I've been to this place for over a decade. Been to three pastors and stayed after our senior pastor passed. We're very blessed to finally have Pastor Chet. This place is so diverse; and when I see different culture coming to this place of worship, I can help but imagine that one day; this is how heaven will look like. Everyone is welcoming. Lots of volunteers to help. Parking can be challenging, but that's part of how the church grew over the years. It's definitely home for us- my family. read more

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I feel most churches are a 2 or 3 star experience the first time you go, so I would say Calvary Life did better than average. I watched about 3 sermons online about Galatians and went to visit Sunday at 8:30. It was easy to get in and we were greeted and ushered. Worship was fine but I didn't know the songs so I spent a lot of time reading the lyrics. The sermon is the most important part of a church service to me, and I found the pastor's sermon on Judging not Lest ye be Judged to be subtle and good. I had many questions, because in that same sermon he told the congregation not to model ourselves after hollywood marriages, that children shouldn't be asked what they want to eat for dinner at the grocery store (rather the parent should lead), and talked about not throwing your pearls before swine, so discernment and judgment ate different. Overall an interesting topic! Left me with a lot of questions though. I think a church can never be 4 or 5 stars until it's very clear how to plug in to activities and it's clear that new attendees are welcome. The announcements section that Sunday didn't have an invitation that I remember to plug into any new attendee events. A simple "raise your hand if this is your first time here" or something like that would be recommendable in my opinion. Looking forward to coming back! Thank you for opening your doors to the community! I like that there is a meeting at The Enclave as well. I think moving the Food Truck Fellowship event from Calvary Life to The Enclave might help bring in new attendees. read more

THIS CHURCH SAVED MY LIFE. Growing up, I'd go to this church with my family on special occasions, and honestly, I'd dread it and never really pay attention. When Pastor Chet started, everything changed. His energy, humor, and the way he shared God's message made it impossible for my mind to drift elsewhere. Five years ago, I went through the darkest chapter of my life. I was struggling with ongoing depression, crippling anxiety, and constant nightmares. During one service, my anxiety was overwhelming, so I closed my eyes and prayed for peace. That happened to be the day Pastor Chet invited anyone who wanted to surrender their life to Jesus to come to the front for prayer. What I experienced during that prayer is something that's hard to put into words, but it's what made me certain that Jesus is real. Not long after, I got baptized. My nightmares disappeared, my relationships began to heal, and the darkness and fear that had weighed so heavily on me no longer had the same hold on my life. I'll never be able to fully express how grateful I am for this church and for everything God has done in my life. Forever thankful. read more

Coming to this church for 17 yrs since my 3 children were still Young was totally a blessing to us...Now this church is called Calvary Life not Calvary Chapel South Bay . What is amazing and still amazes me at this church was that it had a lot of improvements and Services to Offer for every age...no matter what situation you are in, this church is like a big family. They have 3 services for your convenience 8:30, 10:30 and 12:30pm every Sunday. They also have a lot of Pastors that they can help you in terms of your emotional and spiritual needs. In terms of the great commision this church have a lot of mission works locally and globally... Tips: come 10-15 minutes early because the parking easily gets packed Cafe - offers Variety of pastries & drinks for reasonable price Worship - was great and Lively read more

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Spirit-filled church!!! It's large - but I see it as an opportunity to truly be apart of a community of fellow Believers. Showing up to the smaller meetings throughout the week helps to form those interpersonal relationships that have truly blessed me. Wonderful place full of Gods truth, mercy and love. read more

Young adults ministry sucks. Don't bother coming Fridays Unless you want surface level preaching. James is not bold and doesn't go deep. Like talk about real hard topics. read more

The truth, based on the Holy Bible. Events that bring in the neighborhood members and increase the family of Christ. Snatching souls from satan's grip! read more

I've been going there for four months and while the teaching is solid I've never had anyone talk to me. I understand it's a big place and there's a lot of people. Still it's disheartening to go there and still feel alone surrounded by people. read more

Great people there. And a Pastor who leads by example. Also great childcare available so you can listen and enjoy the word.

