Calvary Chapel is a non-denominational evangelical Christian church that began with 25 people in Costa Mesa, California in 1965 by Pastor Chuck Smith.

Calvary Chapel's pastor, Chuck Smith became a leading figure in what has become known as the "Jesus Movement" of the 1960s. As he reached out to the youth of the counter-culture - the hippies, drug users, and those rebelling against cold traditions, many accepted the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thousands gave their lives to Christ.

From the first Calvary Chapel many men were raised up who went out to plant new Calvary Chapel churches. These in turn also raised up new pastors and church planters so that today there are over one thousand Calvary Chapels around the United States and the world.