In the Dallas area, Calvary Chapel was started by a group of people who had heard Chuck Smith, pastor of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, on radio. It began as a home Bible Study with the group listening to Chuck Smith's tapes. Upon determining that they wanted to form a church, they contacted Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa concerning their desire for a pastor. As a result, Bill Philipp, from San Bernardino, California, felt God call him and his wife to Dallas to start Calvary Chapel in 1980. The church grew from its small beginnings in a home to meeting in a hotel within the next couple years. Pastor Bill left in 1986, succeeded by Pastor Rick Coburn the same year. Pastor Rick was saved through the ministry of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. He attended there 11 years prior to coming to Dallas, and it was there that God prepared him for ministry. His preparation included teaching home Bible studies and heading a ministry to Mexico which consisted of collecting and distributing food and clothing on a monthly basis to Mexican villages and orphanages. Pastor Rick is married and has three grown children. The primary emphasis of this fellowship is threefold: 1. Evangelize 2. Disciple 3. Equip the Saints for the work of the ministry STATEMENT OF FAITH Calvary Chapel is a nondenominational church. We are not opposed to denominations as such, only their overemphasis on the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the Body of Christ. We seek to emphasize the spiritual unity of all true believers. We make no distinction concerning an individual's race or ethnic background because we acknowledge that there can be no preferential treatment with God. It shall be the policy of this church to give preeminence to the preaching of the gospel, to the studying of the Word of God, and to exalting the Lord Jesus Christ.