I truly love that from the moment we are parking to the very end, everything is very organized and everyone helping is so kind. They have a beautiful team for child care of all ages, they have study groups for many different things! from just wanting to study the bible to Grief group, women's group, divorce care, they have a group for families with kids with especial needs, etc! this is so beautiful to know about because LORD knows it is tough to go through something and feel alone! And the best part, for me when I barely started coming years ago, is that NOBODY pressures you to come! Like, yes, I got invited to things but I didn't feel judged at all when I didn't make it. They are all so kind! I love their respectful way to keep things under control in a timely manner. Pastor Jeff was the pastor when I started coming to this church and my family and I enjoyed every second of his detailed intellectual preaching! The slideshows with the bible verses to refer to were my favorite! it made it easy to follow the teachings. We now have Pastor Chet and we enjoy his touch of humor and his openness to share his experiences as a soldier of God. Overall, I love that when we are worshipping I genuinely feel the Spirit in the room! and I raise my hands and sing to our Lord with so much gratitude and love! The teachings are actually 100% hand in hand with the bible! and the opportunity to be a part of the church by volunteering or being in a group is always there in so many areas of the church and/or life! They are really great at keeping things orderly & I appreciate that so much! Every single time I have invited someone, they loved it! God is amazing and this church helps you realize that through the word of God! read more

Calvary LIFE - Pastor Jeff used to show us slide shows of what he was talking about. - Churches Near Me - Gardena, California

I love this church, it's my home church. Great community and leadership. I can't wait to see how much more the church grows and impacts more lives read more

This church and Pastor Chet is more than powerful, and I can feel the Lord moving inside the Chruch. Every time Pastor Chet teaches and or preaches, it is 100% related to me. I feel like the pastor placed a hidden camera in my house and is watching me, he preaches about my actions and my attitude towards Jesus, and his sermons and teachings keep me in check. Every Sundays and Thursdays when I return from Church, I feel energized. I want to thank Calvery Chaple and Pastor Chet for making me a stronger and better Christian. Thank you Calvery Chapel and Pastor Chet read more

It's so weird writing about a church I don't normally go to. Even more bizarre that I haven't (or intend to) write about my own church. Okay, so I'm not really the religious kind, but I found myself here as I was invited for a baby dedication. (Because you know... one should never refuse that!) I didn't know what to expect. I've only heard about this faith's existence, nothing more. But WOW. I am so impressed! There's a guide at the parking lot so it was an ease getting in and out of the lot. There are guides in the building greeting and welcoming you as well as directing you where you need to go. Kudos to the staff, really! And the whole event was a lot more pleasant than I expected. I was captivated by everything: the performers, the pastor, interacting with everyone around me. I was so taken by the whole thing that I didn't even notice the time flyin' by. Not planning on being a member or anything, but I gotta say I don't mind comin' through should there be any friends or family events, and that's not because I have to, but more so because I actually want to. This visit really was a lifting experience. read more

Calvary LIFE - Churches Near Me - Gardena, California

I was searching out churches I could visit nearby, because after the pandemic my church changed its hours. Two ladies and one close friend suggested we try Calvary Chapel South Bay. I went there three times and it seemed good. I thought the word was going forth pretty simple in a non-denominational setting. But by my third visit Pastor Chet/Chad, I believe is his name was, was preaching or should I say do some thought to be teaching, then briefly interrupted what we thought was God's message, with a quote from Larry Elder; followed by a praise of the guy. I didn't hear anything else he had to say after that. He lost me. Now I understand how when you offend the listener communication shuts down. While I am of African American decent and may not speak for all of us, but how the majority of us feel about Mr. Elder's philosophies, values and politics is defenitely not good and politics do not belong in the church. I found the pastor's comments very offensive. If these philosophies and values are shared God help us and it's not the place for me. read more

Come join the Calvary Life family. It's fantastic. Learn what the Bible is all about.

