement, etc.

As for the movement itself, I understand that it is not a denomination per se, but independent churches. So, each Calvary Chapel should be examined on its own for its stand on the Word of God, and how close it is to the Baptist Distinctives (ably listed by Deacon).

As for the Charismatic undertone mentioned by Deacon, it is my understanding that they don't allow tongues in the services, but members can speak in tongues at home.

 

Wrong!

The ridiculous babbling is engaged in at their distinct "afterglow" services:

The Afterglow [Calvary Basics Series] Henry Gainey (Author), Chuck Smith (Editor) "Jesus said we would receive His power when the Holy Spirit came upon us. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are the manifestation of His power....In this book, Pastor Henry Gainey gives instruction in conducting an afterglow service and understanding the proper use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the church."

 

Thanks for the correction.