Calvary Chapel Pasadena

Ah, yes the Calvary Chapel of Pasadena — what a joy !!!
I was led to the Calvary Chapel by a Billy Graham TBS special. I was so moved by what Billy said — how Billy said it — Billy’s conviction … I knew I had to find more out, as in 2006 I was going through divorce, turmoil, chaos, career indecision and terror. I was afraid. I wasn’t sure I had anything left. I’d run out of petrol, fuel. So after the TBS
special I called the 800 number on the screen, and a loving Christian came on, a woman. Prayed with and for me. Directed me to the closest Billy Graham affiliate she could find (she was based in Tennessee), i.e. the Calvary Chapel in Pasadena. She cited the Pastor, Xavier Ries, who was known through-​out the Christian World as a fierce defender of Christian values, change, the hearts’ role in any demise in which we’ve suffered — she gave «X» five stars — out of a possible four. So the following Sunday I went — and knew from the very first worship song, «How Great Is Our God,» that there was nothing to fear. That I was home. That I would survive the passing trauma and storm, get through the divorce, which was something exceedingly difficult to decide upon. Then a teaching position was taken away (all the state cuts CA suffered through from 06 – 09). My father died. And I was suddenly living alone. Fearing I could find a second partner at that time/​age. Ah, but the Calvary Chapel!
I’m not going to lie and say this was an easy transition for me. The Pastor often upset me with references to psychology, child rearing, do’s and don’ts — he’s someone that speaks his mind and, in X’s own hilarious words, «Gets a lot of letters.» He forever pleads not to send him any, any angry letters — after a terse sermon against things such as Same-​Sex-​Marriage — or our weakening Global partnership with Israel — our greatest ally. So my transition to the Calvary, and to Christianity — came in stages — but I never quit, never gave up — assumed it was me and I merely needed clarification. Knew I needed this and that it worked for me from the first moment I walked in. Isn’t that all we need to know? That something «feels right» from the jump? Stage one and Stage two were a bit ugly — had an argument with the front office, mouthed-​off, voiced disapproval at constant jabs at the world of psychology. But there came a moment in late Act Two when I began to understand, get it. When my hard-​heart finally began to soften all of these years. Because it’s the Heart that must be changed — and if you believe that — if you realize your own Heart’s became callous/​cynical — then there’s Hope. Cuz you can’t Change what you don’t Acknowledge. So I «got» that the problem weren’t the sermons, wasn’t the Divorce, wasn’t the change from 12-​Step-​spirituality into Hardcore Christianity — the problem was a hard heart. Thus Act 3 was opening a Bible, reading and studying scripture, CD’s that our great Assistant Pastors (Tony Scotti, Henry Duran, to name just a few) — following along every Sunday and Thursday AND keeping my big mouth shut — an actual FIRST in my life. And I began to love the staff, the worship team, those around me/​us at either the earliest Sunday service — or the second service at 9:30 a.m. And I began to love the World, love People again, forgive those who’d wronged/​beguiled me while asking for that same Forgiveness from people. It’s been nine years this past Easter I listened to the Billy Graham TBS special — found the Calvary — began attending as much as I could. I didn’t do this perfect. I was on-​again, off-​again for awhile. I sought other churches closer to home — but when in doubt it’s always about the Calvary Chapel in Pasadena — because it SHOULD have been impossible to change-​my-​heart at that point in time. No other Church or Pastor could have had this strong an effect on me. I had to have it drilled between my eyes time and again until there was no doubt, only Conviction. I had to be called onto the carpet when I got out of line. I had to understand there’s only one way — His — per Xavier Ries at this Calvary Chapel — and Raul Ries at the Calvary Chapel in San Bernadino County. Chuck Smith-​trained (You Tube). So if you’re missing something, or you feel there’s something else but don’t exactly know WHAT — come to THIS Calvary Chapel in Pasadena. You’ll never be the same. You’ll leave the-​old-​you behind, shed him/​her, and you’ll grow into just WHO the Lord meant you to be. The Calvary changed my Heart — and for the first time since the age of 16 and 17 — I’m happy. How can you put a price-​tag on something like Joy.

I just visited Calvary Chapel’s Christian Bookstore today, and I must say that I was thoroughly amazed. The bookstore is located on the second floor of the church building. It’s so sad to see so many Christian bookstores go out of business over the years in the SGV such as Lighthouse and New Life so it’s a real treat to find a this place. Calvary Chapel’s bookstore is a hidden gem in the SGV. They have an excellent inventory of Bibles and Christian books that cover all topic you can think of such as devotionals, Bible commentaries, and even a whole shelf covering the End Times (which many true Christians believe that those are the days that we are living in). I was specifically looking for a King James Version Bible. They happened to carry a Giant Print version of the King James Version Bible by Hendrickson Bibles which makes it easy for the eyes. If they don’t have something in stock, you can always request them to order them for you and put it on hold.
Not many Christian churches these days preach from the King James Version Bible anymore. They have jumped ship to the New International Version which was the one that I used to use. But I was told that the NIV and all other modern translations water down the Bible a lot and make a lot of omissions. So if you want the most accurate English translation of the Bible, then get your hands on the King James Version before they go out of print or even get yanked off the shelves. I used to be put off by how hard it is to understand the KJV Bible, but this bookstore also sells a New King James Version Study Bible which you can use as reference and read side-​by-​side.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a church that teaches the hardcore truth of the Bible, Calvary Chapel is the place. Many churches today either sugarcoat or dilute the Word of God just to make themselves sound appealing to outsiders. (I’m not going to name denominations here. You have to compare their teachings to the Bible and see if they match.) Pastor Xavier teaches the truth of the gospel the way it’s supposed to be heard. If you’re not getting the full of Word of God, then you’re not going to grow as a Christian. He has a plethora of knowledge on church history and current events. He backs up everything he says with Bible verses. He doesn’t make things up. He actually does lot of research. He’ll cover many topics that most churches are too afraid to preach out in the open anymore such as the Rapture, tribulation, etc. He really digs into the Scripture. Think of a hardcore Bible study. Now you get the picture.
When you attend this church, bring either the King James Bible or the New King James Bible with you. This church does not use an overhead because Pastor Xavier actually wants you to be actively reading the Bible along with him. Not a bad idea. When there’s a good church in your neighborhood, don’t miss if for the world. His message doesn’t turn people away. I was surprised an how many people attended this church, and it’s because they’re hungry for the Word of God. It’s a true blessing that there are still good churches in the SGV or Pasadena area, and Calvary Chapel is one of them.