Home away from home .. pastor Chet and Andrea are real life leaders . Luv all the denominations represented here. This what what heavens will look like to us ... God bless everyone serving there ! read more

We have been going to this church for YEARS but had to stop during the mother's day service. My son was crying so hard and does not want to be left at the kids church so we brought him inside the "main room" with us to attend the service. In the middle of the service, one of the ushers, a guy named Stef, approached us and asked to leave the main room because our son was babbling (but not to the point that he's causing disturbance, otherwise we could have just left) and told us to go to the overflow room instead. I find this so disrespectful and degrading. This is not the first time we brought our son inside that main room, we've been through this so many times before. My tot is well-behaved. This is the first time that this has happened! This is NOT how churches should be. It should be open and welcoming to all people, regardless of age. They also asked other families with little kids to leave the premises of the main room. When asked why, he told us that someone from the other side of the room noticed my son, and the other small kids on our area, were being noisy and disruptive. BUT the funny thing was the room was so huge that I find it impossible as my son was not even shouting! I could not even hear the other small kids talking. If you guys dont want kids inside the main room, just post a message outside! Or just tell us prior to entering the room. This excuse was so BS. My husband and I both made an effort to make sure that we wont cause any disturbance. We've been to other churches and seen other children just being children (playing, running, talking loudly, laughing) but nobody escorted them out. So I don't understand why this has to happen to us, especially during mother's day! It was so humiliating. YOU MADE ME FEEL LIKE I AM NOT DOING MY JOB AS A MOM TO HANDLE MY CHILD. If we were the only ones escorted, I would have understood that we might have been kind of noisy, but we weren't. Almost all families with young kids were asked to move. If you are looking to bring your family and kids here, beware. This church is not that welcoming, as they advertise and place themselves publicly. I used to love going here and people are very lovely, especially Miss Jackie from the Kids Church. Love the pastors too and everything! But this experience would prevent us from coming back here again. If you have specific rules to enforce, let the families know first so they'd be aware. @Calvary Chapel, let me know if you have any questions. I will be happy to answer them. We have been inviting our family and friends to check you guys out and go here instead which now turns out to be one of the biggest mistake we have made as they all have little kids like us. Try to be better next time. read more

The Good is the preaching, and the bad no community or real fellowship, unless you call fellowship in the cafe "fellowship"? People are friendly & you can talk to them, but that's it! I guess once in a while they have a women's bible study? read more

I went to this church over a decade. No complaints other than everything is so scheduled I just wish the fellowship was more intimate.

I grew up in private schools my entire life. I've heard all the stories in the bible, i've studied them, & i've attended church regularly since I was 5 years old. Once i became an adult, my parents couldn't "make" me attend church anymore, so I didn't. One day, in 2012, I was invited by my previous boss to attend. When I tell you it was the FIRST time I can recall feeling the Holy Spirit come upon me - it was truly the first time. I was 21 at the time. It was through this church I understood what it meant to have a relationship with Jesus; that the bible isn't just stories we tell, but it's the history. The decade i spent in private school was nothing compared to my first encounter here. This place is my home. I am now 33 with two kids, & my children love their classes. I've invited friends to join me in a service, & to this day, they still thank me for inviting them. This place has truly brought people to God. Unlike my experience with other churches, this is a body that truly welcomes you with open arms. I've experienced judgement in other churches, or churches that preach about tithing as 90% of their message; this church is not like that. They provide resources for those who need help, they have many outreach programs to impact our local neighborhoods, & even mission regularly to other countries to spread the Gospel. I believe it's not always about what you do, but it's about your heart posture. The heart posture of this church is truly to serve God & I have never felt more supported, loved, & at home than being here. read more

This church is so warm! Everyone was super friendly and the worship music was awesome! It felt like being at a concert. The teaching is straight out of the bible. I would highly suggest this church for anyone that wants to be closer to God and meet some great people. read more

Great church, the teach the Word of God as is and everyone there is so kind and makes you feel wanted

