Frequently Asked Questions About Calvary Chapel Fort Smith

What is expository teaching and does Calvary Chapel really teach through the whole Bible?
Because God gave man all 66 books in the Bible, we believe it’s essential that we study every single book, chapter by chapter, verse by verse, from Genesis to Revelation. We are not opposed to topical studies and use them at different times throughout the year. But we, like the apostle Paul, want to say one day soon, "I have not shunned to give you the whole counsel of God." At Calvary Chapel you can expect to receive a solid Bible study at every service. On Sunday mornings we study through a book of the New Testament while on Wednesdays we are working our way through the Old Testament.

Why doesn’t Calvary Chapel Fort Smith take a formal offering?
We are not opposed to formal offerings and find that on certain occasions a formal offering may be taken. However, we firmly believe that where God guides, He is always faithful to provide. We also believe that those who call Calvary Chapel Fort Smith their spiritual home should give generously and wholeheartedly to support the ministry. So, we provide an offering box in the sanctuary for you to give unto the Lord your tithes and offerings so that your giving becomes an act of worship between you and Him alone.

Are there programs for my children?
Yes. Children below age 13 have class during Sunday Morning and Wednesday Evening services. Teens ranging in age from 13 to 18 have class during our Sunday Morning Second service at 10:45.

Do you baptize babies?
No, but we do publicly dedicate babies to the Lord. We do not believe that Scripture tells us to baptize children who are not old enough to make a willful profession of Jesus as Savior. Several times a year we have a dedication service for parents to dedicate their children to the Lord.

Why are children dedicated to the Lord?
The act of publicly dedicating children is an encouragement to the parents and the entire church as the family commits their home and children before the congregation. The congregation agrees to accept responsibility to help the parents raise the children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

If I have already accepted Jesus Christ and have been baptized by immersion in another independent or denominational church, will I have to be baptized again?
No. Some people, however, who recommit their lives, choose to be baptized again if they feel their first baptism was for the wrong reason, such as an adult who was baptized as a child and may not have understood what they were doing.

Where is the greatest ministry need and how can I get involved?
Our Children’s Ministry has the greatest need for people to teach or even to help out the teachers.

Can I get involved serving right away?
Most ministries require that you attend Calvary Chapel for at least 6 months before making a service commitment. This time allows you to get comfortable with the ministry here while capturing the overall vision of what God is doing through Calvary Chapel. It also gives us time to get to know you better and help you in finding your fit in the church. We do provide opportunities to serve right away, specifically in the area of set–up and take down. Overall we desire that you receive the Word of God and plug into one of the smaller group ministries. As you do, the time will fly right by you!

What kind of "fellowship getaways" does the church have?
Each year Calvary has several retreats or camps that different ministries put together. Weekend retreats are also held for Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry and other ministries as the Lord leads. Every retreat is a spiritual blessing where we fellowship and focus on Jesus and His Word, leaving encouraged and refreshed.

Does Calvary Chapel offer counseling?
Calvary does not offer long–term counseling. But we do have gifted spiritual leaders available to offer Biblical advice and spiritual encouragement. We also strongly suggest getting involved in a small group and becoming accountable to the Lord along with other believers.

Does the church have a prayer chain?
Yes. We have an email based prayer chain that sends prayer requests out daily. If you’re interested in joining or have a prayer request, click here.

What if I have other questions that aren’t listed?
Feel free to contact the church office by phone at 479–650–6356 or by email at pastor@ccfortsmith.com. On Sundays and Wednesdays you can also ask an usher or a greeter to help guide you in the right direction.

We exist to serve you. It’s our honor and privilege to do so. We pray that you grow deeply in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ through the ministries of Calvary Chapel – Fort Smith.