Startling message that catches your attention from the get-​go.
Well that’s what you want.
Is some food for thought.
A message that penetrates your heart.
Words of wisdom from the bible.
That enlighten you.
Actually.it’s a down to earth.
Real messages and scripture that’s read to you
Explained to you in detail…
So you have your spiritual breakfast
The people here are very wonderful.
Greeted our family at the door.
Made us feel welcome…
Read your bible daily.
So you can share with others.
So you’re protected from those that attack you.

absolutely a blessing… The pastor really has been called to do what he does… anyone that might complain about, parking, worship being boring, or having no divorce/​alcoholic ministries as someone below did with the scaling is not looking at the bigger picture sadly!!! worship… parking and no building will get no one anyone into heaven… in all things. one must keep their focus on what they are there for! i been to tons of churches with awesome worship teams and wasnt spiritually growing, I have now come to understand that there is no perfect church… all are imperfect because US humans are imperfect, but what i wont compromise is the teaching and word of GOD… and pastor X does that extremely well… WOW! i cannot say how every service I attend I seem to walk out more deeply in love with our Lord… I thank God everyday for Pastor X, a pastor like him are few these day.

I’ve been here over 20 years. This is my church home. These people are my extended family. The teaching is scholarly and the staff is genuine. This is a place to get solid biblical teaching. No fluff, no feel good soft peddled, watered down seeker friendly pap, just the Word clearly presented. This place is the place to go if you are seeking the unadulterated Word of God.

i love this church. they have many ministries you can join. pastor xavier ries is a very smart man. he knows his stuff! he’s a pastor that speaks the truth which is exactly what needs to be said. the church is very bible based, but thats what being a christian is all about. living our lives according to the doctrine of the bible. the childcare here is awesome. our 6yr old loves it and our baby actually stays with them! so overall, good church!

If you are looking for a Bible based church look no further. While no church is perfect, (since it is run by sinners/​you and I), this fellowship looks to teach the truth, not compromise and equip the saints in this crazy day to day life. Pastor X is real as is the whole Calvary staff. He holds no punches, doesn’t care about being PC, yet cares about you, your family, kids, and every lost soul. Check their teachings out on their website. They have Medical Mission trips to Mexico and Nicaragua and to the local community. If you’re looking for a feel good, luke warm, seeker friendly church, don’t look here, but if you’re looking for the truth, for the real Jesus, run don’t walk, and get involved in this church.

I will rate everything on a scale of 1 – 10 with a brief explanation.
Services are 7:30, 9:30 and 12, 6pm on Sunday and 7:30 on Thursday, they also have weakly bible studies.
Word of God/​teaching: 8. Its almost nearly perfect, the pastor teaches the Word very well. He doesn’t water anything down, doesn’t get PC, and always stays within context. He doesn’t get a 10 because he sometimes can be dry and boring but that only happens sometimes. He teaches through a book at a time so if you go regularly you will learn both old and new testament and get through the whole bible every 5 – 7 years or so with a good understanding of the books. Every so often he gives special messages or there is a special speaker.
Worship: 5. Worship here is very boring. The worship teams sing contemporary songs but usually slow songs. there is not a lot of life or spirit in the sanctuary while worship is going on. If you don’t like exciting worship, raising your hands, standing or clapping this could be a good thing, but not for younger crowd.
Fellowship:5 The people are very cliquish. If you are new or unfamiliar you are ignored. The only way to really build relationships is to join a ministry where you will see the same people regularly.
Child Care/​youth: child care is a 9. Child care is exceptional! they separate by age/​grade from infant to 6^th grade. Infants up to 1 year stay in a nice size room with plenty of adults, toys, swings, bouncers and padding. there is a separate section for nursing moms. toddlers up to 3 have a room and 4 – 5 year olds have a room with lots of toys and adults and helpers engage the children a short bible study, a activity and a snack. school age children are separated by grade and have a bible study and activity. Each level has a time of worship. and every child is given a number and if a parent is needed the number is displayed in the sanctuary or overflow area where the adults are. The only reason I don’t give a 10 is because only 2 Sunday services have child care. the 1^st (7:30 am) service does not.
Youth: 5. jr. high and highschool. Very selective pastor. If he doesn’t like you — you are ostracized and made to feel not welcome (I say this because of our own child’s personal experience) otherwise they have worship that is more modern and taught the bible with a simpler approach. My child did enjoy being part of this ministry until the new pastor came. There are many opportunities to serve.
Building: 7. Parking is challenging, but the location is easy to find. it is very clean and a mid sized church with a very nice bookstore (that alone deserves a 10) if they don’t have what you want they will order it. but they already have plenty of great resources.
Ministry: 8. There are a lot of ministries to get involved in. They are missing a ministry for recovering alcoholics/​drug addicts and divorced people.
Of course my list is not exhaustive but, in my opinion, important areas of a church. overall I give this church a 8 based on going there for 8 years. I’m looking for a new one now because I would like something more teen friendly and better worship.