Don't go here. Our basic experiences with this particular church was not Godly. First of all the parking is a big problem. Just to avoid a accident. Pushing and shoving going on from classrooms that made me uncomfortable. The last time we were here was 10 years ago. If you have to use the ladies' room during the pastor preaching look out. I went for the double doors to get out. 2 large men approached me. Very scary. One forcibly grabbed my arm and told me to get out and after I used the restroom do not come back while the pastor is preaching. Go to the overflow room. So that's what we had to do more than once. This has got to be the most embarrassing degrading thing I have personally experienced. When he grabbed my arm I should have filed a police report as you cannot do something like this. By the way I am a person that is physically challenged due to arthritis and other conditions. He could have hurt me badly. We will never set foot in this place again. Their doctrines are also sketchy. read more

Was there when Pastor Mays was still around. What a powerful voice he had. A strong message. God keep him close forever. May I reach forgiveness and salvation in our Lords name amen read more

I go to this church with a small group and we all love it here! Biblical truth taught here that changes lives & inspires me to be a better Christian! read more

This church is five minutes away from my house! I came by for the 6:30pm service, because the website for the 5:00pm service elsewhere I usually attend suddenly disappeared. (Suspicious) This visit marks the first time in 23 years. Cheers! Parking: I thought I got lucky with parking in a normal slot after driving past two cars paralleling. Getting out was a different story - there were so many random people milling out from around cars I seriously feared I was going to hit somebody. The key, I think, is to get out of the parking lot as soon as service is over. Worship: Pastor (country singer) has a country voice! I LOVE COUNTRY! I was teetering between joining in worship and just sitting there listening and tottering between applauding and holding onto my sensibilities. I joined in and withheld clapping. The songs are more contemporary because I could sing along to most of the Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, and so forth. Service: Before the service started, the pastor had us to turn to those around us and say, "I'll see you in Heaven!" which was really cute. "If you need to get right with God, or feel you need to stop messing around, stand up. Those of you around them, set your hands on them and pray for them... This is why you came tonight - to get involved. Pray for them by the power of Jesus's name and by the blood of Christ." That gives you a little idea of what you'd be in for - A congregation that believes in prayer, going back to the bible often and including Jesus. I can see the concerns listed by a few of the negative reviews as legitimate, but as a first time goer, I am interested in coming back again. I am having quite a time trying to figure out if this church is more Christian-friendly or more evangelical. I decide this church is more for those who are already Christian. See you next Sunday! read more

I called this church with a question and a kind person called me back and helped me and prayed with me. I am grateful for the kindness that was shown me they treated me like family. read more

Ok, I used to go to Torrance FUMC all my life until a lot of really really bad politics, racism and materialism happened to me and to many other people. Last year, I couldn't take it anymore, so I asked around if there were any cool open-minded churches out there that care MORE ABOUT THE PEOPLE THAN a damn BUILDING RENOVATION FUND...low and behold a bunch of people that used to go to my old church and a couple of friends told me nothing buy great things about Calvary Chapel, so I started going this year and I must say that I LOVE IT...the music and service and sermons are soooo uplifting..I love how there are so many different races that actually smile and welcome you! Not like in Torrance FUMC, where I was actually yelled at for wearing an Obama shirt by some Mc Cain supporter! haha true story! Calvary Chapel changed my life and re-newed my faith. The band is awesome...the whole set-up is awesome and I see why Pastor Steve won awards. I didn't want to be a part of some Catholic Church that had priests that molested young children...I didn't want to be a part of a Christian Church that judge people like me the wrong way. I consider myself a non-denominational person...I stopped being a Christian because of my other church...but Calvary definately made me a stronger believer in A GOD. Thank You Calvary! read more

This place has a Bookstore thatis the perfect place for Christian gifts and Bibles for kids and adults. There are Sunday services here and women's and men's Bible Study, weekly. The Pastor is inspiring and Blessed by God. read more

