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Thank you for visting our website. We look forward to worshipping our Lord with you. Whether you are looking for a church or already attend one, we pray that this site will encourage you in your daily walk with Christ.
We are a non-denominational church affiliated with Calvary Chapels across the nation. We desire to lift the name of Jesus high through verse-by-verse Biblical teaching and passionate worship.
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What's Happening!
Vision 2011
Jan. 8 & 9
Don't miss as we share where we have been and the wonderful vision for 2011!
Womens Ministry
Bible Study
Book of Titus
We will be reading Reflecting God,
by Kay Smith
meets Tues Nights
at 6:30 p.m.
Please sign up if you need childcare.
Home Fellowships
Information on the times and locations is available at the bulletin board as you enter the church.
B78
A Bible Study for students in 7th and 8th grade, is held every Sunday during 2nd service in the Upper Room.
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Picture & Bio.docx
MEET PASTOR RAY
Born in New Mexico, Ray's parents moved to Southern California when he was a year old. Growing up in Baldwin Park, he was influenced by his dad who was doing drugs. In his 7th grade year at school he started with pot, and by his freshman year at Bishop Amat Catholic High School in La Puente he was abusing cocaine and alcohol. Pastor Ray recalls, "I remember living for the weekend where we would go to people's houses and get wasted."
After getting kicked out of Bishop Amat and attending Baldwin Park High School, he continued down the same road. Upon graduating from High School he landed a job making good money, and at age 19 he purchased an '85 Corvette...he was now living life in the fast lane. Still living for the weekend, his drug problem got worse. Things went downhill fast! Pastor Ray remembers, "My mom was a Christian and was always preaching to me. When I was so high I thought I was going to die, I would tell God that if He would just help me through this, I would give my life to Him. He did but I never kept my end of the bargain."
"One day while going to score some drugs, I remember that out of nowhere I heard a voice? Whether, in my mind or audible I don't know. But I heard, "Go to church." I thought I was going crazy and ignored it. I started to get out of my truck when I heard it again. This time I started the car punched the gas and went to church. My mom was attending Calvary Chapel West Covina. She had been trying to get me to go to church with her, and that night I showed up and God spoke to me through Pastor Raul Ries. I gave my life to the Lord that night, and have never looked back."
"Months after coming to Christ I felt that God was calling me into the ministry, and I went to bible school. I got married to my beautiful wife, and in 1992, after my first daughter was born we moved to Belen, New Mexico where we started Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV)."
In October of 1992 Pastor Ray and Margarite started a weekly home bible study in the basement of their home. Once the home study was established they began meeting on Sundays for services in the basement. The church was incorporated on July 18, 1994 and by December 1994 the church of thirty people had outgrown the basement and they rented their first building on Becker Street in Belen. By April 1997 the church of 120 members had outgrown the Becker Street location and moved to a new location in Rio Communities. By the end of 1999 the facility in Rio Communities also become to small to comfortably accommodate the weekly worshippers.
After several years and attempts to rent the only suitable available space in Belen, the vacated Wal-Mart store, Wal-Mart agreed to lease the building through their remaining lease period. In April 2001, on Easter Sunday, CCRGV held their first service in their new facility located at the north end of Belen in the central Rio Grande Valley.
After four years in the new facility the church continues to grow on a weekly basis. In August of 2004 we completed our new 1500 seating sanctuary.
It is the vision of Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley to continue to be active in our community for the gospel of Jesus Christ and grow as people are added to the church.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Statement of Faith
Who We Are
Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley has been formed as a fellowship of local believers under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We gather for the purpose of knowing and glorifying Jesus Christ. As individuals in Christ's body we desire to be conformed into the image of Jesus Christ.
We are not a denominational church, nor are we opposed to denominations as such, only to their over-emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the body of Christ. We are a church that shares a similar philosophy of ministry with Calvary Chapel fellowships throughout the world. As our church grows, we pray that our faith and vision will also grow. For that reason, we might be called a fellowship subject to changes that God requires.
We believe the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christs agape love, which is greater than any differences we possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves to be Christians.
