Smith: Robb Moser
Genesis to Revelation Bible Blogs
Chuck Smith (1927–2013) was the influential American pastor who founded the Calvary Chapel movement. Beginning in 1965 with a struggling congregation of 25 people in Costa Mesa, California his ministry grew into a global network of over 1,700 independent fellowships. He is widely regarded as a father of the Jesus People Movement, a revival that reached the counter-culture youth of the 1960s and 70s.
Core Ministry & Legacy
The Jesus Revolution: Smith and his wife, Kay, famously welcomed “hippies” and surfers into their church without judgment, even when it caused internal controversy. This era is depicted in the 2023 film Jesus Revolution.
Verse-by-Verse Teaching: A hallmark of his ministry was systematic, “expositional” preaching—teaching through the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Contemporary Worship: He helped birth the modern worship movement by incorporating rock music into services. In 1971, he co-founded Maranatha! Music, one of the first contemporary Christian record companies.
The Word for Today: His teachings were popularized globally through this national radio program and podcast.