My family attended CCSB from 2012 to 2019. I frequently went there and all five of our children were weaned in their nursery. Up until a week ago we would still attend to see friends and enjoy this familiar Church. Sadly, on March 5th, 2020 James McDonald taught at Calvary. James MacDonald was excommunicated from his church and left it 40 million in debt. I'm sad he's at CCSB. The Pastor Jeff Gill has not responded to my emails and calls for more than a weeks and a half. Tragically, Jeff just announced that James McDonald will be teaching there Sunday nights. James' old church recently explained that he is has still not made amends. There are numerous testimonies available online of his abusive personality and financial misdeeds. The book of Titus warns that a pastor is to be above reproach, and James is not that man. If the pastor and the board are unaware of what James has done they need to fully research it. Sadly aside from talking to pastor Dwight no one at Calvary Chapel has bothered to respond. Based on the amount of time they have taken I can only assume they don't care and have welcomed to this wolf into the pulpit. https://www.harvestbiblechapel.org/2019/11/03/november-3-2019-elder-update/ He has misused ministry funds. https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/2/13/18314082/mancow-bites-minister-radio-host-brings-down-harvest-bible-founder A reporter has already shared that he has taught at CCSB and his presence worries me. https://twitter.com/reachjulieroys/status/1235755607292104709?s=19 He spent ministry funds on private gifts and this is a terrible witness. https://www.christianpost.com/news/james-macdonald-splurged-thousands-church-funds-vintage-car-gifted-wheaton-prof-ed-stetzer.html read more

This church brought me closer to our lord and savior. I highly recommend. They have the best child care. Everyone is very friendly and welcoming :) I've been coming here since I was in high school nearly a decade. I have nothing but nice things to say! read more

I love this church,my mom use to attend it I use to come with her sometimes,,I love it,,my mom passed 2013 I had her going home service here they are the nicest people,it was beautiful,, they are all welcoming and helpful caring souls,,I still attend sometimes,my brother also passed 12/10/17,,we had his going home service here as well these people at so nice,,I love them,,my brother service was beautiful, a beautiful church activities for kids main room,family room ,,daycares for kids while you in main sanctuary,,,, its so positive and people from all walks of life getting along to hear the word ,,,fabolous read more

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They are like Joel Austin they only want the money and they talk about God for cash. They send me papers saying how much money i have sent them that's not right. read more

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah." Psalms 62:8 KJV read more

A grate place to. Worship. God. & a good place To meet. Some. New. Friends. And. Pastor Jeff gill. Is. One. Of the. Best. Pastors. Around. I. Have been. Going. To this. Church Sences 2013. I am very. Happy. Going to this Church read more

Bible based teachings. Pastor Jeff always emphasizes to not just take his word from the pulpit, but to check and read the Bible for yourself, God wants a personal relationship with you, a life in which God has ownership, not sin. The congregation is very diverse, just like God intended, all are welcome, as we are all in need of God. They're many different ministry's at church to get plugged into and make it easier to fellowship with others. read more

This experience was my first try at finding god .wow was that different from what I expected, casual dress come as you are nothing but love! I fell in love with this community. My relationship with our father is growing more every day . I felt welcome from the moment I walked in the door and can't wait for Sunday plus having on line while traveling I Still get to have my home church service ony phone. Glory to God read more

I was looking for a new church for my family. Was excited to visit this church, but then at the entrance to the sanctuary I was Turned Away since my kids are age 7 & 9. I wanted to visit the main service WITH my Wife and highly disciplined Kids. When visiting a new church for the first time I don't want to shelf my kids in childcare with strangers, not the first visit. They have a rule at this church, No Kids in the Sanctuary under age 10. This is insane, ridiculous and I'll be researching the Bible to see where a rule like this could possibly be Christian? I have heard that this church and denomination have good Bible teaching, never got to hear it. I also think God closed this door for me and my wife and kids so that we would go back to our previous smaller church. This Calvary mega-church has at least 4 services on Sunday morning, it's Time to Divide brothers and sisters, sorry mega-church, the smaller local churches are more effective and loving. I never even got to hear the paster preach, mandatory childcare is unacceptable to me when my kids are smarter and more mature possibly than some of church staff. Was Jesus let into the Main Sanctuary before age 10? I'll bet so. I left this church so angry, No kids in the sanctuary under age 10, unbelievable. Simply Wrong! I'll take my FAMILY somewhere else. I guess this is a singles church. No kids under 10 in the sanctuary, Outrageous rule. Age 5 maybe, still not right, but age 10, come on. Wake up! read more

