PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY

Calvary Chapel is a tremendous example of how God honors His Word. Calvary Chapel Lake Norman is a fellowship, planted in the Lake Norman area, to bring glory and honor to Jesus’ name. Highlighted below are fifteen key biblical truths that serve to guide our fellowship and ministry here.

“THE MINISTRY BELONGS TO THE LORD”

“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, Says the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6  

We desire to be led by His Spirit and of His Spirit (Galatians 3:3). We want to stay clear of worldly programs and techniques in regard to the ministry.

 “PRAYER IS THE BACKBONE OF THE MINISTRY”

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

The key to any spiritual success in the ministry is much prayer. It has been said that the Church moves forward on it’s knees. We pray a lot at Calvary Chapel.

“WORSHIP IS VITAL”

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24

Spirit-led worship is vital at Calvary Chapel. Our worship is not just a time filler or a warm-up for the message. Our worship is a time set aside for the body of Christ to adore Him in all of His majesty.

“EMPHASIZE WHAT GOD HAS DONE FOR US NOT WHAT WE SHOULD DO FOR GOD”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

We seek to continually teach of the blessings of God, of all that He has done for us. We want to direct you past man to Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:7); “not looking to, or dependent upon man but upon God alone.”

“WHERE AND WHEN GOD GUIDES, HE PROVIDES”

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

We do not beg or present high-pressure sales techniques to raise money. We believe God will supply all of our financial needs and seek to be good stewards of His resources (Romans 12:11).

“WE SHOULD BE THE SERVANT OF ALL”

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark. 10:45

Consistent servanthood was Jesus’ style of ministry, and so it must be ours. (John 13:3-5)

If we see something that needs to be done, we can simply chip in and do it. Jesus’ example was to be a servant of all.

“WE MUST BE SUBMISSIVE AND UNCONDITIONALLY LOYAL TO GOD”

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

As we submit to our loving Heavenly Father, we seek to support those whom the Lord has put in authority. We desire to quickly resolve any problems that may arise so that we continue in unity, serving the Lord.

“GOD WANTS INSPIRATION NOT PERSPIRATION”

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient….” 2 Timothy 2:24  

God has a timing for His ministry and we desire to yield to His timing. We do not want to strive, trying to knock through a door God has already closed. We always try to take steps of faith that are inspired by God.

“BLESSED ARE THE FLEXIBLE FOR THEY SHALL NOT BE BROKEN”

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

We seek to stay open and flexible to the things God desires to accomplish through us. Each Calvary Chapel is an independent vessel of the Lord, free to biblically minister to each specific area of need.

“SEEK TO BE A BLESSING AND YOU’LL BE BLESSED”

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:12-13

Each member of God’s family has special ministry gifts. We need to continually serve God with them, giving and ministering to others.

“WE ARE A MINISTRY TO EVERYBODY”

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

We desire to minister to everyone across the board; to everyone coming through the doors. As a fellowship, we are not a museum for saints but a hospital for the hurting. We want people to learn in a relaxed, comfortable, and informal, yet respectable atmosphere.

“FEED THE FLOCK CONSISTENTLY VERSE BY VERSE, CHAPTER BY CHAPTER”

“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” Acts 20:27

We desire to be a place where the Lord’s sheep love to feed on the Word of God. God’s Word is powerful, so we teach it line upon line, verse-by-verse, chapter-by-chapter, book-by-book, and precept upon precept. We desire to know God through teaching His full counsel, the entire Bible.

“WE ARE THEOLOGICALLY BALANCED”

“…that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.” Ephesians 4:14

We desire to avoid doctrinal extremes. We’re not just another church but a balanced body of believers, seeking to be doctrinally sound, shying away from the present day extremes.

“HEALTHY SHEEP BEGET HEALTHY SHEEP”

“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Acts 20:28

God honors His Word and brings increase from the seeds that are planted by His children.

“WHEN CONFRONTED WITH SOMETHING WE DON’T UNDERSTAND, ALWAYS FALL BACK ON THAT WHICH WE DO UNDERSTAND”

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” Psalm 34:8  

We ought to always fall back on these foundational truths: (1) The Lord is Good, (2) God is Love, (3) Jesus is Lord, and (4) The Lord is ever present and will always be with you. As we hold fast to these truths, we’ll find that the Lord will get us through anything.

Calvary Chapel Lake Norman desires to be a ministry to the people, for the people, and by the people, all to the glory of God alone. We are excited that you are here and welcome you to make this your home church. Get plugged in and enjoy the movement of God in your life. You are truly loved!