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Beliefs
At Calvary, our focus is on the Word of God.
Our mission at Calvary Church is to be and make authentic followers of Jesus Christ through a balanced ministry of worshiping God, preaching and teaching the Word, edifying one another, caring for the needs of others, and evangelizing the world.
Our theme Scripture verse is: "For the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 1:9 KJV)
For more information about our foundational beliefs, we invite you to read the following statements.
For information about our governance, please see below.
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We believe the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments to be verbally inspired by God, inerrant in the original text, and the supreme and final authority in faith and life.
1 Corinthians 2:13, 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21
We believe in one God who is Creator of heaven and earth; who is Spirit, light, love, and truth; eternal, almighty, infallible and unchangeable, infinitely wise, just, and holy; and that God eternally exists in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 12:29; John 1:1,14, 10:30; Acts 5:3-4; 2 Corinthians 13:14
We believe in Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, the eternal Word manifested in flesh. We believe that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and that He is true God and true man.
Isaiah 7:14, 9:6; John 1:1,2,14,18; 3:16; Luke 1:30-35; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 2:9
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, as a representative and substitutionary sacrifice, and that all who believe in Him are justified on the ground of His shed blood.
John 1:29; Romans 3:25-26; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Hebrews 10:5-19; 1 Peter 2:24; 3:18, 1 John 1:7
We believe that our Lord arose from the dead, according to the Scriptures, and in the same physical body, though glorified, in which He had lived and died, and that His resurrection body is the pattern of that body which, at the return of Christ, will be given to all resurrected believers.
Luke 24:36-43; John 20:20; Acts 2:32; 1 Corinthians 15:23,42-45; Philippians 3:20-21
We believe that our Lord bodily ascended to heaven, was seated at His Father's right hand, assuring us of the perfection of His work of redemption, and that He now as Head over all things to the Church is engaged on behalf of the saved as intercessor and advocate.
Hebrews 1:3,13; Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1
We believe in our Lord's personal, imminent and premillennial return for His redeemed ones followed by His coming in glory to judge the rebellious and to establish His millennial reign on earth.
John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:51,52; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 4:13-18; Titus 2:11-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-10; Matthew 24:29-31; Zechariah 14:4-11; Revelation 20:1-10
We believe that man was originally created in the image and after the likeness of God, and that he fell through sin; and, as a consequence of his sin, lost his spiritual life, becoming dead in trespasses and sins, and that he became subject to the power of the devil. We also believe that this spiritual death, or total depravity of human nature, has been transmitted to the entire human race of man, the Man Christ Jesus alone being excepted; and hence that every child of Adam is born into the world with a nature which not only possesses no spark of divine life, but is essentially corrupt in body, mind and soul.
Genesis 1:26; 2:17; 6:5; Psalm 14:1-3; 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; John 3:6; 5:40; 6:53; Romans 3:10-19; 8:6,7; Ephesians 2:1-3; 1 Timothy 5:6; 1 John 3:8
We believe that all who receive by faith alone, Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and who confess Him as such before their fellow men, are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become children of God.
John 1:12,13; 3:3-8,16; 5:24; Romans 10:9-10; 8:16; Acts 16:31
We believe that the Holy Spirit, being the third person of the God-head, convicts men of sin, regenerates, indwells, baptizes, seals and sets believers apart to a holy life; that He keeps and empowers believers day by day. We believe that He is the teacher of the Word of God and our guide for daily life.
John 16:7-11; 3:6; 14:17; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 12:13; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 1 John 2:20-27; 1 Peter 1:1; Romans 8:2,4,9,12,14
We believe in the eternal security and everlasting blessedness of the saved, and the eternal conscious punishment of the lost.
John 5:24; 10:28,29; 13:1; 17:11; 14:16; Romans 8:28-39; Hebrews 7:25; 1 Peter 1:5; Jude 24; Matthew 25:41; Mark 9:42-48; Revelation 20:11-15
We believe that Christ instituted the only two ordinances of water baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and commanded them to be observed by believers until He returns. We believe that by water baptism a believer is publicly identified with his Savior, and that baptism is to be administered by immersion to believers in Jesus Christ (exceptions due to physical or mental constraints may be granted as determined by the Session). We believe that infants of believing parents may be dedicated to the Lord but not baptized. We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a memorial of Christ’s death, the elements being symbols of His body and blood.
Matthew 26:26–29; Matthew 28:19–20; Luke 22:19–20; Acts 2:41–42; Acts 8:36–39; Romans 6:3–5; 1 Corinthians 11:23–34
We believe that the Church of Jesus Christ is composed solely of those who have been redeemed and washed in His blood, regenerated and sealed by the Holy Spirit, and that they are saved to worship and to serve; that it is the responsibility and privilege of all who are saved to seek to win others to Christ, to the "uttermost part of the earth"; that they should seek to live a holy life, to separate themselves from and forsake all that might dishonor God, cast discredit on His cause, or weaken their testimony.
