At last I found a good one. They subscribe to John MacArthur's doctrinal statement, and take doctrine seriously. Since I also subscribe to that statement (no guffaws from the preterists please. :-) ), it works nicely.
MacArthur's study bible is featured prominently on their website and they are affiliated with MacArthur in some way, but it is not an accountability structure that I am aware of.
In their words "we are a verse-by-verse bible teaching church". I have been there three times, he is preaching through Matthew, and each sermon is a "home-run", cause he preaches the word of God straight up.
He has already mentioned by name (as false teachers), Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, the word of faith movement, and others. This while going through the seven "woes" in Mat 23 to the pharisees (and all false teachers).
They report they were kicked out of Calvary Chapel (Chuck Smith?) denom because they wanted to preach the doctrines of grace instead of Arminianism.
The grand total attendance is 50 ppl, including the pastor and his family who accounts for about 10 ppl, and the elders account for 5 more. So 35ish regular attenders. Guess loyalty to scripture isn't a huge draw like it should be.
Their internet site is
www.calvarybiblechurch.us.It is a 40 minute commute for us, so no wed night services.
It is the most "loyal" to scripture church I have found in my area so far.
I am so glad to be attending church again!
He used to be an engineer like me, quit his job 10 years ago to become a pastor after becoming an amateur student of theology (had some training after that I think).
He egged me on to finish my reading of Calvin's institutes after I admitted I had only read the first volume and skimmed the other three. I am now halfway through volume 2.
- Kurt