Why We Exist
Our threefold purpose is to:
•Elevate God: We believe that we should love the Lord our God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. Loving God is our highest call. All ministry flows from a personal relationship and worship of the living God.
•Equip the Saints: The Bible reminds us that we being many are one body, joined and fitted together. We are a spiritual family. We believe in mutual ministry for the equipping of the saints, for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Eph 4:12). Thus we meet in both large and small groups to be trained according to the Bible, which we believe is the owners manual for our lives.
•Evangelize the community: Jesus reminded His disciples; All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18b-20). We desire to reach out to the community in which God has placed us, and the world in which we find ourselves. Our desire is to bring people to Jesus Christ, so they may receive Him as their Lord and Savior.
Where You Fit In
First, present yourself to God (Rom 12:1) and see if God has planted you in this fellowship. If so, discover your gifts and the calling of God in your life.
Second, study to show yourself approved unto God (II Tim 2:15). As you grow in your relationship with God, let Him prepare you for effective service.
Third, commit yourself to the work of Jesus Christ in this fellowship. Get involved as a yielded vessel to do Gods bidding anywhere He directs. So should we say, as Isaiah (6:8) said, Here I am, Send me!
What We Believe
1. We believe that there is one living and true GOD, eternally existing in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, equal in power and glory; that this triune God created all, upholds all, and governs all things. (Genesis 1:1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30; Hebrews 9:14)
2. We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired without error in the original manuscripts, and the infallible rule of faith and practice. The Word of God is the foundation upon which this church operates and is the basis for which this church is governed. We believe that the Word of God supersedes any earthly law that is contrary to the Holy Scriptures. We believe that the King James Version of the Bible is the most accurate translation from the original ancient text. It is from this translation that we establish our doctrine and Statement of Faith. (Isaiah 28:13; Nehemiah 8:8; John 17:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 1:23-25; 2 Peter 1:21)
3. We believe that marriage is exclusively the legal union of one genetic male and one genetic female sanctioned by the state and evidenced by a marriage ceremony. We also believe that legitimate biblical sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual activities such as, but not limited to, adultery, fornication, pre-marital sex, incest, polygamy, homosexuality, transgenderism, bisexuality, cross dressing, pedophilia and bestiality are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious behavior, the creation, viewing and/or distribution of pornography and efforts to alter ones physical gender or gender related appearance are incompatible with a true biblical witness. (Genesis 2:24; I Corinthians 5:11; 6:9; 6:18-20; 7:1-3; 7:8-9; Romans 1:18-32)
4. We believe in the creation and God as the Creator. We believe that God created man and that He created them male and female. As such He created them different so as to complement and complete each other. God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. For this reason homosexuality, and all other sexual preferences or orientations are unnatural, sinful, and unacceptable to God (I Corinthians 6:9-11; I Tim. 1:9-11). Accordingly, this ministry will not perform any marriage ceremonies between two individuals of the same sex. It will not condone or recognize such same-sex marriages, civil unions, or domestic partnerships even if the state passes laws that provide for recognition of such unions.
5. We believe in the person of God the Father, an Infinite, personal Spirit, perfect in holiness, wisdom, power and love; that He concerns Himself mercifully in the affairs of men; that He hears and answers prayer; and that He saves from sin and death all those who come to Him through Jesus Christ. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalms 90:2; Psalms 102:27; John 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17; Titus 1:3)
6. We believe in the person of Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son, conceived by the Holy Spirit. We believe in His virgin birth, sinless life, miracles and teachings, his substitutionary atoning death, bodily resurrection, ascension into heaven, perpetual intercession for His people and personal, visible return to earth. (Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:23; Mark 16:19; Luke 1:34-35; John 1:1-2; John 8:58; John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 1:2; Revelation 1:8)
7. We believe in the person of the Holy Spirit, Who came forth from the Father and Son to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and to regenerate, sanctify and empower for ministry all who believe in Christ; (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 16:8-11; Romans 15:13,16; Hebrews 9:14)
8. We believe the Holy Spirit indwells every believer in Jesus Christ and that He is an abiding helper, teacher, and guide. (John 14:16-17, 16:8-11)
9. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit and in the exercise of all Biblical gifts of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 14)
10. We believe that all people are sinners by nature and, therefore, are under condemnation; that God regenerates based upon faith by the Holy Spirit, those who repent of their sins and confess Jesus Christ as Lord. (Acts 8:15-17; Titus 3:5)
11. We believe in the universal church, the living spiritual body, of which Christ is the head and all who are born again are members. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:15-16)
12. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ committed two ordinances to the church: (a) full immersion water baptism, and (b) the Lord's Supper. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)
13. We believe also in the laying on of hands for the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the ordination of pastors, elders, and deacons, and for the receiving of the perpetuity of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 6:6, 8:17; 1Timothy 4:14)
14. We believe in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ which is His personal, visible return to earth and the establishment of His millennial kingdom, in the resurrection of the body, the final judgment and eternal blessing of the righteous and endless suffering of the wicked. (Matthew 16:27; Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11-16, 20: 11-15)