I choose never to write a bad review on a church, mainly because I feel that when people do that, the problem is usually with them and not the church. If it is the church, what is a review going to do? I prefer to leave it in the hands of God. Sure, there are problems in churches, in all churches for that matter and it will always be that way because not all churches are perfect because NO MAN is perfect. So in choosing a church, one should visit all kinds of churches in relation to size, their vision, mission statement, statement of faith, location (near home) etc, and PRAY, PRAY, PRAY that the Holy Spirit leads them to where He wants them. CCSB is a large church. Understandably, this is not for everyone. The pro's for me and my family are: more resources in ministry where you DO have the opportunity to connect with other members and form strong relationships with other brothers and sisters in Christ, an AWESOME children's ministry, great worship, in-depth teaching from Pastor Steve, mid-week services, dozens and dozens of opportunities to get involved (again, there are soooo many ministries to either join to get help or to help others), great fellowship, outreaches, mission opportunities, online access to church services (and archived services) if you are REALLY, REALLY sick and do not want to spread germs, multiple service times and the list continues. As far as the con's, they don't bother me, but I've read other reviews saying the following: 1) Parking....(yes, there's a lot of parking, but there are also a lot of people coming to church...Yay!...so if you want close parking, get to church a few minutes early...if not, the walk is great!) 2) People complain it's a big church - Again, this may not be for you. Can't do anything about that. It may leave one to ponder "Why are so many people coming?" ---Because the Word is good....the teaching is good. Pastor Steve is a "teacher". He teaches the Word. As for me and my husband, it's not just about going to church and leaving with a "Thank you Jesus, I'm good today" feeling. Feelings come and go. We really want to learn the Word and study it so that we truly understand it and can go back to it when we are feeling spiritually empty (which is daily, because we need Him all day long!) I thank God for giving Pastor Steve that gift of teaching and I am grateful to Pastor Steve for being obedient in teaching the Word. We have formed many good friendships and bonds during our years here at CCSB. True, there are people that we have passed by and we recognize, but we really don't know them, but I don't think God calls you to be friends with EVERYONE...He just calls you to love them, and we do. I read more

Since this is my 101th review, I just wanted to write about a place I've been frequenting for the past 3 months that is very meaningful to me. When I first came to Calvary Chapel South Bay, my brother in law and my sister invited me out. I was already attending a small church in Carson, that I felt I connected with quite well, being that quite a few young Filipinos attended there.. So it was a definite change for me considering how diverse Calvary South Bay is. I've been to Cottonwood in Los Alamitos and even attended their Bible school , but Calvary just felt more like home to me. It surprised me that Calvary Chapel South Bay had such a homegrown vibe about it considering it's size and massive attendance. The first night I went it was the men's ministry on Tuesday evening. Everyone just felt so welcoming. They break you into smaller meetings and there is a definite context of care for the struggles we go through not only emotionally but spiritually. Paul our discussion group leader is a very humble guy who not only cares if we understand the teachings of the Bible but cares enough to listen to the things we go through on the daily. I also started going to Sunday service with the late Pastor Steve Mays. I was blessed enough to hear him speak before he passed away. His messages were just so easy to understand and he took it to the next level by relating it to his own life. It ultimately just made sense to me. Even though I was raised in private Catholic School from elementary to High School and I was active in several Catholic adult ministries through out Southern California. I knew there was something more to this "faith" thing. There are many different aspects of this Church that make it a great place to find out where your heart lies, but it's ultimately up to you to simply as the question, What are you really looking for ? There are many different people who come here to find the answer. If you dig deep enough you'll find it and those people here who are in the same boat will help you along the way.That is what I like most about what they teach here; because God can take you anywhere He wants to, but it is only through Christ you can find your way home. read more