Calvary Presbyterian Church (Wilmington, CA) reaches out to people in the community and beyond, so that they may grow in the understanding of the grace of God.
We want the world to know that God creates life, frees those in bondage, forgives sin, makes all things new and is still at work in the world. We teach, share, and proclaim God’s Word and celebrate the Sacraments so that people may know Jesus as the Christ, the only Savior and Lord, the Son of the Living God and that believing in Him they will have life in His name.
Make disciples of Jesus Christ.
We believe that making disciples (Matthew 28: 19- 20) involves the teaching of God’s Word; following and doing God’s commands; and providing opportunities for followers of Jesus to be themselves disciple-makers.
Worship God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit.
We believe that worship is the highest and primary occupation of the Christian. We will provide avenues for corporate worship (worship services), as well as in individual, family worship and devotions. (Psalm 100)
Equip the saints.
We believe that in order for the body of Christ to be built up and do ministry, it is important for the church to be equipped for every good work and for maturity in Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 4: 12- 14)
Serve others. Provide for the needy.
We believe that through love we must serve one another (Galatians 5: 13). As the church receives God’s gifts, we must use them all to serve each other as good stewards of God. With service to others, come our commitment to share with the needy, love those who are in the margins and outsiders, give shelter and care to those who are most vulnerable to injustice and violence.
Bring hope to the hurting.
We believe that the gospel of Jesus Christ offers that true hope and real power to this hurting world. Jesus Christ is Good News, liberating news that nothing and no one can ever separate us from the love of God through Jesus Christ. (Romans 8: 37-39)
Teach the Holy Scriptures.
We believe the Bible is the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. We are committed to provide instruction for the church with it and share this with the world as it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3: 16)
Support wholesome values. Prepare children for life. Cherish our elderly.
We believe that families should embody the values of love, respect, forgiveness; striving to be models of God’s plan for humanity. We are committed to preparing parents, children, men and women, young and old in their journey through life. We especially commit to cherishing our elderly, giving respect and honor to them. (Ephesians 6: 2)
We believe the church to be the bride of Christ and the great prize of redemption’s plan. We are first, foremost and forever – the redeemed. Marriage and family are both illustrations of a more glorious relationship that ransomed sinners enjoy with Holy God by grace. Our church will seek to support all believers in their God-given roles within the family. Because God has commissioned parents with the responsibility of discipleship and discipline of their children, our youth and children’s ministries will emphasize parental participation. CPC is committed to marriage as only between one man and one woman. This we believe is the plan of God in the beginning and is Biblically prescribed to be the model of life together, building up to the family of God.
More of What We Believe:
The glory of God – We believe God’s glory to be His greatest purpose, the theme of the Scriptures and the foundation of our theology, worldview and practical living. We agree with the great confessions which declare that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
The supremacy of Christ – We exalt Jesus as the central character of the Biblical story, as the One who lived, died and rose again to reconcile sinners to a holy God, as the standard of our sanctification, and as the forever-King on the throne.
The Five Solas of the Reformed Faith
Sola Scriptura (“Scripture alone”): The Bible alone is our highest authority.
Sola Fide (“faith alone”): We are saved through faith alone in Jesus Christ.
Sola Gratia (“grace alone”): We are saved by the grace of God alone.
Solus Christus (“Christ alone”): Jesus Christ alone is our Lord, Savior, and King.
Soli Deo Gloria (“to the glory of God alone”): We live for the glory of God alone.
The responsibility of church membership – The church is a body made of many parts which must contribute to the effective working of the whole, making membership a weighty responsibility. At CPC, we seek to fulfill the numerous New Testament commands that unfold the nature of believers’ relationships to one another. Attending CPC is a commitment to contribute to the building up of the body of Christ – both in spiritual maturity and in the physical work of the church.
The leadership of pastors and elders – The church is to be led by pastors (teaching elders) and elders (ruling elders) by teaching and shepherding the congregation. Leaders bear a burden of giving account to God, while the congregation bears the burden of recognizing and submitting to the biblical authority of the pastors/elders.
The service of deacons – The word “deacon” means servant, reminding us that the church is to be served by deacons. While all Christians are called to serve one another, the role of deacon is a key serving role filled by qualified men and women according to 1 Timothy 3: 8- 13. To be a deacon is to humbly accept the lofty privilege of lowly service.