15. We believe in what is termed "the apostles' creed" as embodying the fundamental facts of the Christian faith.
16. We believe in a literal Heaven and a literal Hell and that all those who place their faith, hope and trust in Jesus Christ will spend eternity in Heaven with the Lord, while those who reject Jesus free gift of salvation will spend eternity separated from the Lord in Hell. (Matthew 5:3, 25:31-34; Hebrews 12:23; 1 Peter 1:4; Psalm 9:17; Matthew 5:22, 18:9; Luke 12:5)
17. We believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture of the Church where all believers will meet the Lord in the air and be taken out of this world prior to the Tribulation that will come upon the earth. (Matthew 24:29-31; Luke 21:36; Romans 1:18, 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Peter 2:7-9; Revelation 5:7-10, 7:13-14
KNOWING GOD
DISCOVER NEW LIFE IN CHRIST
1. Recognize the indisputable fact
that you are a sinner.
Romans 3:23 says, All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Our human instinct is to reject the responsi-bility of our sinfulness. We try and rationalize it (I'm not doing anything anyone else hasnt done), minimize it (Hey, it doesnt effect anyone but me) or event re-name it (There were a few errors in judgment on my part). But God desires us to take responsibility for our sin and turn from it.
2. Repent of your sin.
Repent literally means, to turn away from. Scripture says to repent and be converted that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. There needs to be a definite change in behavior. This will indicate whether there is a true desire to follow Christ. If we think we are Christians but our behavior is opposite of a biblical lifestyle, we should seriously examine ourselves. God desires us to walk holy and He gives us the ability to do so.
3. Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross
to take away your sin.
The Bible tells us that Jesus paid the price once and for all for any who would call on Him and turn away from their sin. His death upon the cross was the cost for our sin. He took our place. In Johns Gospel, Jesus Said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the father except through Me. Not everybody goes to heaven; only those who place their faith for salvation in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
4. Receive Jesus Christ into your heart and life.
But as many received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name (John 1:12). God does not desire for anyone to perish and has given Jesus as a sacrifice to pay for the sins of those who would trust Him with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. Make that decision today. Let Christ come in and make the changes He needs to make in your life.
What to Pray:
Dear Lord Jesus,
I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. I believe and thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I now invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as Lord and Savior. As I read the Bible and seek Christian fellowship, make me the kind of person You want me to be.
In Jesus' name. Amen
If you would like to receive a bible or speak
to someone regarding making a spiritual
commitment, please contact us:
Contact Us
Where Do I Fit In?
We are excited that you have taken the first step in getting involved! Its our desire that you use your gift for the building of the body of Christ. Not only is it a good thing, the scripture says that it is every believers responsibility
Ephesians 4:16
Under his control all the different parts of the body fit together, and the whole body is held together by every joint with which it is provided. So when each separate part works as it should, the whole body grows and builds itself up through love.
(Good News Translation)
It is our prayer that you find the place that you fit in and serve the Lord, with His love, as we watch the body grow!
Below is our statement of faith. These things are essential for us to be of one mind.
Fill out a Ministry Questionnaire either fill out online or print it out and print clearly and then turn it into the information desk.