Matthew 16:16-18; Revelation 1:5; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 1:13,14; Titus 3:7,14; Luke 24:47; Titus 2:12
We believe there is a personal devil, a being of great cunning and power who is "the prince of the power of the air," "the prince of this world," "the god of this age." We believe that he can exert vast power but only so far as God suffers him to do so; that he shall ultimately be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone and shall be tormented day and night forever.
Job 1:6,7; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Isaiah 14:12-17; Matthew 4:1-11; Ephesians 2:2; John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:10
We believe that from the beginning of creation God wonderfully and immutably creates each person as male or female; they are equal but different. These two distinct, complementary sexes together reflect the image and nature of God. Rejection of one’s biological sex is a rejection of the image of God within that person. Holy Scripture makes it clear that the divine design for marriage is one man and one woman in an exclusive and permanent relationship and that homosexuality is sinful and unnatural. That is, we believe that marriage between a man and a woman is the only legitimate and accepted sexual relationship ordained by God.
Genesis 1:27–28; Genesis 2:18–25; Exodus 20:14; Matthew 19:3–12; Romans 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 6:9–20; Ephesians 5:22–33; Hebrews 13:4
We believe that each person is created in the image of God. We also believe that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Furthermore, we believe that love, compassion, respect, and dignity must be extended to every person, including those who are involved in sexual sin. We repudiate all hateful conduct and attitudes toward anyone, but we believe that the faithful communication of Holy Scripture, including the call to repentance, does not constitute hate speech. We believe that God offers redemption and forgiveness to all who confess their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 103:11–12; Isaiah 55:6–9; Mark 1:15; John 3:16; John 5:24; Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 John 1:5–10+ 
Philosophy of Worship
Calvary is committed to having inspiring worship as we celebrate who God is and what He has done. We do this by expressing our love and devotion to God in spirit and truth through our praise and through the proclamation of the Word of God. We must focus on God in our worship rather than the satisfaction of our own personal needs. Biblical worship is dynamic — not passive. Therefore, meaningful and understandable congregational participation in worship is essential.
Believing that worship is our highest priority, and that Calvary Church is a local expression of the family of God — we strongly encourage people of all ages (children, teens, singles, families, adults, and seniors) and of all backgrounds to worship together as the people of God — so that God-centrality in the life of our church is demonstrated.
Also believing that the people of God should be united, we will seek to have corporate worship with a blend of musical styles and a blend of traditional and contemporary music. We believe that for the Christian, all of life is to be lived as an act of worship to God — and corporate worship should be a great encouragement to a life of worship and holy living. In all cases, the worship and music must glorify God and exalt Jesus Christ, and never be mere entertainment or emotionalism. We are prayerfully committed to striving for authentic biblical worship so that our corporate worship is not supplanted by the entertainment culture where the emphasis is one of performance and taste, rather than God-centeredness.
Psalm 115:1, 145–150; Isaiah 6:1–9; John 4:23-24; 1 Corinthians 1:10–17; 1 Corinthians 14:14, 24–25; Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:15–17; Hebrews 13:15
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Philosophy of Ministry
Calvary Church is an evangelical church committed to the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. It was founded in 1939 upon the belief in and commitment to the preeminence of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and only Savior from sin and spiritual death, and on the belief in the inerrancy of the Bible in its original text. Therefore, the foundation of our beliefs is our position that the Bible is our authority and ultimate source of truth. Additionally, we are guided by the Articles of Faith contained in our church’s constitution.
The Purpose of Calvary Church is to glorify God in the salvation of souls; the edification of Christians through the teaching of God’s Word; the world-wide proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ; the promotion of godly worship; the defense of “The Faith Once Delivered;” and cooperation with Christian activity functioning in harmony with God’s Holy Word, the Bible, until He comes.
The Mission of Calvary Church is to develop authentic followers of Jesus Christ through a balanced ministry of worshiping God, preaching and teaching the Word, edifying the saints, caring for the needs of others, and evangelizing the world.
Calvary will continue to emphasize strong biblically-based preaching and teaching that is well grounded in the truths of the Bible and in agreement with the Articles of Faith in each of its corporate worship services, Adult Life Groups, classes, and small group meetings. We believe that the Bible is inspired by God and is the divinely authoritative Word of God. Scripture alone is the inerrant rule of the life of Calvary Church and is our only authority. The Bible is both timeless and timely, relevant to the needs of all people at all times, and to the specific problems of contemporary living. We believe, therefore, that the Bible must be taught and preached in the church.
Sermons must be expositions of the Bible and its teachings, not expressions of the preacher’s or teacher’s opinions or the ideas of the age. Similarly in all facets of our ministry (including classes and programs for children, teens, and singles) and for all small groups, the Bible’s eternal truths must be taught and applied. We are committed to preaching “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” to the lost and equipping believers through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word to know the Triune God and to follow Christ in every sphere of life. God’s Word, rather than spiritual experience, is the test of truth. Psalm 19:7–14; John 17:17; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 1:18–2:16; Ephesians 4:11–16; 2 Timothy 2:14–19; 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 4:12
Calvary is committed to having inspiring worship as we celebrate who God is and what He has done. We do this by expressing our love and devotion to God in spirit and truth through our praise and through the proclamation of the Word of God. We must focus on God in our worship rather than the satisfaction of our own personal needs. Biblical worship is dynamic — not passive. Therefore, meaningful and understandable congregational participation in worship is essential. Believing that worship is our highest priority, and that Calvary Church is a local expression of the family of God — we strongly encourage people of all ages (children, teens, singles, families, adults, and seniors) and of all backgrounds to worship together as the people of God — so that God-centrality in the life of our church is demonstrated.
