God-Honoring
Legacy
By Karen D’Amore
“…Go and make
disciples of all nations…”
Matthew 28:19a (NIV)
When Chuck Smith became pastor of Calvary
Chapel Costa Mesa in 1965, the church was struggling with twenty-five members. Knowing
his willing servant’s heart and zeal to live out Scripture, God would stir in
his heart as no other preceding him. Welcoming “outsiders” who didn’t fit the
stereotypical Christian mold, he opened his church doors to “barefooted,
floor-sitting hippies”…catapulting the Jesus Movement of the late 60’s-early
70’s into reality. “His decision to dispense with the traditional liturgy,
replace pipe organs with electric guitars, preach from the pulpit in Hawaiian
shirts” and invite “come-as-you-are worshipers” became “the ‘new paradigm’ for…Christian
mega-churches…His amalgam of fire-and-brim stone theology and avuncular charm”
made him a successful shepherd with the youth of that culture.[1]
Pastor
Chuck altered the landscape of Christian music (hymns) by embracing modern
worship and giving birth to Maranatha music, one of the first contemporary
Christian recording companies in the U.S. Also known for his straightforward,
expository teaching verse by verse, chapter by chapter through the Bible, his
life truly reflected the Gospel message of Christ.
On
October 3, 2013, physical death ushered Pastor Chuck into the presence of God
for eternity. Faithfully ministering until the end, he preached three sermons
from his wheelchair three days prior to his death. The legacy Pastor Chuck
leaves behind is a powerful testament to what God can do with a willing
servant. Growing that small struggling church into a worldwide movement for
Jesus, Calvary Chapel ministries now span the globe with over 1600 church
plants, satellite networks, and fifty affiliate Bible college campuses
worldwide.
Forbidding
his accomplishments to define him, he maintained an unflinching commitment to
God’s Word. He remained a humble servant of Christ, crediting Jesus for every
good work in his life.
Pastor
Chuck’s ministry made a tremendous impact on my life as a teenager during the
Jesus Movement. The contemporary worship and Pastor Chuck’s innate ability to
make Scripture come alive drew me to seek a relationship with Jesus.
Joining
thousands of viewers worldwide for Pastor Chuck’s memorial service, I was
overcome with emotion. As the music and stories drew me back to that pivotal
decision to follow Jesus, I was touched and inspired by the legacy of my personal
spiritual giant. Each story and memory memorialized the life of a faithful servant
who pointed multitudes to Jesus. Impacting an entire generation…Pastor Chuck
leaves behind a God-honoring legacy!
Challenged
by Pastor Chuck’s inspiring legacy, I am compelled to consider my legacy. Desiring
to emulate this spiritual icon, I now strive to live a life that too will leave
a…God-honoring legacy!
GOING DEEPER:
1.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
FURTHER READING:
[1]
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/14/us/chuck-smith-minister-who-preached-to-flower-children-dies-at-86.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and Foot Care Specialist at Shorehaven Senior Facility. She’s on the Oakwood Women’s Ministry Special Events planning team.