Ministry Questionnaire- 2008.pdf
Event Form 2010.pdf
USEFUL LINKS
Gospel of John Study
Blueletter Bible
Books by Pastor Chuck Smith
Find A Calvary Chapel Church
MINISTRIES
New Thirst (One Step Program to Recovery)
Michael Armijo
A drug & alcohol recovery program based on the Word of God. This program, sponsored by Calvary Chapel is a community service offered at no cost.
Fridays 7pm at the Church - unless otherwise announced
Bereavement Ministry
Christine Gallegos
Our heart is to surround the bereaved with the hope and comfort of Gods love by creating meaningful funerals and memorials for grieving friends and family. We are here to assist with food prep, serving and any other needs that may come up. *As Needed
Book Store - link
Jennifer Hogue
We offer music, videos, books, Bibles and gift items. All material is offered to help edify and equip the body. Volunteers are responsible for opening and/or closing, cleaning, cashiering and providing customer service.
Before & After Each Service
Cleaning Ministry
We ask for one Saturday a month commitment. We clean the church and prepare it for Wednesday evening and Sunday morning service. We clean the childrens classrooms, sanctuary, lobby area and bathrooms, as well as the main entrance.
Saturdays & Before Special Events
Comfort Through Grief
Mark & Cindy Vandi
A ministry to help provide comfort during the loss of a loved one, to begin the healing process. A 13 week Session, but you are invited to join us at any time.
Thursdays 6:30pm at the Church - unless otherwise announced
Cops for Christ
Jason Peck
Cops for Christ is a fellowship of sworn and retired Law Enforcement Officers that follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. This ministry was established so that law enforcement officers can join together to support, encourage and enrich one another, as we grow in the strength of the one true God. We are dedicated to the growth in personal integrity and family relationships through the power of and faith in Jesus Christ.
We meet the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month at 8:30 am
Craftsmen for Christ
Tony Metoyer
We will bless others by using our gifts and talents to help with their physical needs, in and around their homes. We will show Christ's love thru our service to others. This ministry is available to all, either as workers or recipients. *As Needed
Crown Financial
Teaching biblical financial principles in order to be financially free to have a more intimate relationship with Christ, to serve Him and His kingdom.
Contact the church for class schedule
Deaf Ministry
Jennifer Jaramillo
Our desire is to be equipped to reach the Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing community. We want to reach the Deaf Community with love, grace and the saving knowledge of our Lord & Savior.
Interpretation During 9:30 am Sunday Service
Greeters
Ramon Gallegos
The purpose of the Greeters ministry is to welcome people as they arrive for services and special events. Welcoming includes handing out bulletins and other information, assisting with the layout of the building, and directions to the classrooms.
During All Services & Special Events
Information Desk
Bernice Gallegos
We serve the body by helping with events, registrations, church information, answering phones and being there for the people.
* During All Services & Special Events
Kid's Church - visit site
Pastor Martin Olivas
Our goal is to encourage and equip Gods precious children in the priceless treasures of Gods word. Our childrens ministry offers many ways in which to serve - Teachers/Helpers/Substitutes/Craft Set up
During All Service Times
Loving Arms (Pregnancy & Adoption Ministry)
Pastor Steve & Dana Kerns
We Provide Loving Arms (love, understanding, counseling, & Biblical options) to women and young girls facing decisions with an unplanned pregnancy. We provide Loving Arms to couples consi-dering adoption as Gods plan for them. We emphasize that all life is precious and that we are adopted as children of God. Eph 1:3-6
As Needed
Marriage Ministry
Heath & Jerron Wright
We are here to glorify God by cultivating a biblical relationship with God that is lived out in the marriage and family, releasing God's children to effectively minister to God and serve the body of Christ, displaying the true love of Christ for His bride the Church.
Meals Ministry
Carrie Calles
Individuals prepare and deliver a complete meal for someone who is ill, just had a baby, just been released from the hospital or for some other reason is temporarily unable to cook for themselves. This provides an opportunity to pray for the family and minister to their needs.
Media
Nancy Espinosa
Record our services, womens bible studies, special events and more. We also produce the CDs for each service and special events.
Men's Ministry
Pastor Ray Jaramillo
Gives men an opportunity to get together for prayer and fellowship.