Also believing that the people of God should be united, we will seek to have corporate worship with a blend of musical styles and a blend of traditional and contemporary music. We believe that for the Christian, all of life is to be lived as an act of worship to God — and corporate worship should be a great encouragement to a life of worship and holy living. In all cases, the worship and music must glorify God and exalt Jesus Christ, and never be mere entertainment or emotionalism. We are prayerfully committed to striving for authentic biblical worship, so that our corporate worship is not supplanted by the entertainment culture where the emphasis is one of performance and taste, rather than God-centeredness. Psalm 115:1; Psalm 145–150; Isaiah 6:1–9; John 4:23–24; 1 Corinthians 1:10–17; 1 Corinthians 14:14, 24–25; Romans 12:1–2; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:15–17; Hebrews 13:15
Calvary will seek to build communities of faith within its membership through enabling relational ministry in small group settings for the purposes of Bible study, discipleship, support, encouragement, exhortation, accountability, and fellowship.
Calvary will continue to give its people and financial resources to evangelizing the lost within our community, region, and around the world. We will seek to accomplish this through prayer, training, and intentional development of programs, services, and events. We will also support such work by other Christ-centered churches and ministries throughout the world. We believe that God desires us to reach as many people as possible with the Gospel of the grace of God. Therefore, we seek to take seriously the great commission to evangelize and disciple the lost world at home as well as overseas.
We believe that an important part of evangelism is discipleship of believers, their baptism, their responsible membership in a local body of believers, and their being equipped for worship and service. We will pursue various methods and outreach to the “unchurched,” which will facilitate this biblical commitment to evangelism and discipleship without compromising in any way our commitment to biblical truth and our integrity. We will seek to be and make disciples who not only proclaim the Lord Jesus Christ but also who display Him. It is the Lord who saves and causes growth. Our salvation is of God, has been accomplished by God, and is for God’s glory. We affirm that we must glorify Him always, and so self-improvement, self-esteem or self-fulfillment must never be allowed to become alternatives to the Gospel of God’s grace.
What we seek to do in Charlotte and surrounding areas, we also seek to do throughout this continent as well as overseas. Calvary Church is committed to being a church with a “global vision” seeking to identify, send, pray for, help, encourage, train, support, and generally minister to those who are called by God for either short-term or long-term missions. We also seek to educate everyone (including children and teens) at Calvary Church in this vital ministry of missions. Psalm 127:1; Matthew 28:18–20; John 1:12–13; 3:8; Acts 1:8; 2:47; 1 Corinthians 3:1–2; 3:6–7; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9
We believe that God desires His people to pray, and that He hears and answers prayer. Therefore, we ought to pray with and for one another, sharing our burdens, sorrows, and joys. Furthermore, we believe that the ministries and activities of Calvary Church will be characterized by our reliance on prayer in their conception, planning, and execution. Matthew 6:8–15; Matthew 7:7–11; Luke 18:1; John 15:5; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 6:18–20; James 5:13–18
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The Ultimate Question
Who do you believe Jesus Christ is?Who do you believe Jesus Christ is? Your response to this question determines not only your life now but your eternal destiny. Consider what the Bible says about Jesus.
JESUS IS GOD
While Jesus was on earth there was confusion about who He was. Some people thought He was a wise man or a great teacher. Others thought He was crazy. But Jesus claimed to be God in human flesh."I and the Father are one" (John 10:30).
JESUS IS HOLY
Jesus is perfectly holy and sinless (Hebrews 4:15). On the other hand, every one of us is guilty of wrongdoing at one level or another in our thoughts and deeds. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).God’s holiness and justice demand that sin can’t be ignored. "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).
JESUS IS THE SAVIOR
God’s justice demands death for sin, but His love has provided a Savior who paid the penalty for our sin: Christ’s death on the cross satisfied the demands for God’s justice, therefore enabling God to forgive and rescue those who place their faith in Him."For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Without Jesus, we are all lost. Without Jesus, we’re without purpose, without hope, without joy, and without peace. Without Jesus, we’re simply surviving in a dark and chaotic world without a firm foundation or a place of safety.Jesus says, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).
WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSE?
Who do you believe Jesus Christ is? That is the ultimate question! His endless love compelled Him to die for your sins. His resurrection conquered death! Jesus is the only One who can save you and transform your life. Turn from your sins and place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior."Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved" (Romans 10:9–10).
HAVE QUESTIONS? WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Call us at 704.543.1200 and ask to speak to a pastor. Or fill out this contact form and let us know that you'd like us to reach out to you. At Calvary, there’s nothing we’d rather do than tell you more about Jesus.