Our Story

How it all started...

In 1965, Pastor Chuck Smith began his ministry at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa with just 25 people. 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 drew 25,000 people weekly.

It has been estimated that over 8,000 baptisms were performed in a two year period at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in the mid 70’s. During that same period, Pastor Chuck Smith and his church were instrumental in bringing 20,000 conversions to the Christian faith. Chuck Smith has come to be known as a leading figure in what is today called “The Jesus Movement" as featured in the movie "Jesus Revolution."

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, and now, throughout the world. What began as a small local church has now grown into an international ministry of over 1,800 fellowships throughout the world. http://calvarycca.org/history/

In February 2020, in Warsaw/Winona Lake, IN, the Holy Spirit continued to stir hearts to continue this teaching ministry and Calvary Chapel Lake City was born. Pastor Marc Transparenti started this fellowship with just three families and a desire to be obedient to the Lord's leading to begin this new work. The people of this fellowship are excited to be part of God's story and continuing the legacy of one of the last great revivals in the United States.

Expanding the vision...

We walk day-by-day being led by the Holy Spirit and await His vision for His church. He led us to Warsaw / Winona Lake and we trust that He will open doors and close doors to guide us in His will.

We know we are called to be a Bible teaching church and to impact our community by sharing the love and truth of Jesus Christ. We encourage our people to be led by the Spirit with our expansion of new ministry opportunities. We discourage striving in the flesh and serving in any area where you are not being filled and where it is not a joy to serve.  


Where we are headed...

We rest knowing we did not found this church upon demographic studies and man's wisdom, but were led to Warsaw / Winona Lake by the Holy Spirit. Thus, we are headed where He wants to go.

We appreciate the simplicity and genuine relationships we read about in the early church, and their dependence on God to build the church. We aim to rest in our love for God and one another as they did.

Acts 2:46-47 "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved."

Be a part of our story...

Join us every Sunday as we gather to worship together at 10 am.