- Men's Prayer, every Tuesday at 6am
- Men's Meet & Eat - 1st Tuesday of the Month at 6pm
New Believer Advisors
Pastor Sam Sais
After an altar call, the New Believer Advisor will welcome the new believer into the family of God. They will give them a Bible, share with them information regarding the commitment they have just made and pray with them. The counselors will also do follow up contact with the new believer by phone.
At Every Altar Call
Safety
Jeff Nickelson
This ministry is a group of volunteers who patrol the parking areas and building during all main services at Calvary, as well as special events sponsored by Calvary. We also oversee the general flow of traffic.
During All Services and Special Events
Ushers
Isaac Aragon
The purpose of the Ushers is to welcome people as they arrive in the sanctuary the Ushers assist with finding seats and whatever other needs my arise. After each service they prepare the sanctuary for the next service.
Women's Ministry
Margarite Jaramillo
The heart of the Women's ministry is to help each and every women grow in their relationship with Christ. We offer bible studies, prayer groups, reading groups as well as retreats and conferences.
Thursdays 9:30 am for Prayer
Worship Team
Pastor Kirk Triplett
The purpose of Worship is to provide an atmosphere that will keep our focus on Jesus Christ and allows the Holy Spirit to move us into a deeper understanding of Biblical truths. The worship team is a group of individuals who have a heart to see Jesus glorified through song and praise and use vocals and/or instruments. Worship members are always needed before and after each teaching, for Home Fellowships, and for special events. Also includes Audio/Visual Ministry
Youth Group
Pastor Shaun Gibson
This ministry is targeted from 6th to 12th grade. Our soul purpose is to equip the body (youth) to fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives (Ephesians 4:11). We are interested in getting our youth plugged into church, becoming an active part of various ministries here at Calvary and to reach out with love to each other and to those outside the church.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CHURCH FAST & WORSHIP NIGHT
Feb 16 - 18
WORSHIP NIGHT IS FOR EVERYONE!!!
Book of James
New Sunday Morning Study
6-Week Women's Bible Study
Thursday Mornings through March 1st at 10:30am
We will be reading and discussing
Roy Hession's, The Calvary Road. Childcare is provided.
Thank you for your inquiry regarding Calvary Chapel Academy (CCA) We understand that the decision of selecting a school that will best meet the future needs of your family is an important one. The vision and philosophy of any school you consider should be a clear extension of your own personal beliefs and values. Selecting a private Christian school does not only require an investment of your time and money, but a commitment to uphold and reinforce those standards and characteristics of that particular school. www.ccabelen.com
As a ministry of Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV), we will uphold and reinforce the same belief systems as the church. As a ministry of the church, we at CCA will fulfill God's calling to assist parents in their God-given responsibility to educate their children (Deuteronomy 6:7-9 and 11:19-21).
click the shield to visit site
We are very excited to announce that Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley Bible College is in it's second semester!
We are dedicated to the equipping of the Body of Christ in the Word of God. Our hope is that all students who attend will know Jesus better at the end of each class than they did at the beginning.
How is this accomplished?
We hold strongly to the authority of Scriptures and to the teaching and illumination by the Holy Spirit.
We believe that in the fellowship of believers there is strengthening through discussion and ministry.
We encourage, through prayer and equipping, the students in their gifting and calling from God.
We desire to place the student in an environment that both challenges and prepares them for growth in knowledge, character and discipleship.
We are Pierced youth ministries of Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley.
Why do you call yourselves pierced?
There are three main reasons.
FIRST, the Bible teaches us that our Savior Jesus Christ was pierced for us.
For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. Psa 22:16
"I will pour out ... the Spirit of grace ..., so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, .Zech 12:10 John 19:37
But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. Isa 53:5
BEHOLD, HE IS COMING WITH THE CLOUDS, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the tribes of the earth will mourn over Him. So it is to be. Amen. Rev 1:7
SECOND, the Bible uses the expression pierced for what happens to people when they have an encounter with truth. Peter, by the power of the Holy Spirit preached the gospel to Jews from all over the world who were gathered in Jerusalem.
Now when they heard they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?" Acts 2:37
In the book of Hebrews the power of the Bible is described this way...
For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Heb 4:12
THIRD, we see that as believers in Christ we will be pierced. In many placed in the Bible the words for trial, test, and tempt (Peira - peirazo - peirasmos) are all from the same root which means to pierce. In the following verses we have used pierced as the translation for these words.
We should look forward to piercing...
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various piercing, James 1:2
We should pierce ourselves...
Pierce yourselves if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test? 2 Cor 13:5
We can be encouraged when we are pierced...
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been pierced in all things as without sin. Heb 4:15
Blessed is a man who perseveres under piercing; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
We are a group who wants to be pierced, not through the skin, but through the heart, soul, and spirit with the truth of Jesus Christ.
Come visit us and learn more! Click the cross to start your journey.
HOURS
Monday - Friday 7:30am - 3:00pm
(Grill closes at 2:00pm)
The Cafe is a full service restaurant serving breakfast and lunch. It's a great place to fellowship with family and friends. We offer a complete line of coffee drinks including lattes, cappuccinos and much much more!!
Our Bookstore has Books, Bibles, Music & Gifts.
We carry a great selection of books on Christian living and Biblical subjects.
GIVING TO THE LORD
It is easy to contribute to Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley online through Simple Give . Simply click the "Online Giving" button below to contribute by credit card, debit card or electronic funds transfer.
Why contribute online? Is it safe? See the Q&A below for the answers to these and many more questions about contributing online.
Q: Why make a contribution online?
A: The online contribution is set up to make it easier to donate to Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley. It is for your convenience.
Q: Is donating online safe?
A: Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley has teamed up with Simple Give to provide you with a safe, secure environment for online contributions. Simple Give specializes in online payments for churches and non-profits and guarantees the safety of your transaction.
Q: Does my contribution go directly to Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley?
A: Yes. Your contribution goes directly to Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley. Simple Give processes the transaction for us and then deposits them directly to our bank account.
Q: Can I make an anonymous contribution online?
A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to make an anonymous contribution online. For your security Simple Give must verify your identity.
Q: Can I get a tax receipt for my contribution?
A: Yes! Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley is a 501(c)3 Non for profit corporation and is exempt from Federal Income Tax. When you contribute online you will automatically get an email confirmation of your donation. Additionally, you will receive a year end giving statement from Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley showing all the contributions you have made throughout the year. This statement is for reporting your contributions to the IRS.
BIBLICAL GIVING
Giving is just one aspect of stewardship. There are three truths outlined in James 1:17 that go to understand giving. First, God owns all things; second, He is the Creator of all things, and lastly, we as believers are to return a portion of that which belonged to God in the first place.
Here at Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley we do not receive a formal offering. You will find boxes located throughout the church that we call agape boxes. We ask that you place your tithes & offerings in these boxes.
Prescription for Giving
Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must also do; on the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come. I Cor 16:1-2
First, so you must also do, indicates that giving should be on an individual basis and involves everyone.
Second, giving should be regular, not haphazard, taking place on the first day of the week.
Third, laying something aside, refers to separating it out, not for personal needs but considering the money to be Gods money.
Fourth, every individual's giving should be proportionate, as he may prosper.
The Attitude for Giving
- Believers should give cheerfully, (2 Cor 9:7), or in the
Greek it says hilariously.
- It should be willingly, from the heart (Exodus 25:2, 35:4-36:2,
Ezra 2:68-69).
- Giving should be motivated by love and generosity and is a
measure of ones love for God (Luke 21:1-4, 1 Corinthians 13:3).
- Giving should be done in secret and not for show (Matt 6:3-4).
- Giving should be done with simplicity (Romans 12:8).
- Giving should be done with honesty and integrity (Acts 5:1-10).
- Giving should be done freely, because we have already been
given so much (Matt 10:8).
- Giving should be done out of love for God (1 Cor 13:3).
- Giving should be an expression of ones faith (James 2:15-17).
Giving Criteria
Giving is an act of Worship and Thanksgiving to God (2 Cor 9:12). It is improtant to us that you understand the motives and reasons for your gving. Therefore, you must:
- Be born again (John 3:1-7).
- Understand the biblical principals of giving.
- Have Christian maturity.
